Learning for Life

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The Senior School Learning for Life curriculum incorporates the Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), the Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum and the statutory Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) guidance, along with various other topics and values.

Adolescence is a time when young people undergo major transitions and begin to develop autonomy and independence. At the same time, they are expected to cope with academic and social pressures, changing dynamics in relationships with family and friends and increasing exposure to adult concerns such as drugs, drinking and sexuality. Learning for Life provides pupils a safe environment to gain knowledge and ask questions to make informed decisions about wellbeing, health and relationships and to build self-efficacy. The topics covered can support young people to develop resilience, to know how and when to ask for help and to know where to access support.

The Learning for Life curriculum at Culford aims to promote the physical, social, health and mental well-being of the individual by:

• Enabling pupils to consider their own attitudes and values, as well as those of other people.
• Providing comprehensive, unbiased and correct information.
• Enhancing pupils’ self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Developing informed decision-making and problem-solving.
• Developing personal, emotional, social and communicative skills.

Learning for Life Curriculum

The Learning for Life curriculum is part of the wider school ethos of promoting self-respect for others, which is evident in the pastoral system within the Houses at Culford School. It also encourages pupils to build skills that are vital within positions of responsibility, service and leadership, which are offered to them throughout their time at Culford. Pupils also expect to be treated and to treat each other in a way that reinforces the messages conveyed in the Learning for Life curriculum.

Pupils in Fourth Form, Lower Fifth and Upper Fifth have one timetabled Learning for Life lesson a week, taught by experienced teachers who have an interest in the different topics covered by the curriculum. The concepts addressed are based on the government guidance, the thematic model from the PSHE Association and topics we feel the pupils will benefit from depending on the current climate. The School is a member of the PSHE Association.

These lessons will take the form of presentations and discussions where sessions are interactive and allow students to ask questions and explore their own beliefs to issues. We also include workshops and seminars using the skills of those in-house, and others using the expertise of outside providers.

 

The Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) programme is thoughtfully designed to provide pupils with comprehensive knowledge, skills and understanding to navigate the complexities of relationships, sexuality, and personal wellbeing. Embedded within the broader Learning for Life curriculum, the programme covers a wide range of topics relevant to pupils’ lives, including consent, healthy relationships, sexual health and online safety.

ISI Report 2024