Two Wigan schools are rewarded for their efforts in teaching pupils skills for life
A pair of Wigan schools have landed an award saluting their efforts to give youngsters the skills not only to succeed in education but also life
Skills for life as well as school are being successfully taught at two Wigan schools.
Hindley Green Community Primary and Hindley Green St John’s are celebrating after achieving the prestigious Skills Builder Silver Award, recognising their commitment to developing eight essential skills across school life, the curriculum and careers education.
The Skills Builder framework develops listening, speaking, problem-solving, creativity, adapting, planning, leadership and teamwork, equipping pupils with the skills, confidence and resilience they need for learning, life and future employment.
Across both schools, these skills are now embedded through explicit teaching, careers activities, enrichment and whole-school initiatives, giving pupils a shared language to recognise their strengths, identify areas for development and understand how these skills connect to beyond school life and their inspiring futures.
Fiona Brown, head of personal development, said:
“Achieving the Skills Builder Silver Award is a fantastic reflection of our commitment to developing the whole child. We are equipping pupils with the skills, confidence, resilience and character they need to thrive both in school and throughout their lives.
“This is at the heart of Quest Trust’s Early Years to Employment vision, ensuring every child feels they belong, has high aspirations and is equipped to navigate their journey into the world of work.”
During National Careers Week, pupils explored a range of careers, interviewed professionals and considered the skills needed across different job sectors. They also reflected on their own aspirations and the skills they will need to achieve them.
The skills then came to life during the schools’ summer Transition Day, when pupils took part in a Build a Bridge to Next Year team challenge. Teams had to plan, communicate, solve problems, adapt their ideas and work collaboratively to construct a successful bridge before reflecting on the skills they had developed.
Weekly Skills Builder certificates are awarded to celebrate pupils who demonstrate the essential skills, recognising their effort, progress and contribution to school life.
The positive impact of the work has also been recognised by many.
One parent said: "I have been really pleased to see all the activities that have happened across the school for National Careers Week and how you are embedding Skills Builder.
“It's great that the children are developing awareness of transferable skills and careers information from such a young age. I think it's brilliant and something the schools are doing really well."
Executive headteacher Chloe Fletcher said:
“We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Skills Builder Silver Award. It has had a positive impact across our schools, helping children develop essential skills for learning, life and future employment.
“Our Skills Builder Lead, Jessica Robinson, has been instrumental in driving this work forward, demonstrating exceptional passion and commitment to embedding the framework into our school culture.”
Hindley Green pupil Neeva said:
"I like all the different activities we do. I like Leadership the best because I feel like I do use it. It's really fun. When you get a job you do use the skills so they are important. Certificates are nice because we're recognising who is using the skills."