(King's Trust Developing Resilience Programme)
At Salmons Brook School, Life Skills is a core subject for all Key Stage 5 students, providing a structured, practical, and life-focused curriculum that promotes personal growth, social confidence, and preparation for adulthood. Delivered through the King's Trust Developing Resilience programme, students work towards the Level 1 Award in Developing Resilience, allowing full access and progression regardless of starting point. This subject plays a central role in supporting our students’ wellbeing, aspirations, and readiness for independent living.
Intent
Our Life Skills curriculum aims to:
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Equip students with essential personal and employability skills, including resilience, communication, problem-solving, and goal setting.
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Foster self-confidence, independence, and motivation through experiential learning and reflective practice.
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Provide a flexible and engaging programme that adapts to individual interests and needs, enabling students to feel ownership over their learning.
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Offer clear accreditation through the King's Trust Level 1 Award in Developing Resilience, supporting successful transition into post-18 education, training, or employment.
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Encourage reflection and responsibility for personal actions, aspirations, and next steps.
Implementation
Students studying Life Skills at KS5 follow a bespoke programme using modules from the King's Trust Developing Resilience framework. The course is portfolio-based and delivered through project work, group activities, and individual tasks. Key components include:
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Core Units:
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Personal Resilience: Assessing strengths and weaknesses, setting achievable goals, and developing action plans.
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Interpersonal and Self-Management Skills: Enhancing communication, teamwork, and self-awareness.
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Preparation for Work: Exploring career options, developing CVs, and practicing interview techniques.
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Food Technology: Students continue to study Food Technology as a core subject at KS5, developing practical cooking skills, understanding nutrition, and learning about food safety and hygiene.
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Off-Site Learning: Students travel off-site each week for lunch as a group to practice budgeting, communication, healthy eating, and social skills.
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Students complete all work in a structured portfolio of evidence, including practical observations, self-reflections, peer feedback, and records of outcomes.
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Learning takes place in a supportive and inclusive environment, where students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and development.
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CREATE values are embedded throughout: Community through collaboration; Relationships through respectful communication; Enrichment through exposure to vocational pathways; Aspirations through qualification-based progression; Trust through developing responsibility; and Education through purposeful, accredited learning.
Impact
Through the Life Skills programme, students:
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Gain a recognised vocational qualification through the King's Trust at Level 1, tailored to their individual pathways.
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Build the confidence and competence to move on to supported internships, college courses, or employment in various sectors.
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Develop technical and social skills that enhance self-esteem, independence, and employability.
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Improve personal presentation, communication, and organisational habits that prepare them for life and work.
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Take ownership of their learning through reflective practice and build a portfolio they can be proud of.
Impact is measured through qualification outcomes, portfolio completion, student voice, and progression routes. Above all, Life Skills provides our learners with a meaningful, enriching pathway to a confident future.