Lifestyle for Learning

Wednesday 29 June 2011

At Cirencester Deer Park we value a holistic approach to academic success and personal development and see the bond between the two areas as essential for a successful school experience.

Our Lifestyle for Learning sessions are designed to encourage an approach to learning that goes beyond the boundaries of the class room; where pupils learn about a variety of personal and social issues and build confidence in making informed decisions about their life and their approach to learning. Citizenship and PSHEe Co-ordinator James Johnson said “It is our ambition that all our pupils, regardless of ability or background, are empowered to enjoy and understand their learning in school and to successfully make informed decisions in their wider personal lives. Lifestyle for Learning is about understanding that all areas of life impact on learning and learning impacts on all areas of life. It is about making the challenge of growing up the opportunity of a lifetime”

Our pupils work and learn actively on a variety of topics to help them develop academically and personally. From Year 7 learning about learning skills and health and fitness though to Year 8 critically studying the personal, local, national and global impact of issues such as smoking, our younger pupils gain appreciation of the different risks and rewards regarding their personal wellbeing and academic achievement.

In Years 9, 10 and 11 our older pupils are helped though difficult decision making periods about GCSE, college and career options while being supported in exam success by developing an understanding of how their lifestyle can affect the function and effectiveness of their brain. Rhiannon Smith, a Year 11 pupil, said “Lifestyle for Learning sessions helped me maximise how my brain worked before exams to help me achieve my full potential.”

Pupils discuss the importance of looking after their brains!

Throughout their time at Deer Park pupils at also study key personal issues including Sex and Relationship education, drug education and avoiding risky behaviour that helps them make informed decisions about their behaviour and their future. Ben Robinson, a Year 10 pupil, said “Lifestyle for Learning helped me be more aware of the world around me and has helped explain how the world works. The sessions helped me find the information I needed.”

Lifestyle for Learning at Deer Park helps ensure that every pupil has the opportunity and support to fulfil their full potential and is prepared for an active and successful life beyond school.

James Johnson
Citizenship Co-ordinator