Learning for Life

Learning for Life (Personal, Social and Health Education) is a statutory part of the National Curriculum and is an integral part of the pupil experience at Bancroft’s.

Learning for Life equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, as well as nurture successful relationships and preparing them for life and work in modern Britain. It also helps pupils to achieve their academic potential, and leave school equipped with skills they will need throughout later life.

To embrace the challenges of creating a happy and successful adult life, students need knowledge that will enable them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships and to build their self-efficacy. Everyone faces difficult situations in their lives. We ensure young people develop resilience, know how and when to ask for help, and know where to access support.

The teaching team delivers high quality, evidence-based and age-appropriate teaching of these subjects to help prepare students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. In Thirds, students have a weekly lesson delivered by their tutor and JHSM. In Removes and the Sixth Form students have a fortnightly lesson delivered by their tutor. Students in L4th, U4th and Fifths are taught weekly by a small group of specialist teachers who receive regular training and support from the Head of Department. There are also talks and workshops delivered by visiting speakers and organisations as well as off-timetable days to ensure that students have learnt about a variety of issues during their time at Bancroft’s.

The curriculum is divided into three strands:- Living in the Wider World; Health and Wellbeing; and Relationships and Sex Education.

Living in the wider world

Students who are emotionally healthy do better at school. Learning for Life education helps students to achieve their potential by supporting their wellbeing and tackling issues that can affect their ability to learn, such as anxiety and unhealthy relationships. We also support students to develop skills and aptitudes – like teamwork, communication, and resilience – that are crucial to navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.

Health and wellbeing

Pupils who are emotionally healthy do better at school. Learning for Life education helps pupils to achieve their potential by supporting their wellbeing and tackling issues that can affect their ability to learn, such as anxiety and unhealthy relationships. We also support pupils to develop skills and aptitudes – like teamwork, communication, and resilience – that are crucial to navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.

Relationships and Sex Education

Students are encouraged to think about their own sexual and relationships ethics, in an age-appropriate manner. In the same way that young people will have a set of beliefs about how animals or the planet should be treated, they should also begin to create a set of values and beliefs around relationships and sex. We frame our sessions around this overarching aim, reminding students that their ethical framework will be built around their personal social, cultural or religious beliefs, in which their families will have a significant influence. Our role is to provide reliable and up-to-date information which is presented without bias, which will feed into their framework of belief. Follow the link to view our Relationships and Sex Education Policy

Relationship And Sex Education Policy

Learning for Life

  • allows students to gain knowledge and understanding of how to manage their lives now and in the future
  • gives students a platform to discuss and explore issues and challenges that they face on a day to day basis in a safe and secure environment
  • allows students to make informed choices to help them stay healthy and safe in today’s society
  • fulfils the school’s obligation to encourage the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils

Curriculum Map 2023 24

KS5 Learning Map Sept 2023

Students in the Lower and Middle School also have a fortnightly Votes for Schools tutor time session which allows them to engage with a topical issue and develop a critically informed opinion on it. These sessions enable students to think critically about world events, controversial issues and politics which develops their reasoning and evaluation skills, as well as building oracy. When political issues are discussed, students are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views and are encouraged to critically evaluate both perspectives.

Where Next

Admissions

Visit Us

Contact Us