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QUEEN ’ S PARK HIGH SCHOOL
Over the past two years , Queen ’ s Park High School in Chester has focused on building students ’ eight essential skills for the world of work , drawing on the Skills Builder Framework and principles .
Upskilling teachers Investing in training and supporting the teachers was an initial priority : although staff intuitively knew the essential skills were important , few had received training in how to build them in their pupils . They began by using the eight Skills Builder skills ( teamwork ; leadership ; problem solving ; creativity ; listening ; presenting ; aiming high , and staying positive ) consistently throughout the school .
“ Teachers use short , punchy activities during form periods to help students understand and develop work skills , and treat Challenge Days as an opportunity to apply these ”
CASE STUDY
Assessing students ’ needs Students ’ existing strengths and weaknesses were explored via Skills Builder assessment tools . As head teacher Lyndsay Watterson explains : “ This helped us focus on target areas for the school , particular year groups and individual students .”
Rather than guessing students ’ comprehension and attainment levels , teachers could reflect on each skill , a component at a time .
Building skills With these insights , the school designed and ran a programme that builds students ’ essential work skills , as well as supporting other Gatsby Benchmarks . Teachers use short , punchy activities during form periods to help students understand and develop work skills , and treat Challenge Days as an opportunity for pupils to apply these to a common challenge .
They also linked skills directly to the world of work through visits to businesses , including Bank of America Merrill Lynch , with which the school has a close partnership .
For Watterson , the value of building essential skills is clear : “ These skills set our students apart ,” she says , pointing out that , in interviews , they demonstrate abilities beyond academic achievement . “ This is the way to open doors for many of our students .”
LEARN MORE Sign up to find out how to build the skills to succeed . hub . skillsbuilder . org
THE SKILLS BUILDER PARTNERSHIP Underpinned by the Skills Builder Framework , this brings together schools , employers and other skills-building organisations to transform the skills of more than 100,000 students each year . skillsbuilder . org
24 // EMPLOYABILITY