Aim of The Personal Development Curriculum
The aim of the Personal Development (PD) curriculum is to provide our young people with the knowledge and skills to embrace the exciting opportunities this modern world brings, and to deal effectively with the challenges and risks they may encounter. We want our pupils to clearly understand how to keep themselves (and others) safe and healthy (online and offline), to be accepting of diversity, to show empathy and kindness, and to make a positive contribution to their school, local, and wider communities.
Our PD curriculum also plays in a key role in the safeguarding of our pupils; adopting a preventative approach and signposting to people/organisations to offer support, advice and guidance. Our curriculum is also flexible and responsive to dealing efficiently with school, local and wider issues as they arise – providing a safe and supportive environment to discuss complex, sensitive and current topics.
We pride ourselves in providing an inclusive approach to PD. For example:
- Lessons are carefully differentiated to cater for the varying needs of our pupils with
- Our ‘Relationships and Sex Education’ (RSE) aims to ensure that the needs of our LGBTQ+ pupils are adequately met.
- Ensuring our curriculum is relevant to the lives of all our young people and actively promoting acceptance and celebration of diversity, and equality for all.
How does our PD curriculum contribute to SMSC?
Supporting the social, moral, spiritual, and cultural (SMSC) development of our students is at the core of our school culture, vision, and ethos, and is embedded across our curricular and extra-curricular provision.
Our PD curriculum also plays a key role in supporting SMSC. For example:
All pupils in Key Stage 3 have lessons in ‘Religious Studies’ where they reflect on their own beliefs and develop understanding and respect for different faiths/religions. This is reinforced in PD lessons where they are taught directly about religious tolerance and explore the multi-cultural nature of the UK. They are provided with ample opportunity to reflect upon what makes them who they are (e.g., in lessons on ‘personal identity’ and ‘mindfulness’) and explore how others are different.
Our young people learn about ‘the rule of law’ and the legal position in relation to topics surrounding sex, relationships, and broader safeguarding issues (e.g., substance misuse, criminal exploitation, radicalisation/extremism etc). Pupils engage in regular, thoughtful discussions to explore the far-reaching consequences associated with their behaviour and choices (e.g., when teaching topics such as drugs education and bullying) and they learn about the role of the legal system in the UK.
Pupils frequently engage in paired and group work to actively encourage interaction with others from different backgrounds. They are expected to construct their own informed opinions and listen respectfully to the views of others. As a school we encourage active citizenship (e.g., through supporting charities, the NCS programme, Youth Parliament, enrichment activities) to support the school, local and wider community, and pupils are provided with many extracurricular opportunities/electives (e.g., sporting, drama, music, cultural), allowing them to develop skills in cooperation, conflict resolution, teamwork, and an appreciation of difference.
At the heart of our PD curriculum is promoting acceptance and respect for diversity; actively living the shared values that promote community cohesion, and preparing our students for life in modern Britain.
Model of Delivery
We adopt a spiral curriculum approach to the teaching of PD, whereby topics are re-visited frequently in increasing depth, in an age and developmentally appropriate manner.
Key Stage 3 (years 7-9)
At key stage 3, our pupils have a discrete, fortnightly PD lesson as part of their timetabled curriculum. This largely encompasses the statutory elements of PSHE Education and Citizenship Education.
They also participate in a weekly tutor time PD session. In year 7 and 8 the tutor time session revolves around the ‘Living in the Wider World’ element of PSHE and are delivered by form tutors. In year 9 this is a ‘live’ weekly session delivered by the HoD and largely focuses upon Citizenship Education.
Key Stage 4 (year 10 and 11)
In year 10, our pupils participate in four ‘Personal Development Focus Mornings’ that are spread across the academic year. On these mornings, pupils come off normal timetable and participate in PD lessons (PSHE focus) that are planned and delivered by our specialist key stage 4 PD team. Pupils in year 10 also take part in a ‘live’ weekly form time PD session, focusing on Citizenship Education.
Our year 11 pupils participate in ‘live’ weekly form time sessions that are delivered by the HoD. Post-pandemic, these sessions are centred upon RSE, safety, physical/mental health, diversity; as well as supporting effective study habits and the transition to post-16 options.
Key Stage 5 (year 12 and 13)
In our sixth form our pupils participate in weekly tutor time sessions that follow the themes of well-being (physical health, mental health and personal growth) and careers/aspirations/goals, and also access some of the ‘live sessions’ related to RSE. Pupils in the sixth form also take part in two ‘Personal Development Focus Mornings’ that specifically focus on RSE and careers/aspirations/goals.
Assemblies and Specialist Speakers and Organisations
Our structured PD curriculum described above is complimented by input in assemblies (e.g., mental health awareness, anti-bullying, Pride month etc) and from specialist speakers and organisations, for example, ‘Millie’s Trust’ are delivering training on first aid and CPR to all our year 7 pupils over the course of this year.
We are also currently working with a Dr Elly Hanson (a clinical psychologist) to develop our whole school approach to tackling sexual harassment and abuse. This includes the direct teaching about this topic in PD curriculum time, as well as stakeholder surveys, and the development of a bespoke ‘train the trainer’ staff training package.
