Personal Development and Pitstop
Why Personal Development?
We want to develop happy, confident learners prepared for adulthood; in order to do this we need to develop critical thinking, problem solving skills, improve student’s ability to concentrate, and make learning more meaningful, valuable, and rewarding. Personal development activities promote these skills, are fun and help students to become more engaged in their learning and retain more information.
Students from top of phase 1 to phase 3 will access 1 afternoon per week of personal development on a termly carousel between Bush craft, Beach School, Swimming, Dance, Outdoor Education, Enterprise, Stop Motion animation, Team Building Games and Horse Riding.
Phase 4 and 5 students do not access personal development afternoons as their timetables focus on career pathways and Preparation For Adulthood. For further details see Phase 4 and 5 curriculum link.
Swimming
We want all of our students to be able to swim by the time they leave Epinay because drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death in children. All children should have the opportunity to learn how to swim and be taught how to stay safe in and around water. Many children learn to swim outside of school. But research has shown for many, school will be the only opportunity they have to learn these vital lifesaving skills (Swim England).
Dance
At Epinay we want to develop the ‘whole’ child and ensure our students experience an enriched curriculum research has shown “Studying cultural education subjects, such as art and design, dance, drama and music, sparks creativity across the curriculum, encouraging young people to be inquisitive, disciplined and determined. Wherever children start in life, a high quality cultural education in every school should be a right, not a privilege.” (Arts Council England)
Outdoor Education
A review of research focusing on the more adventurous kinds of outdoor learning carried out by Jon Barrett and Roger Greenaway commissioned by the Foundation for Outdoor Adventure, 1995 found that outdoor adventure can cause short-term enhancement of aspects of self-concepts such as gains in self-esteem, self -confidence and self-efficacy and can have significant mental and physical health benefits. Various developmental benefits are associated with regular physical exercise such as humour, patience, energy, optimism, self-confidence, self-esteem, self-assurance, emotional stability and improved body-image. Strong anecdotal evidence indicates that outdoor adventure experiences can enhance interpersonal relationships and improve socialisation, and can facilitate group bonding and co-operation.
Bushcraft
We want to develop emotionally resilient and socially able students. A recent study published in 2019 authored by Mel McCree, Roger Cutting, and Dean Sherwin, tracked disadvantaged Key Stage 1 children over three years of weekly Forest School sessions. Key findings were evident changes in children’s self-regulation and resilience, children’s academic attainment, social development, and emotional well-being increased as a result of Forest School, and did well in comparison to peers who didn’t participate, whole school and national data. The study showed, in particular, how playful social interactions in Forest School support emotional resilience which in turn supported academic attainment.
The aim of Forest School at Epinay School is to provide children with alternative learning experience. Outdoor education is so important and we aim to give children experiences which will teach appreciation, awareness and knowledge of the natural environment. Children will have regular, long-term access to a woodland environment. They will learn the importance of their own local environment and how to respect and care for it. “Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners.” (Forest School Association).
Bushcraft offers a learner centred approach where participants can learn through a combination of adult initiated activities and self-directed play and exploration.
Bushcraft Personal Development
Beach School
At Epinay School we are privileged to be located within close proximity to the coast. Beach School provides pupils with long-term access to a coastal environment as a platform for a whole new learning experience, where they can explore their natural surroundings in an organised setting and learn safety around the coast as well as respect for our local environment. The aim is to “improve students’ knowledge about their local coastal environment by connecting them with nature; opening their eyes to this amazing habitat and inspiring them to care for our coasts.” (The Wildlife Trusts). We aspire to enable children to be independent, self-motivated, courageous, and considerate and sets them up for lifelong learning. It particularly supports the development of self-esteem and self-confidence.
Beach School Personal Development
Enterprise
Research shows that students who receive enterprise education are three to six times more likely to start a business in the future (British Council). Students will be given a start up grant and expected to work as a team to generate income for school. Students will be encouraged to take ownership of their own success, in doing so key skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, risk-taking and teamwork will all be developed.
Enterprise Personal Development
Stop Motion Animation
At Epinay school we use stop motion animation to develop many of the skills needed to be successful in the workplace. Stop motion is fantastic for students as it teaches skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Making stop motion films also give students the chance to build relationships with each other and develop their social skills. Students are taught to use digital ICT technology and are introduced to a potential hobby or career pathway.
Team Building Games
The ability level and social maturity of our youngest students has changed over recent years, many of our students start Epinay lacking social skills, resilience and effective communication skills. The purpose of team building is to develop these skills. Students are exposed to scenarios that they then work through with staff to develop these skills and effectively promote more positive whole class communication.
Horseriding
Research shows that horse riding develops children both mentally and physically. It offers many emotional and physical advantages such as improved balance and coordination, better muscle strength and contributes to wellness. Riding horses provides a unique therapeutic experience that helps children regulate their state of their mind. Children develop communication skills and a significant sense of responsibility, accountability and respect for others.
PITSTOP
In addition to the curriculum offer a series of interventions are available for targeted pupils to maximise engagement and offer personal development. PITSTOP is Epinay’s Personalised Intervention Targeted Support and Therapeutic Opportunities Programme which aims to provide additional support both academically and therapeutically to enable students to fully access the curriculum and ensure they make expected progress. Students data is micro analysed and those students who require additional input to make expected progress are identified, the Senior Deputy Head Teacher works in conjunction with the usual subject teacher and intervention targets are agreed and work towards these targets are tracked within class for 12 weeks. At the end of the cycle data is analysed to establish if the PITSTOP has been successful in putting the student back on track.
Alongside the core intervention this personalised offer also includes interventions in: emotional resilience via Relationship Works, lifeskills, Tacpac, Sensory Sam, Rebound Therapy, gardening, art, counselling and play therapy. These interventions are not restricted and may change based on need.
