LIFE

LIFE (Learning Is For Ever) is a subject held in high regard by students and staff at Cheam High School. LIFE covers personal, social and health and economic education (PHSE) and includes relationships and sex education, citizenship studies and work related learning. The course also focuses on the core British Values of Democracy, Rule of Law, Tolerance, Mutual Respect and Individual Liberty.

All students have one hour of LIFE a week and are taught by a dedicated team of skilled staff. Cheam was an early adopter of the new statutory guidance in 2020 and our curriculum is responsive to current events, enabling discussions about a range of current issues.

This is why LIFE is such an essential part of the curriculum as it enables students to reflect and respond to the ever changing world in which we live.

• Emotional intelligence

• Knowledge of how to lead a healthier and safer lifestyle

• An understanding of how to develop positive relationships of all kinds

• Confidence and responsibility

• Tolerance, acceptance and respect for others

• Improved communication skills and the ability to work sensitively with others

• Team working skills

• A broader understanding of Britain and the wider world

In LIFE lessons students have opportunities to get involved in lots of group work and develop their discussion and reasoning skills through debates. Lessons provide all students with a safe space to explore and develop their understanding of topics that will equip them to lead successful lives in a modern society. Throughout the year, LIFE lessons are visited by a number of specialist external organisations to help students put their learning into context and to hear from
 
different members of our community. This includes workshops on healthy relationships, talks with the school nurse and performances from theatre companies.

YEAR 7

The first topic that students study is designed to help them settle into secondary school life and adjust to the transition they have made. Other topics studied include friendships, healthy lifestyles, mindfulness and personal safety (including the safe use of the internet).

YEAR 8

Topics include units of work exploring peer pressure and youth crime, healthy relationships, families and the media. LIFE lessons are also used to explore the options at 13+ process as well, helping students to make informed choices about what subjects they want to study at KS4.

Students study topics ranging from finance, global citizenship, human rights, extremism, radicalisation, the changing world of work, careers, relationships with others and preparing themselves for adulthood.

The LIFE department are also proud to run the Cheam High Pride Group and United Against Discrimination Group which meet each half term.

Students in all years will also have age-appropriate lessons devoted to relationships and sex education, drug education (including alcohol), anti-bullying, and safer internet use in line with statutory guidelines.

LIFE is not offered to post 16 students as a timetabled lesson, although students will continue to receive personal, social, health, economic and career-linked education through our post 16 tutor programme. Students will also continue to use many of the skills they developed in their LIFE lessons within their chosen areas of study.