LGBTQ+ Group
We also run weekly Key Stage 3 (Miss Kilcourse) and Key Stage 4/5 (Miss Brereton) LGBTQ+ groups. These groups provide our young people with a safe and supportive environment for discussions with peers and members of staff. We are also beginning to work on projects to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ across the school and further develop positive attitudes towards inclusion, diversity, and equality.
Teaching around LGBTQ+ is embedded across our Personal Development curriculum and many other curriculum areas in our school.
Curriculum Overview
Our PD curriculum addresses all the DfE statutory outcomes for PSHE Education and Citizenship Education. This includes Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education (see our RSE policy here).
Promoting the fundamental British values and the supporting the social, moral, spiritual and cultural (SMSC) development of our pupils is fundamental to our whole school culture, vision and ethos. This is also embedded across our curricular and extra-curricular provision and a key element of our PD programme.
Parents and carers are fully informed of the content their children learn about in PD via a fortnightly ‘Personal Development Update’ that features in the Head Teachers Notes. We also adapt our curriculum to respond promptly to parental suggestions regarding content.
The table below provides an overview of the PD curriculum at Tytherington School.
Personal Development Programme – Overview (2021-2022)
Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)
| Autumn Term (Discrete PD lessons) | Spring Term (Discrete PD lessons) | Summer Term (Discrete PD lessons) | Tutor Time | Additional PD sessions | |
| Year 7 | Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
Lesson 1 – Welcome to Personal Development, including Rights and Responsibilities Lesson 2 – The Importance of Healthy Eating Lesson 3 – The Importance of Exercise and Sleep Lesson 4 – Mental health and Happiness Lesson 5 – Changing Bodies (1) Lesson 6 – Changing Bodies (2) Lesson 7 – Personal Hygiene and Dental Health |
Relationships and Safety
Lesson 1 – Healthy Friendships Lesson 2 – Family diversity (including LGBTQ+) Lesson 3 – Love, romance, and new feelings (including LGBTQ+) Lesson 4 – Bullying, including cyberbullying Lesson 5 – Tackling prejudice and discrimination (racism and homophobia focus). Lesson 6 – The safety of women and girls (sexism and sexual harassment focus)
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British Citizenship
Lesson 1 – Personal Identity Lesson 2 – What being British means/British values. Lesson 3 – Democracy in the UK Lesson 4 – Individual Liberties of UK citizens Lesson 5 – Multicultural Britain Lesson 6 – Religious tolerance
|
Living in the Wider World (PSHE)
Year 7 form tutors work through one session per week with their forms (this includes topics such as aspirations, careers, managing money, bullying and resilience). Statutory Citizenship Taking Action – form groups work collaboratively to support charitable causes throughout the year.
|
Additional sessions/assemblies:
|
| Year 8 | Mental Wellbeing and Safety
Lesson 1 – Introduction and Emotional Literacy Lesson 2 – Body Image and Self-Esteem Lesson 3 – Recognising Mental Wellbeing Concerns Lesson 4 – Promoting Positive Mental Wellbeing Lesson 5 – The Online World and Wellbeing Lesson 6 – Introduction to Recognising Unhealthy and Unsafe Relationships (online and offline) Lesson 7 – Tackling sexual harassment, sexual abuse and sexual violence |
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking
Lesson 1 – Smoking and Vaping Lesson 2 – Alcohol Awareness (1) Lesson 3 – Alcohol Awareness (2) Lesson 4 – Drugs Education (1) Lesson 5 – Drugs Education (2) Lesson 6 – Managing Peer Influence and Criminal Exploitation (county lines) |
Equality and Political Systems
Lesson 1 – Equality Lesson 2 – The Black Lives Matter Movement Lesson 3 – Breaking down gender stereotypes Lesson 4 – The Role of Parliament and the Monarch. Lesson 5 – Voting and Elections Lesson 6 – The legal system (laws, the courts, and the police)
|
Living in the Wider World (PSHE)
Year 8 form tutors work through for one session per week with their forms (this includes topics such as self-confidence, careers, managing money, setting goals) Statutory Citizenship Taking Action – form groups to work collaboratively to support charitable causes throughout the year
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Additional sessions/assemblies:
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| Year 9 | Relationships and Sex Education
Lesson 1 – Introduction, Ground rules and key terminology Lesson 2 – Reproduction and Fertility: The Facts Lesson 3 – Love and Healthy Intimate Relationships (including LGBTQ+) Lesson 4 – The Importance of Consent Lesson 5 – Contraception (1) Lesson 6 – Contraception (2) Lesson 7 – Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections
|
Relationships and Sex Education
Lesson 1 – Managing Sexual Pressure Lesson 2 – Consequences of Teenage Pregnancy Lesson 3 – The Dangers of ‘Sexting’ Lesson 4 – Expectations vs. Reality Lesson 5 – Recognising Unhealthy and Unsafe Relationships – CSE, grooming and abuse Lesson 6 – Recognising unhealthy and unsafe relationships – forced marriage, honour-based violence and FGM |
Relationships and Sex Education
Lesson 1 – Marriage and other types of long term committed relationships Citizenship+ Lesson 2 – Human Rights Lesson 3 – Democracy and other Systems of Government Lesson 4 – Different Electoral Systems Lesson 5 – Government Income and Spending Lesson 6 – The UK and the Wider World
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Living in the Wider World
All year 9 tutor groups participate in a ‘live’ weekly PD session during form time (Tuesday). This covers statutory KS4 Citizenship. Statutory Citizenship Taking Action – form groups work collaboratively to support charitable causes throughout the year.
