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Etonbury Academy

Personal development

Personal development is a key aspect of the ETA curriculum and has a dedicated daily slot. From years 7 to 11 pupils have daily access to 20 minutes of dedicated personal development, focusing on careers, PSHCE, reading, math and science. The dedicated time allows for pupils to acquire knowledge but also develop ‘soft skills’.

As cited by the recent DofE document, Social Mobility Commission - The Labour Market, ‘Soft Skills’ and Social Mobility, there is strong evidence that demand exists from employers for soft skills in the UK labour market.

 

  • The Employer Skills Survey has consistently shown that the most common soft skill lacking in the labour market is the ability to manage ones' own time and task prioritisation (51% of all 'skill-shortage vacancies' were attributed to this in 2017). This is followed by the ability to manage one's own feelings and handle the feelings of others.
  • Gaps in soft skills (such as customer handling, team working and oral communication) were as widely reported by employers as the gaps in 'job specific and technical skills'.
  • A recent study analysing job adverts in the UK found that academic credentials were not the key factor that employers highlight in the advertisement phase of the recruitment process (present only in 18% of job adverts UK wide). Social skills, specific technical skills, and personal characteristics- rather than academic qualifications - are more central in this part of the hiring process.

 

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Math

Careers

Reading for pleasure

PSHCE

Science

 

Math: Tasks that cover the previous weeks learning or give an insight to future learning. Different for every year group.

Careers: Year group careers booklet and additional supporting material that is sequenced in line with careers events taking place in the academic year. Topic covered include, CV writing, A-Z of jobs, skill sets and what to do at interview.

Reading for pleasure: Pupil’s read a text of their choice, for pleasure, with questions provided for stimuli and to encourage discussion.

PSHCE: Year group PSHCE booklets that have been created in line with the PSHE Association programme of study. Topics covered include centre of three key themes, Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World.

Science: Tasks that cover the previous weeks learning or give an insight to future learning. Different for every year group.