Skills to pay the bills

~ Birches Head Academy equips pupils with life skills ~

The latest personal, social, cooperative, health and economic education (PSCHE) day at Stoke-on-Trent school Birches Head Academy focussed on equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills to live healthy, happy and safe lives. Pupils from each year discussed a specific topic and participated in practical activities to help them manage their lives now and in the future.

The range of activities and topics transformed the school into a buzzing discussion hub for a day. Students had a chance to increase their knowledge of personal finances, career opportunities, health and safety, sexual health, citizenship and human rights. They also participated in practical activities designed to build confidence and self-esteem and help them make better personal and professional decisions.

Intrigued by the prospect of managing their own finances, year eleven students were particularly interested in the financial capability activities organised on the day. They discussed the economics of leaving home and managing their first income, as well as the risks of gambling and debt.

“The issue of financial capability is particularly important for students in their last year,” explained Sarah Wright, director of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). “Some students have never had the chance to manage money, so we want them to be ready for it when they leave school, whether they decide to go into further education or enter the professional world.”

Year ten students were divided in two groups. The first group focussed on preparing for their upcoming work experience. Activities included health and safety training and a test. Successful pupils received a certificate confirming their knowledge of basic health and safety procedures. The second group discussed issues concerning sexual health and staying safe in relationships.

Year nine focussed on gaining a better understanding of the concepts of citizenship, cultural difference and human rights, while year eight worked with Simon Smallman, the careers adviser based in Birches Head Academy.

“Equipping students with future-proof skills is very important to Birches Head Academy,” commented Smallman. “We want to make sure that by the time they leave school our pupils are confident, ambitious and prepared for the current, very tough, job market. Each and every one of our students has something they feel passionate about; our job is to help them discover what that is and how to build a profession from it.”

Birches Head Academy organises five PSCHE days every school year and dedicates six days to similar topics of discussion during Out and about week, which takes place every summer. The next PSCHE day is set for the last week of term, on July 16.