WIS Prospectus 2012 - West Island School New Portal

West Island School
LEARNING FOR LIFE
‘Transforming Learning, Transforming Lives’ (RSA ‘Opening Minds’)
The Learning for Life curriculum for Years 7 to 11 prepares all students with skills for life in
the 21st century: skills for learning; skills for managing people and situations well; and skills
for living in the local and international communities. These life-skills are taught directly and
specifically. It is an issues driven curriculum with learning in and out of the classroom thereby
promoting the qualities of the West Island School Learner Profile and Student Skills Framework.
It enables students to explore real-life issues through thoughtful action, leadership and service.
The West Island School Skills Framework
The Skills Framework represents a tool box designed to aid learners at West Island School
to develop in the image of the Learner Profile. The framework exemplifies in a practical way
the skills needed for lifelong learning in the 21st century. Students reflect formally upon skills
development in Learning for Life lessons and as part of the school’s online reporting system.
The Learning for Life curriculum gives students the skills needed as they reach developmental
milestones. Students also develop skills as learners. Self-awareness of themselves as learners
is promoted by the use of e-portfolios and showcased in student-led conferences. Students
are encouraged to become independent learners and to make effective use of supervised
study time. Thinking and study skills are explicitly taught. In addition, the programme aims to
engage students in activities, both as individuals and in teams, which promote community and
global awareness. The Learning for Life Department
builds links with subject areas to promote learning Independent
Team
that extends across the curriculum and beyond the inquirer
worker
classroom.
The programme covers four themes:
• Looking After Ourselves
• Understanding Ourselves
• Ourselves and Others
• Ourselves in the Wider Community
Effective
participator
Reflective
learner
Self
manager
Creative
thinker
11
5