At Tanglin, we believe that happy, motivated children learn most effectively. Alongside our academic curriculum, we offer Lifeskills, a pastoral programme designed to help children reach their full potential. Lifeskills covers a wide range of essential skills taught in an age-appropriate way to equip all children at Tanglin with the tools they need to thrive in the world.

Our unique Lifeskills curriculum is based on evidence-based best practices worldwide. The milestones* are divided into five strands linked to Positive Education, aligned with the Five Ways to Wellbeing used across the Infant and Junior Schools. Much of the content of our lessons is drawn from the PSHE Association in the UK to ensure that our curriculum is balanced and includes relevant and challenging topics that will prepare our students for the future.

In the Infant School, the Lifeskills is integrated into the daily learning experience, creating a nurturing environment that fosters care, inclusivity, and wellbeing. Storytelling and teachable moments are used to help children build essential relationships with themselves, other people, and their surroundings, promoting a strong sense of identity and belonging. The Country of the Month initiative helps children explore diverse cultures, fostering empathy and understanding. The Learner Profile supports Lifeskills in the Infant School, focusing on health, emotions, achievements, and active participation. Initiatives such as Griff’s Great Choices and the Class Promise promote thoughtful decision-making and community building. Forest School sessions teach sustainability, while PANTS and Road Safety programmes teach children practical safety skills. Lifeskills in the Infant School lays a strong foundation for personal, social, and emotional growth, preparing children for a successful transition to Junior School.

In Junior School, formal Lifeskills lessons begin in Year 3, and the curriculum is reviewed every year. Some topics are covered as whole-school initiatives, such as Anti-Bullying Week, Safer Internet Week, and Mental Health Week, with a new focus each year. Other topics are built on as the children move up the school, such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, where each year group focuses on different areas: Year 3 on ‘Respecting Race,’ Year 4 on ‘Discuss Disability,’ Year 5 on ‘Neurodiversity,’ and Year 6 on protected characteristics through ‘You, Me and Them.’ Additional topics include positive relationships, health, wellbeing, digital citizenship, philanthropy, relationship and sex education, and the science of learning. Children also learn about their emotions and learning styles and develop ways to improve their independence socially and academically.

In Senior School, students in Years 7-13 have weekly Lifeskills lessons with specialist teachers, allowing for deeper exploration of topics each year. The curriculum is reviewed regularly to ensure it meets students’ evolving needs. The programme strengthens emotional intelligence, social skills, self-awareness, and confidence, preparing students for fulfilling lives. We support students through key transitions in Middle School, Upper School, and Sixth Form, helping them develop strategies for navigating these changes with confidence and knowing when to seek help. Each year, students engage in age-appropriate Relationships and Sex Education, covering topics such as puberty, hygiene, healthy relationships, peer pressure, online safety, boundaries, and consent. The Lifeskills curriculum also includes emotional intelligence, study skills, practical life skills such as cooking, physical and mental wellbeing, and understanding diversity and prejudice. We further support students by working with University Counsellors to prepare Year 10 students for Work Experience and assist Years 12-13 in making their choices and preparing for life beyond Tanglin.

Tanglin's Lifeskills curriculum provides a comprehensive, age-appropriate approach to developing the social, emotional, and practical skills necessary for children to thrive. From Infant School to Senior School, we ensure that each student is equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in school and life beyond.