Personal Development

At Astrea Woodfields, we strive to fulfil the potential of all pupils in a range of key areas throughout their five years of study and then through in to the Sixth Form. Academic success is one of our priorities, but ensuring that our pupil have the necessary life skills to prepare them for life out of school in an ever evolving society is also a key priority.

Personal development is delivered through three discreet core themes; Relationships, Health and Wellbeing and Living in the Wider World (which also includes Careers Education, Information Advice and Guidance). At Astrea Woodfields, we deliver lessons which are interactive, participative and engaging; pupils views are sought and members of the student council are involved in the development of the curriculum programme. All lessons are inclusive of difference, including other cultures, ethnicity, disability, faith, age, sexual orientation and gender identity.

At Astrea Woodfields we have designed and implemented a well sequenced, responsive curriculum that is increasingly ambitious year on year and accessible to all students.

The statutory guidance is comprehensively covered by learning opportunities across all three core themes. Even though much of ‘Living in the Wider World’ is not included in statutory requirements, the theme as a whole remains vitally important for pupils’ personal development and economic wellbeing, as well as in supporting schools to meet the Gatsby Benchmarks for careers education as part of the DfE Careers Strategy.

The Programme of study identifies a broad range of important issues, but it is essential to prioritise quality over quantity (so that PSHE lessons are not simply a series of one-off, disconnected sessions) whilst ensuring that our programme reflects the universal needs of all children and young people, as well as the specific needs of the pupils in our school and community.

At key stage 3, students build on the knowledge and understanding, skills, attributes and values they have acquired and developed during the primary phase. PSHE education acknowledges and addresses the changes that young people experience, beginning with transition to secondary school, the challenges of adolescence and their increasing independence. It teaches the knowledge and skills which will equip them for the opportunities and challenges of life. Students learn to manage diverse relationships, their online lives, and the increasing influence of peers and the media.

At key stage 4, students deepen knowledge and understanding, extend and rehearse skills, and further explore attitudes, values and attributes acquired during key stage 3. PSHE education reflects the fact that students are moving towards an independent role in adult life, taking on greater responsibility for themselves and others.

At key stage 5 students deepen knowledge and understanding, extend and rehearse skills, and further explore attitudes, values and attributes acquired during key stage 4.  PSHE education reflects the fact that students are moving towards an independent role in adult life, taking on greater responsibility for themselves and others, effectively planning and organising for appropriate progression routes

RSE We sensitively teach lessons which will help our students to identify signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and the impact these can have.

We develop knowledge and understanding of the different types of families and relationships, including LGBTQ+.

We educate students so that they are able to develop positive and healthy relationships with their peers, both now and in the future, as well as demonstrating respect for themselves and others.

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of their own emotions, being able to manage them effectively.

**We deliver appropriately times lessons which teaches students about choice, consent, contraception and pregnancy.

Health and Wellbeing We will help students get to know and understand their bodies, including having a healthy and positive body image.

Students will develop knowledge on the importance of diet, fitness, oral hygiene and the impact of puberty.

We will help students to have positive self-esteem by promoting self-care and encouraging them to talk about their emotions, signposting where students and families can access support.

We will educate students in how to look after their own, and others, mental health and wellbeing.

Students will learn ley life skills, such as how to respond in emergency and non-emergency situations, and first aid.

Living in the Wider World Students will learn how to apply the British values of Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, Tolerance for different faiths and beliefs, having a positive outlook towards school and the wider community.

We will educate students to be able to approach a range of real-life situations and apply their skills and attributes to help navigate themselves through modern life.

Through guidance interventions, students will demonstrate increased self-confidence and enhanced decision-making skills which will lead to an increased ability to navigate post-16 and post-18 pathways.

We will teach students about risks such as knife crime, strangers, road, rail and water safety, drugs, gangs, sexual harassment and extremism.

We will educate students so they know how to stay safe online and what their digital footprint is, as well as how to report concerns.

Students will develop age-appropriate knowledge on saving, debt and budgeting, helping them to make informed choices as they progress through the different life phases.

We will teach students about anti-discrimination, underpinned by the Equality Act.

CEIAG Students will be provided with a range of information about future choices and be given a plethora of support in relation to their next steps.

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of employability skills, and learn how to successful apply for university and a variety employment opportunities, understanding how to create a professional C.V and how to effectively plan and perform in an interview.

 

** families are given the right to withdraw

 

British Values Lessons and enrichment activities and the ethos of the school, will help students to understand Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, Tolerance for different faiths and beliefs.
Student Voice Students opinions and views will be heard and collected, so that our students are a part of the personal development offer at Woodfields.

There are numerous opportunities for students to lead initiatives and deliver change, will helps to develop skills for the wider world.

Students receive support on issues which are important to them.

Character Education We will provide opportunities for students to strengthen their character with a wealth of activities in lessons, as part of enrichment programmes and the wider community.
SMSC Spiritual – students will connect with other faiths and values and reflect of their experiences.

Moral – students will understand the difference between right and wrong, understanding the consequences and how to solve moral/social dilemmas.

Social – students will effectively develop and use a range of social skills with others and feel a part of our school and the wider community.

Cultural – students will develop knowledge, understanding and appreciation of their own culture or heritage.

Behaviour, Culture and Context Our Personal Development programme encourages good behaviour and embeds positive attitudes.

At Woodfields, we will be responsive to arising needs within the school, as well as locally and Nationally.

 

Wider opportunities We provide all students with the opportunity to participate in initiatives and activities, which aim to develop their interests, talents, leadership skills and connections with the local community.

This is done through enrichment opportunities within a number of departments, sports leaders qualifications, Duke of Edinburgh, Student council, etc.

Engagement to these opportunities is monitored and analysed to ensure equity for all of our students.

SEND and vulnerable students Reasonable adjustments are made to support learning and empower students through the PD programme.

Resources and material is developmentally appropriate.

Personal Development helps to promote independence and transition by helping students to stay safe in and out of school.

Personal Development at Woodfields is targeted to increase attendance, participation and engagement.

Parent and Carer partnerships Parents and Carers will receive Personal Development communication on topics being taught, support available and student achievements.

Parents and Carers will have access to the PD curriculum and various policies to allow the opportunity for this learning to be extended at home.

 

Personal Development Booklet

AAW Character Education 2022 23 Assemblies Calendar

AAW Personal Development

Job Description student council 2022_23

Student council 2022_23 Application_Form

PSHE and Apollo curriculum maps

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