CoPE
| CoPE Co-ordinator | Mr J Gold |
|---|---|
| CoPE Teacher | Miss Z Barber |
Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE)
The Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) is a nationally recognised qualification available at Levels 1, 2, and 3. It provides a creative and engaging way to accredit young people’s achievements while encouraging them to take on new and meaningful challenges. Here at Chelmer Valley High School we offer Level 2 CoPE.
Course Structure
Students work through a dedicated student book that includes 13 modules, which are divided into three sections: A, B, and C. Each section contains a variety of activities, known as challenges, and each challenge is designed to take a minimum of 10 hours to complete. Every 10 hours of activity earns one credit, and students must complete 12 credits (120 hours) to achieve the full CoPE qualification.
Skills Development
While completing their challenges, students will develop and be assessed on six essential skills:
- Working with others
- Improving their own learning and performance
- Problem solving
- Research
- Discussion
- Oral presentation
- Personalised Learning
Students are encouraged to choose modules that reflect their own interests, making the learning experience both flexible and relevant. The available modules include:
- Communication
- Citizenship and Community
- Sport and Leisure
- Independent Living
- The Environment
- Vocational Preparation
- Health and Fitness
- Work-Related Learning and Enterprise
- Science and Technology
- International Links
- Expressive Arts
- Beliefs and Values
- Combined Studies
Portfolio of Evidence
As part of the course, students will create a portfolio of evidence to showcase their achievements. This portfolio may include:
- Written reports
- Photographs
- Witness statements
- Podcasts
Many students take great pride in their portfolios, which can be used to demonstrate their skills and learning journey to future employers or educational institutions.
Why Choose CoPE?
The CoPE qualification is:
- Practical and engaging
- Entirely coursework-based – there is no final exam
- Flexible and student-led, allowing learners to take control of their own progress
- A valuable opportunity to:
- Develop and demonstrate a wide range of personal, key, and employability skills
- Broaden their experiences
- Manage their learning in real-life contexts
Examples of Past Projects
Students taking part in the CoPE qualification have enjoyed a wide variety of hands-on, meaningful projects that support both personal development and community engagement. Some examples of past activities include:
- Visiting local care homes during the Christmas season to spend time with residents, play games, and share home-baked treats.
- Completing practical projects in the school’s food technology rooms.
- Taking part in First Aid training, delivered by a professional from Nuffield Health.
- Litter picking and community service projects around the school grounds.
- Building flower beds in the school garden and decorating classrooms to enhance the learning environment.
- Undertaking a week of work experience at a placement chosen by the student.
- Improving skills in sports of the student’s choice, helping to build confidence and physical ability.
- Developing creative writing skills through guided activities and personal projects.
- Organising events to take place throughout the academic year, encouraging leadership and teamwork.
These projects not only help students build valuable life skills, but also give them the opportunity to make a positive impact in their school and local community.