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Additional sessions/assemblies
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Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)
| Autumn 1 – PD focus morning (Tuesday 12th October) | Autumn 2 – PD focus morning (Friday 3rd December) | Spring 1 – PD focus morning (Monday 7th February) | Summer 2 – PD focus morning (Tuesday 5th July) | Tutor Time | Additional PD sessions (dates to be confirmed) | |
| Year 10 | Mental Wellbeing
Lesson 1 – Common types of mental ill health Lesson 2 – Promoting positive mental well-being and tackling stigma Lesson 3 – Tackling sexual harassment, abuse and violence
|
RSE and staying safe
Lesson 1 – Contraception and STI/STD – recap Lesson 2 – Pregnancy (the facts) and parenting. Lesson 3 – Choices in relation to Pregnancy |
RSE
Lesson 1 – The wider implications of drugs. Lesson 2 – Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Lesson 3 – Accepting and celebrating diversity |
RSE and staying safe
Lesson 1 – Managing relationships, including breakups, change and loss Lesson 2 – Recognising unhealthy and unsafe relationships – domestic abuse Lesson 3 – Extremism, radicalisation and Prevent |
Living in the Wider World
All year 10 tutor groups participate in a ‘live’ weekly PD session during form time (Tuesday) – This covers statutory KS4 Citizenship. Statutory Citizenship Taking Action – form groups work collaboratively to support charitable causes throughout the year |
Additional sessions/assemblies:
|
| Live Tutor Time PD Sessions | Live Tutor Time PD Sessions | Live Tutor Time PD Sessions | Live Tutor Time PD Sessions | Tutor Time | Additional PD sessions (dates to be confirmed) | |
| Year 11 |
Year 11 will have ‘live’ PD sessions during form time – RSE, safety, physical/mental health, diversity; effective study habits and the transition to post-16 options.
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Year 11 will have ‘live’ PD sessions during form time – RSE, safety, physical/mental health, diversity; effective study habits and the transition to post-16 options.
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Year 11 will have ‘live’ PD sessions during form time – RSE, safety, physical/mental health, diversity; effective study habits and the transition to post-16 options. |
Year 11 will have ‘live’ PD sessions during form time – RSE, safety, physical/mental health, diversity; effective study habits and the transition to post-16 options. |
Form time –
All year 11 tutor groups participate in a ‘live’ weekly PD session during form time (Wednesday). Statutory Citizenship Taking Action – form groups to work collaboratively to support charitable causes throughout the year.
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Additional sessions/assemblies:
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Key Stage 5 (Years 12 and 13)
| PD Focus morning 1 (date TBC) | PD Focus morning 2 (Monday 7th February) | PD focus morning (Thursday 24th June 22) | Tutor Time Programme | Tutor Time Live Sessions | Additional PD sessions | |
| Year 12 | CORE THEME 2: RELATIONSHIPS
Session themes:
|
CORE THEME 1: HEALTH AND WELLBEING.
CORE THEME 3: LIVING IN THE WIDER WORLD Session themes:
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CORE THEME 3: LIVING IN THE WIDER WORLD
Choices and Pathways.
Work and careers.
|
CORE THEME 1: HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Year 12 form tutors will be provided with resources for two session per week with their forms. This includes topics such as: Well-being, My-life, Fake News, Cosmetic Surgery, Drugs, Feminism, Free speech & Hate Speech and Honour Violence. |
Live sessions
All year 12 tutor groups will have a ‘live’ PD session during form time. This will be delivered by JB on a Wednesday and will revisit key RSE themes. Statutory Citizenship Taking Action – form groups to work collaboratively to support charitable causes throughout the year. |
Additional sessions/assemblies:
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| Year 13 | CORE THEME 2: RELATIONSHIPS
Session themes
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CORE THEME 3: LIVING IN THE WIDER WORLD
Session themes
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N/A | CORE THEME 1: HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Year 13 form tutors will be provided with resources for two session per week with their forms. This includes topics such as: Climate change, call-out culture and Social Media, Drugs Festival and Parties, Emotional well-being, Toxic and positive masculinity, resilience module, communication module. |
Live sessions
All year 13 tutor groups will have a ‘live’ PD session during form time. This will be delivered by JB on a Wednesday and will revisit key RSE themes. Statutory Citizenship Taking Action – form groups to work collaboratively to support charitable causes throughout the year. |
Additional sessions/assemblies:
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Assessing the Impact of our Personal Development Curriculum
Teacher Level
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Head of Department Level
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Whole school/community level
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