Skills for Life: The Eight EssentialsSkills Builder foundations
Why this matters
An introduction to the eight Skills Builder essential skills (listening, speaking, problem solving, creativity, staying positive, aiming high, leadership, teamwork). Year 7 students do a baseline self-assessment, set one growth target and learn how the school tracks it.
Learning objectives
By the end of this lesson
I can name all eight essential skills
I can self-assess where I am on each skill
I can set one realistic skill-growth target for this term
ActivityActivity 1: Eight skills speed-introduction
In groups30 min
8 stations around the room, 3 mins each. Students collect a definition + example for each skill on a passport.
ActivityActivity 2: Self-assessment circle
On your own15 min
Students place themselves on a 1-16 line for each skill (anonymously, on a digital form). Class average revealed.
ActivityActivity 3: One target
On your own15 min
Pick the skill you most want to grow this term. Write a SMART target. Pair-share for accountability buddy.
Success criteria
How we'll know it worked
Skills Builder baseline self-assessment submitted
One growth target written, dated and stored
Chapter Student Game
Action
Complete the Skills Builder self-assessment in the Mind district
Skills: Listening, Speaking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Adapting, Planning, Leadership, Teamwork
Pick one essential skill to grow this term. Add it as a Chapter goal with a target step number.
What's next
Use the official Skills Builder framework (16 steps per skill). Year 7 baseline target is realistic = +1 step in chosen skill by end of academic year.