Subject Overview

We use the Personal Development curriculum to equip our students with knowledge and skills that are vital to their success as an adult. The lessons take place weekly on a Wednesday for the whole school. It is a spiral curriculum that includes the RSE curriculum as well as other important PSHE topics.

"We use the Derbyshire 'My life My View’ survey annually to check the knowledge of key issues with our students. We then add to the curriculum if necessary any issues that are required."

Statement of intent  

Tibshelf Community School believes that Character and Personal Development Education is important to help our students develop into well-rounded members of society, who can make a positive contribution to their community. Our approach to promoting Personal Development is linked throughout our curriculum, which is then supplemented through a range of activities throughout the year, such as Personal Development Days, educational visits, assemblies, and guest speakers.

Through our Personal Development provision, we aim to ensure:

• Our school is one where everyone is encouraged and supported to achieve their personal best.
• Our school is welcoming, inclusive, has a real community feel and is a place where everyone is valued.
• Students are developed to become responsible, respectful, and active citizens.
• Students are encouraged to develop our Character Values, Community Spirit, Curiosity, Integrity, Resilience, Respect and Positivity.
• Students are prepared for the world of work and the next phase of their education.

The Personal Development curriculum is designed to support our students to become confident, independent, and responsible citizens, who can make informed and safe choices and decisions throughout their lives.

The curriculum includes a wide range of topics, each of which helps to further support and inspire our students to take a more active role in their own development and success. These topics include, character education, promoting equality, British Values, careers and employability, relationship and sexuality education (RSE), drug awareness and health education, finance education and the importance of physical activity and diet.

Personal Development lessons form part of a spiral curriculum and take place weekly for all year groups.

Both the KS3 and KS4 are carefully sequenced to allow for topics to be built upon in a logical order and importantly, accessible for all. Independent learning is built into the curriculum alongside the importance of retention and resilience. Opportunities to develop oracy skills are heavily embedded, which allows students to discuss topics and share their thoughts in a safe and well-managed environment. These skills are imperative to ensure that students are suitably prepared for further education, careers, and the ever-changing world.

Assessment Information KS3 & KS4

There are no formal assessments for Personal Development lessons. Students are however, assessed at the end of each topic to check understanding of key concepts. 

Personal Development Curriculum Intent

To access the full Personal Development Policy, please see the Policy and Procedures area of our website.

Website Links

• Childline 
• NSPCC
• Young Minds
• Kooth
• NHS
• CEOP
• BBC Bitesize
• Papyrus
• Frank