Life Skills
At Nightingale Primary School, we are committed to developing the whole child—preparing them for an independent, fulfilling, and successful life.
To complement our academic curriculum, we have embedded a golden thread of life skills that equips pupils with the essential tools to thrive beyond school.
We developed our life skills curriculum with three intentions in mind:
- Young people will be inspired to achieve their goals (inspire to aspire)
- Young people will be educated citizens who can give back to the community (cultural capital)
- Our young people will be able to live independent happy lives (independent living).
‘Inspire to Aspire’
Through our Life Skills Curriculum we also understand the importance of giving young people a clear sense of purpose and helping them understand the value of learning. When pupils see the relevance of knowledge and skills in real-world contexts, they are more motivated and better prepared for the future.
To inspire our pupils to aspire, we expose them to a wide range of careers and role models. Through our Life Skills curriculum, pupils have the opportunity to meet and engage with professionals from diverse fields—entrepreneurs, athletes, polar explorers, and many others. These interactions are designed to broaden horizons and demonstrate that every child, regardless of background or additional needs, can achieve their goals.
A Curriculum with Purpose
Our Life Skills curriculum is structured around five key areas that we believe are essential for future success:
- Healthy Living
- Independent Living
- Being Part of a Community
- Travelling and Exploring
- Contributing to Society
Each year group follows a carefully planned set of skills and knowledge, delivered either through the main curriculum with real-life links or through dedicated, discrete sessions.
A central theme throughout is the importance of maintaining both mental and physical health, while also preparing pupils for future education, employment, and independence. To support this, we offer a wide range of activities that enrich the curriculum, including our kitchen garden, cooking space, and Forest School—all designed to provide hands-on, real-life learning experiences.
Here are two example knowledge organisers:
