Personal Development

Personal Development embodies our We Believe values and encompasses many aspects of our school curriculum such as; Careers, PSHE, RSE, Citizenship, assemblies, tutor time activities and bespoke leadership workshops for students of all ages. Our rich and varied offering develops students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural capital, providing them with tools and experiences to question the world around them and make informed decisions. We believe that powerful knowledge raises student aspirations, improves their life chances and they in turn become happier and more active participants in their local communities.

 

PSHE

PSHE consists of statutory topics such as Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), as well as cross-curricular links and localised issues within our school community. Our curriculum is taught as a spiral learning journey from Key Stage 3 - 5 across three main themes; Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. Topics are adapted to suit the developmental stages of each key stage with the aim of generating powerful discussions and creating a safe space for students to reflect on their learning. Bespoke workshops are organised for Key Stages 4 and 5 to discuss sensitive issues such as RSE, delivered by subject specialists. Students receive fortnightly PSHE lessons with their form tutor, unless they participate in visitor assemblies or workshops, where this will be attended as a year group. A summary of each PSHE theme is outlined below:

 

Health & Wellbeing

This Core Theme covers mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Students explore  what mental ill health can look like, healthy coping mechanisms that can be used to manage mental ill health and how to promote positive mental wellbeing in yourself and others. The topics developed further into looking at the links between physical and mental health and the impacts this can have on emotional wellbeing in the now and in the future. 
Core Theme includes; Anti Bullying, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Tolerance, Diversity in the Media, Drugs Education, Cookery

 

Core Theme 2 - Relationships

This Core Theme covers the development of healthy relationships and incorporates the statutory requirements of Relationships and Sex Education. The topic explores how to build healthy relationships with family and peers before looking at romantic relationships, consent, contraception/pregnancy choices and development of the family unit. The aim is to equip students with knowledge to make informed choices, behave in a respectful and appropriate manner and understand the law around Sex, Relationships and Media.
Core Theme includes; Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), Community, Relationships & The Abuse of Power

Statutory guidance on relationships' education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education - 13 September 2021 
The aim of RSE is to give young people the information they need to help them develop healthy, nurturing relationships of all kinds, not just intimate relationships.
It should enable them to know what a healthy relationship looks like and what makes a good friend, a good colleague and a successful marriage or other type of committed relationship. 
It should also cover contraception, developing intimate relationships and resisting pressure to have sex (and not applying pressure). 
It should teach what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in relationships. 
This will help pupils understand the positive effects that good relationships have on their mental wellbeing, identify when relationships are not right and understand how such situations can be managed. 
Parents have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of sex education delivered as part of statutory RSE. Please get in touch with Mr Barber, the Principal if you would like to discuss this further.

 

Core Theme 3 – Living in the Wider World

This Core Theme covers the development of students as part of their wider community. Developing awareness of global issues, different cultures and of how developmental stages can influence personal change, students look to enhance their understanding of broader topics and gain practical and useful understanding of topics covered to develop healthy discussion, make informed and appropriate decisions and contribute positively to their local  and wider community.
Core Theme includes; Personal Finance, The Legal System, Social Justice, Medical Ethics, Careers, Values & Global Education, Personal Safety and Diversity & Awareness.
 

 
Parents/Guardians

It is acknowledged that students come from a range of cultural and social backgrounds and that sensitivity is required. In providing PSHE and personal development opportunities for students, the school will respect the religious beliefs and values of all members of its community, and make provision to discuss its aims with parents/carers wishing to receive further clarification. Parents/carers are able to contact the school about the policy and any queries are dealt with by the Deputy Principal with responsibility for the curriculum in the first instance.
Students are encouraged by their Tutors to discuss the content in their PSHE lessons with adults at home.