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Watlington in a rural single from entry school in West Norfolk. We wanted to get involved with Skills Builder to help pupils achieve their goals with the skills and knowledge that they need. With a change in our curriculum, we have been designing it to develop the knowledge and skills to be resilient and independent learners.
Overall impact
We feel that Skills Builder Accelerator has given us clear structure and resources to give the pupils the chance to learn and celebrate all of their skills with each other and the community.
Keep it simple
All classrooms have made use of the Skills Builder Hub to assess some of the essential skills. We have continued with our 'Skill of the Month'. This has allowed us to keep the focus of Skills Builder fresh and also easy to manage. There were opportunities through the year to reflect on some of the skills- these were based on individual classes. Teachers and pupils have regularly used the resources to support through posters, short stories, certificates and monthly assemblies where we promote those who have shown that skill.
Start early, keep going
We use Skills Builder with our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to year 6. We look at the steps and children often refer to the language used. Some of the parents have been introduced to Home Zone alongside many of the children. We use the skill of the month logos on newsletters and slides in the classroom as regular reminders.
Measure it
We use the Skills Builder Hub assessment tool. This is beneficial to see where our weaknesses are to allow us to plan our skill of the month. It also shows the strengths across the school. The Skill of the Month makes it easier to assess impact, rather than assessing all eight skills together.
Focus tightly
The short lessons on the Hub have been used in areas where the pupils are weaker. Some teachers have used the Skills Builder Projects to allow children to demonstrate and work on those skills. Teachers refer to the display boards and explain how the skill has been shown in children's behaviour.
Keep practising
We have sports club as an extra curricular which gives pupils the opportunities to develop the 8 skills. Year 5 have undergone Sports Leader training and the skills have been brought in as a part of this training. UKS2 went on a trip to Go Ape and had to use teamwork, leadership and creativity in teams.
Bring it to life
As staff we make use of Skills Builder projects and challenge days. Previously, we have taken part in employer visits.
What's next
We want to embed all skills in all of our new curriculum and for all staff to be confident with how to achieve this. With new staff starting in September we wish to keep the importance of the training and message of teaching key skills.
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