Life Skills

 

Subject Intent

The Life Skills curriculum is designed to equip The Park School students with the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to lead as independent and fulfilled lives as possible. Delivered through one discrete weekly lesson, the curriculum focuses on six key areas: communication, functional literacy and numeracy, social and emotional understanding, financial capability, independent living, and employability. Each year builds on the last, using real-life contexts, practical activities, and differentiated support to ensure that all learners make meaningful progress towards adulthood.

Our intent is to:

  • Promote independence and everyday problem-solving
  • Build effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Develop functional literacy and numeracy needed for life beyond school
  • Teach financial responsibility and decision-making
  • Support students in managing their emotions, relationships, and wellbeing
  • Prepare learners for the world of work through practical employability experiences

Curriculum Overview

 

 

 

YEAR 7

YEAR 8

YEAR 9

YEAR 10

YEAR 11

AUT 1

Communication Skills

My Voice

Introduction to communication

styles; listening and speaking in pairs

Responding to others;

asking questions; giving

simple instructions

Managing group discussion;

recognising tone and

body language

Formal vs informal language;

making phone calls and polite requests

My Career Path

DofE

Preparing for interviews;

writing emails; public speaking

WEX prep

Job applications; interview practice;

understanding rights at work

My Career Path

DofE

AUT 2

Functional Literacy & Numeracy

Everyday reading and Maths

Reading signs and symbols;

writing names and addresses;

recognising coins

Reading timetables; following

instructions; counting money

Filling out simple forms;

estimating prices; measuring

length and weight

Understanding bills and payslips;

writing CV basics; personal details

DofE

Budgeting for life; reading

contracts and application forms

SPR 1

Social & Emotional Skills

Life relationships

Recognising emotions;

building friendships; using kind words

Managing feelings; showing

empathy; resolving small conflicts

Self-advocacy; building

self-confidence; recognising

peer pressure

Mental wellbeing; managing

stress; asking for help

DofE

Resilience strategies;

preparing for life after school

SPR 2

Financial Skills

My Money

Recognising coins/notes;

choosing value for money items

Wants vs. needs; saving and

planning a simple shop

Creating a shopping list;

comparing prices; using change

Reading bank statements;

understanding deductions; saving goals

DofE

Managing a weekly budget;

understanding credit, debt and

direct debits

SUM 1

Independent Living

Living Life

Personal hygiene; following a

routine; understanding healthy food

Organising school bag;

basic road safety

Laundry basics; basic cleaning tasks;

time management

Using household appliances safely

DofE

Managing appointments;

independent travel; living independently

scenarios

SUM 2

Employability Skills

My Future Work

What is a job? Helping at school/home;

identifying strengths

Exploring different jobs; simple

workplace words; teamwork

Workplace expectations;

dressing for work; job interest survey

Work experience prep; CV and

personal profile writing; mock interviews

  

 

How We Assess in Life Skills

Assessment in Life Skills is ongoing and practical. We use:

  • Observation and discussion – seeing how students apply skills in lessons and in real-world contexts.
  • Practical tasks and scenarios – e.g. managing money in a role-play shop, making a phone call, or completing a form.
  • Self-assessment and reflection – encouraging students to recognise their strengths and set personal goals.
  • Progress tracking – each skill strand is revisited and developed across the years, with achievements recorded against individual learning outcomes.

This ensures we measure not only knowledge but also confidence, independence, and application.

Enrichment Opportunities

  • Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) to develop resilience, independence, and teamwork.
  • Work Experience (WEX) in Year 10/11 to prepare for employment.
  • Visits in the community such as shops, banks, and transport hubs to practise real-world skills.
  • Guest speakers and workshops on careers, wellbeing, and independent living.
  • Cross-curricular links with all subjects to embed Life Skills throughout school life.

How Can I Support My Child with Their Learning?

Parents and carers play a key role in helping children practise Life Skills at home. You can support by:

  • Encouraging your child to make small everyday choices (e.g. planning meals, choosing shopping items).
  • Giving them responsibility for simple household tasks such as laundry, tidying, or cooking.
  • Helping them manage money by using cash in shops, checking change, or saving towards something.
  • Involving them in conversations about feelings and wellbeing, encouraging them to ask for help when needed.
  • Supporting independence by encouraging them to organise their school bag, manage routines, and travel safely where appropriate.
  • Talking about jobs and careers, sharing your own experiences, and helping them think about future pathways.

Working together, we can build strong foundations for independence, resilience, and success in adult life.