Shaftesbury Park have used the Skills Builder Framework for two years to embed the development of the eight essential skills across the school from Years 1-6. The staff receive training on how to develop the eight skills and use the Framework to assess where their students are at, and what skills they need to focus on. Students have the opportunity to use the skills in projects and Challenge Days as well as going on business trips to see the skills in action in the world of work.

Deputy Head Andrew Smith explains the growth of essential skill development within the school came from thinking: ‘What skills do children need in the future, what are the core employability skills they’ll need?‘. The Framework enables teachers to accurately assess their students so they can target their strengths and weaknesses, work out which skills need more focus at a class level, and prepare to support students falling behind in a particular skill.

James, a Year 5 teacher who supported students through City Pitch, where they designed and built an app for a social purpose, was clear that by developing their essential skills throughout the year, the students were well equipped to tackle any challenge. He commented on how important the skill of Aiming High was for the children who hadn’t believed they’d achieve so much.