The end of 2016 brings a close to the second term of the S.M.I.L.E. class. Students have been working on skills that most curriculum structures ignore. Students have been discussing and working on personality attributes such as confidence, empathy, responsibility, leadership and teamwork.
During the lessons students produce creative work such as art work, games and speeches. They also do presentations, debates and use a variety of media to help develop and understand society and their own personality, all learning is conducted with an emphasis on creativity.
Subject teacher Martin Langford said “The S.M.I.L.E class has been a great success, it’s been one of those subjects where you can see the students progress very quickly”. Martin also said, “Some students have worked on their confidence, those that were frightened to stand in front of the class are now the first to stand and talk in front of everyone – it’s so rewarding for me as a teacher”.
S.M.I.L.E stands for Social Skills, Motivation, Integrity, Leadership, Emotions. Each student has their own journal and can put their work into this to take home and use as a diary. Martin finished by saying “The students look forward to the class, and their input in the lessons just goes to show how important it is for schools to focus on growth mindsets and social emotional learning”.
