Intent

At Larwood School, we are committed to delivering an exciting and personalised curriculum that reflects the unique needs of our pupils. Many of our children have had negative experiences in previous school settings and missed out on opportunities to discover their interests and talents. Our aim is to provide experiences that build confidence, develop practical life skills, and introduce pupils to potential careers and passions, making links to areas of the curriculum where appropriate. Primary school is the perfect time to explore new opportunities and nurture curiosity about the wider world.

Implementation

Once a week, pupils take part in Skills sessions, where they break away from their usual class groups and join activities based on their interests. One of the key strengths of the Skills curriculum is choice—children select activities that inspire them, giving them ownership of their learning.

Skills sessions focus on practical, real-world experiences and include activities such as:

• Life Skills

• Skiing

• Football Coaching

• Mad Science

• Community Outreach

• Horrible Histories

• Cookery (baking and foods from around the world)

• Outdoor Education (camping skills, orienteering)

• First Aid

• Arts and Crafts (including stage building for our annual Christmas production)

• Sports

• Drama and Music

• Nature Study

• Media Studies (including game design)

• Woodwork

• Gardening

• Photography

These sessions are designed to develop independence, teamwork, and resilience while providing opportunities for creativity and problem-solving.

Impact

Pupils frequently tell visitors that skills is one of their favourite parts of the week. They gain confidence through rapid progress in their chosen activities and discover passions that may shape their future. Skills sessions also help pupils develop social skills, build friendships across year groups, and experience success outside the traditional classroom environment.

During skills, Larwood becomes a hub of engagement and enthusiasm—with many pupils learning offsite, enjoying opportunities they may never have had in previous schools. This approach ensures that every child feels valued, motivated, and ready to take on new challenges.