Time to give pupils real skills for life
SCHOOLS in Sefton could implement a radically modernised curriculum, with more emphasis on practical life lessons and mental wellbeing.
Sefton Council voted in favour of using aspects of the Curriculum for Life (CfL) as part of school teachings throughout the borough.
The CfL involves a reform and expansion of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) lessons and was the voted most important issue in a ballot of young people last year.
A motion was submitted at the full council meeting by Cllr John Joseph Kelly after discussions with the Sefton Youth Cabinet, which identified nine key topics which should be included as part of the CfL.
Cllr Kelly was full of praise for the work done by Sefton’s Youth Parliament members, who attended the council meeting at Bootle Town Hall,
The nine key areas put forward were to be included as part of the Sefton 2030 Vision to better prepare young people transition for adulthood.
These included practical guidance, such as giving a proper understanding of financial management, the political system and the safe use of online media.
They also cover deeper education on mental health and emotional wellbeing; explaining issues such as consent and the risk of STIs during sexual education, and educating about the risks and safe use of drug and alcohol.
Supporting the motion, Cllr Daniel Terence-Lewis said he felt his education had left him lacking in knowledge on a whole range of important issues ranging from mortgages to mental health.
The motion received unanimous support and the council will now promote the use of CfL in services for young people in the borough and write to secondary school heads asking them to provide it.
It will also write to MPs Damien Moore, Bill Esterson and Peter Dowd, to urge them to lobby the Department for Education to put “Life Skills” in the national curriculum.