Deepening Skills and Resilience

Year 6 Session Two helps develop a framework for confident decision-making through storytelling and open communication withij safe spaces.

Year 6 Session Two

Embarking on a new journey can be disorienting, but in the world of Choices, that’s where the magic happens. Our sessions intentionally challenge both pupils and practitioners, blending technology and innovative techniques to create an engaging and exploratory learning environment. We do this because our mission is vital – to cultivate resilience and equip young people with the skills they need to navigate the complexities of modern life. With this in mind,

Year 6 Session Two has a twofold focus:

1. Building on the Foundations: We’re taking what pupils learned in Session One and going a step further. It’s all about deepening their knowledge of the ‘Choice Framework’ to gain a more profound understanding of the factors influencing their decision-making. This knowledge forms the bedrock of confident, informed choices.
2. Facing the Challenges: Life often throws curveballs—times of tension, anxiety, and change. Session Two challenges pupils to think about their developing skills in the context of real-life scenarios. It’s an opportunity to see how their capacity for making positive choices can be tested under pressure. This practical experience strengthens decision-making abilities, helping them tackle challenges and deal with setbacks, not just in Year Six but in the years ahead.

The Power of Storytelling

At the heart of our learning journey is a story – Kwan’s Story. Stories have been part of human culture for millennia. They possess the extraordinary power to shape our thinking and understanding of the world. While Kwan’s adventures may not mirror every aspect of pupils’ lives, they resonate with authentic meaning and purpose, designed to reflect their unique experiences. These stories connect, bridge differences, and lead to demonstrable change. Research has repeatedly shown that stories are among the most effective vehicles for delivering powerful messages, so it’s no surprise that young people love to follow Kwan’s adventures, nor that the complementary learning activities lead to demonstrable change.

Sharing Concerns, Finding Solutions

In Year 6 Session Two, students are encouraged to openly discuss their concerns about the year ahead. The Choices classroom offers a safe space to voice fears and work through them. This open dialogue serves as a baseline that can be revisited throughout the year to track progress and address worries, empowering students as they embark on this shared journey. This is crucial and backed by numerous research studies for the following reasons:

1. Emotional Wellbeing: Having opportunities to address concerns and fears is essential for the emotional wellbeing of young people. Research demonstrates that when young people feel safe expressing their worries, they are better equipped to manage stress and anxiety. Emotional challenges can have a significant impact on decision-making and overall mental health. So, by creating a safe space for these discussions, emotional wellbeing can be bolstered. 
2. Early Intervention: Recognising and addressing concerns early is a proactive way to prevent potential issues from escalating or becoming entrenched further down the line. It equips students with resilience and coping strategies, ensuring they are better prepared for the challenges they might face.
3. Measuring Progress: Raising, documenting and revisiting concerns provides insights into students’ development, allowing educators to tailor support to individual needs. Data gathered through the programme enhances this, providing an understanding of how young people are progressing.
4. Empowerment: Allowing pupils to share concerns and, crucially, work through them is, in itself, an empowering experience. It provides a sense of control and ownership over feelings and decisions, positively impacting self-esteem and self-efficacy.

Our approach aligns with numerous research studies emphasising the positive effects of open communication and early intervention in schools. By fostering supportive environments where young people can express their concerns, Year 6 Session Two becomes a platform for multiple voices and perspectives, fostering respectful and equitable classroom relations that can shape better futures.

To find out more, please get in touch with us at: chat@engagelime.com or here

Written by

Mark Ashfield