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 pupils 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, pupils 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.

We deliver high quality, evidence-based and age-appropriate teaching of these subjects to help prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. In Thirds pupils have a weekly lesson delivered by their tutor. In Removes, Fifths and the Sixth Form pupils have a fortnightly lesson delivered by their tutor. Pupils in L4th and U4th are taught 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 pupils 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

Pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. From making responsible decisions about alcohol to succeeding in their first job, pupils learn how to manage many of the most critical opportunities, challenges and responsibilities they will face growing up. The Careers Education component is managed by our Head of Careers.

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

Pupils 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 pupils 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.
Relationships and Sex Education Policy

Learning for Life

• • allows pupils to gain knowledge and understanding of how to manage their lives now and in the future
  • gives pupils 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 pupils 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

  KS3 & KS4 LEARNING FOR LIFE CURRICULUM

  Pupils 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 developed an informed opinion on it. These high-quality resources enable pupils to think critically about world events, using their reasoning and evaluation skills, while building oral skills.  Along with thousands of other school pupils, our pupils vote on each issue and can see what other young people around the UK also think about the topic.

  Learning for Life in the Sixth Form is intended to prepare our pupils for life after Bancroft’s. The programme is split into three strands and builds upon material studied further down in the school. The lessons are taught by the pupil’s tutor once a fortnight and are all linked to the PSHE POS KS5/DFE RSHE to ensure coverage of the statutory requirements.

  Several times a year we invite outside providers to complement our SIxth Form programme.