Intent

At Larwood School, our Skills curriculum is designed to provide pupils with opportunities to explore interests, develop practical life skills and experience success beyond the traditional classroom.

Many of our pupils arrive having had negative experiences in previous educational settings and may have missed opportunities to discover their strengths and passions. The Skills programme helps pupils rebuild confidence by introducing them to a wide range of practical activities and real-world experiences.

Our aim is to nurture curiosity, encourage independence and help pupils develop the confidence to try new things. Skills sessions also help pupils begin to recognise potential interests and talents that may influence future learning, hobbies or careers.

Implementation

Once a week, pupils take part in Skills sessions, where they leave their usual class groups and join activities based on their interests.

A key feature of the Skills curriculum is choice. Pupils select activities that interest them, giving them ownership of their learning and encouraging greater engagement and motivation.

Skills sessions focus on practical, hands-on learning and provide opportunities for pupils to develop independence, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving skills.

Activities offered may include:

• Life Skills
• Skiing
• Football Coaching
• Mad Science
• Community Outreach
• Horrible Histories
• Cookery (including baking and foods from around the world)
• Outdoor Education (camping skills and orienteering)
• First Aid
• Arts and Crafts (including stage building for school productions)
• Sports
• Drama and Music
• Nature Study
• Media Studies (including game design)
• Woodwork
• Gardening
• Photography

Some activities take place offsite, providing pupils with valuable opportunities to experience new environments and broaden their understanding of the wider world.

Impact

Skills sessions play an important role in developing pupils’ confidence, independence and social skills.

Pupils often report that Skills is one of their favourite parts of the week. Through these sessions, they experience success, discover new interests and build positive relationships with peers across different year groups.

Skills helps pupils to:

• develop confidence and self-belief
• build teamwork and communication skills
• discover new talents and interests
• experience success outside the traditional classroom
• develop independence and resilience

During Skills sessions, Larwood becomes a vibrant hub of activity, with pupils learning both on and off site and engaging in experiences they may never previously have had access to.

This approach ensures that every pupil feels valued, motivated and ready to take on new challenges.