Deputy Head Pastoral
E-mail: Mrs E. F. Lewis BA (Hons) / Education
Mrs Emma Lewis joined Cranleigh Prep School in September 2017 as Deputy Head Pastoral, she is also the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
She finds the two roles are extremely cohesive as the Learning for Life curriculum allows her to develop a curriculum that promotes the pastoral well-being of all pupils, alongside the School’s core values and ethos. She is extremely excited about the prominence that PSHE is now receiving within the world of education.
PSHE at Cranleigh Prep School is termed Learning for Life (LFL) and is a subject that allows pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary to keep them healthy and safe, and to prepare for life and work in modern Britain.
The curriculum supports the School’s Core Values and has been divided into five main areas. A variety of issues and concepts are introduced and re-visited as the children move through the school in a spiral approach. Through this approach we hope to develop the children’s skills, knowledge, understanding and attitudes as they mature.
The main areas are:
- Personal Education (including raising self-awareness and self- esteem)
- Health Education (developing a safe and healthy lifestyle)
- Social and Moral Education (including relationships with others)
- Citizenship and British Values (including democracy)
- Financial Awareness (including support of a charity)
The programme is delivered in a relatively relaxed, informal style, with group discussion guided by the teacher. The method and style of delivery vary according to the topic being taught. Usually the class sits in a circle, which provides the perfect environment for pupils to share and listen to each other’s views. The nature of the subject lends itself to this style of delivery, as opposed to the traditional style lesson, where pupils sit at desks.
All pupils are actively encouraged to contribute verbally in lessons, by means of warm-up games and rounds. Differentiation is achieved through structuring questions, or topics to be discussed within groups, appropriately, according to the ability level of the pupils.
There are three core themes at the heart of Learning for Life lessons across all three schools (Lower, Middle and Upper). These core themes are Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. All year groups are allocated a 35 minute lesson once a week. There is a team of teachers in the department who deliver the curriculum.
Lower School (Forms 1 & 2)
A wide range of subjects and issues are covered including: Rules; Bullying; Responsibilities; Emotions; Healthy diet and exercise; Stereotyping; Discrimination; Diversity; Growing up and puberty; Keeping safe in the real and online worlds; Aspirations as they grow up; Healthy relationships; Resolving conflict; Our actions and peer pressure.
The lessons take the form of Circle Time, presentations and role play. The aim is to develop pupils confidence so that they are actively involved, contributing to discussions and listening to others express their views.
Middle School (Forms 3 & 4)
The curriculum has adopted a spiral approach, so many of the subjects covered in the Lower School are revisited but the content of what is taught is more advanced. Subject areas and issues that are explored in the Middle School include: Community; Equality; Discrimination; Human rights; Laws; Managing money; How to make healthy choices? How we can be safe online and using social media? What makes us enterprising? What makes a happy and healthy relationship? How can we manage risk including peer pressure?
The lessons take the form of Circle Time, role play and debates.
Upper School (Forms 5 & 6)
The spiral programme continues into KS3 but focuses very much on extending thinking, expanding knowledge and developing skills.
Pupils in KS3 explore developing their attitudes, beliefs and values in a breadth of subject areas and issues: Diversity, prejudice and bullying; Risks of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs; Managing puberty and the issues of unwanted contact; Self-esteem and relationships; Making ethical financial decisions; Rights and responsibilities in the community; Tackling age and disability discrimination; Online safety and digital literacy; Mental Health and emotional wellbeing, including body image; Introduction to sexuality and consent; Introduction to contraception and Financial decisions.
The lessons take the form of Circle Time, role play, presentations and debates. Tasks will involve both independent and group tasks to help develop the pupils’ collaborative skills. The aim is to ensure that pupils are involved, contributing to discussions and listening to others express their views.