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, examples of these are shown below 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 pages.
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).
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.
Outdoor Education
This is delivered by our external partner at Simonside Outdoor Education Center. Students take part in a range of activities such as rockclimbing, archery and watersports, which are tailored to meet the needs of each group. 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.
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)
Bushcraft
The aim of Forest School/Bushcraft 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 resilience. “Playful social interactions in the outdoor environment support emotional resilience which in turn support academic attainment, confident, independent and creative learners.” (Forest School Association).
Cookery
We teach all students in Epinay school to cook nutritious, cost effective meals as part of preparation for adulthood. Within these personal development sessions students not only learn to cook simple meals, they learn about food hygiene, kitchen cleanliness, shopping skills and budgeting. Many of our students have EHCP targets linked to food avoidance, during these sessions students are encouraged to taste test to compare and contrast home made with shop bought; this encourages weekly progress towards these target areas.
Orienteering
Orienteering is often called the thinking sport. Research shows that orienteering challenges the mind by the development of individual skills in navigating while problem solving to locate each control. Many of our students have EHCP targets around decision making, self esteem and independence. Orienteering addresses all of these factors. Decision making is a significant factor in orienteering, it builds self-esteem and by being outdoors lifts mood.there. Orienteers learn to recognise and use new resources, whether they are the map and compass, the park or playground, or the more personal resources of fitness and mental agility.
Natural 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.
Stop Motion Production
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
