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.
From September 2022 all students in years 7 – 13 will have one discrete Personal Development lesson each fortnight. This is also complemented with tutor time sessions, assemblies and occasional ‘off-timetable’ sessions where pupils receive specialist input from trained professionals (e.g., the school nurse) and other organisations/groups (e.g., Millie’s Trust, Brook). This curriculum is planned/monitored/evaluated by the Head of Personal Development and is delivered by a team of specialist teachers.
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
Miss Brereton runs a weekly LGBTQ group. This 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 (2023-2024)
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
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Careers Programme
Virtual Sessions JB – virtual sessions to address topics/issues when they arise & mark PSHE awareness days (e.g. sexual harassment, mental health, anti-bullying, pride month). 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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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 – Campaigns for racial equality 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)
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Careers Programme
Virtual Sessions JB – virtual sessions to address topics/issues when they arise & mark PSHE awareness days (e.g., sexual harassment, mental health, anti-bullying, pride month). 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
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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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Careers Programme
Virtual Sessions JB – virtual sessions to address topics/issues when they arise & mark PSHE awareness days (e.g., sexual harassment, mental health, anti-bullying, pride month). 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 Term (Discrete PD lessons) | Spring Term (Discrete PD lessons) | Summer Term (Discrete PD lessons) | Tutor Time | Additional Sessions | |
Year 10 | Mental Wellbeing and Safety
Lesson 1 – Common types of mental health problems Lesson 2 – Tackling the stigma of men’s mental health Lesson 3 – What does it mean to be a modern man? Tackling toxic masculinity Lesson 4 – Vaping and the risks Lesson 5 – The impact of drugs/alcohol on risk taking and personal safety Lesson 6 – Crime, gangs, and county lines Lesson 7 – Knife Crime |
Relationships and Sex Education
Lesson 1 – Gender Based Violence Lesson 2 – Sexual Harassment, abuse, and violence: The consequences Lesson 3 – Sex, sexuality, and gender Lesson 4 – Fertility and routes to parenthood Lesson 5 – Pregnancy and parenting Lesson 6 – Choices in relation to pregnancy |
Living in the Wider World
Lesson 1 – A* behaviour in the community. Lesson 2 – Accepting and valuing diversity Lesson 3 – Addressing extremism and radicalisation Lesson 4 – The importance of budgeting Lesson 5 – Debit vs. credit – what is the difference? Lesson 6 – Road Safety session (Cheshire Fire and rescue) |
Careers Programme
Virtual Sessions JB – virtual sessions to address topics/issues when they arise & mark PSHE awareness days (e.g., sexual harassment, mental health, anti-bullying, pride month). 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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Year 11 | Health and Wellbeing (online and offline) (1)
Lesson 1 – Dealing with tough, ‘normal’ emotions. Lesson 2 – Mental health throughout life/post-school. Lesson 3 – The media and online world: Exploring the impact on relationships and mental health Lesson 4 – Exercise and diet – what is healthy? Lesson 5 – Addressing extremism and radicalisation Living in the Wider World Lesson 6 – Post 16 options and applications Lesson 7 – Part-time jobs – contracts, pay-slips, rights, and responsibilities |
Relationships and Sex Education
Lesson 1 – Starting a positive, healthy relationship. Lesson 2 – Enthusiastic consent vs. pressure, manipulation, and coercion Lesson 3 – Dealing with relationship break ups Lesson 4 – Grief and bereavement Lesson 5 – Changes in later life. Lesson 6 – Recognising unhealthy and unsafe relationships – domestic abuse. |
Health and Well-being (online and offline) (continued – 2)
Lesson 1 – Maintaining a positive online presence Lesson 2 – Online gambling Lesson 3 – Self-examination and screening (medical service)
FINISH FOR STUDY LEAVE |
Careers Programme
Virtual Sessions JB to deliver to address topics/issues when they arise & mark PSHE awareness days (e.g., sexual harassment, mental health, anti-bullying, pride month, managing exam stress). 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)
Autumn Term (Discrete PD lessons) | Spring Term (Discrete PD lessons) | Summer Term (Discrete PD lessons) | Tutor Time | Additional Sessions | |
Year 12 | Thriving in the sixth form, Wellbeing and Safety
Lesson 1 – What makes an A* Tytherington Sixth Form student? Lesson 2 – Balancing the demands of studying, part-time work, and personal life. Lesson 3 – Managing influences relating to drugs and alcohol Lesson 4 – The wider consequences associated with drugs Lesson 5 – Staying safe when socialising – home and away binge drinking/spiking (1) Lesson 6 – Homelessness Lesson 7 – Vaping: The Facts |
Relationships and Sex Education
Lesson 1 – Consent: revisited Lesson 2 – Contraception and STIs/STDs – recap Lesson 3 – Sexually explicit images/videos – the law and wider impact. Lesson 4 – Tackling sexual harassment in the workplace. Lesson 5 – What does it mean to be a modern man? Positive Masculinity Lesson 6 – Staying safe when socialising – home and away – holidays (2) |
Living in the Wider World
Lesson 1 – Money Management (RR) Lesson 2 – Employability skills Lesson 3 – CV writing (1) Lesson 4 – CV writing (2) Lesson 5 – Part-time jobs – contracts, pay-slips, rights, and responsibilities. Lesson 6 – Driving – the financial implications |
Careers Programme
Virtual PD JB to deliver to address topics/issues when they arise & mark PSHE awareness days (e.g., sexual harassment, mental health, anti-bullying, pride month, managing exam stress)
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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Year 13 | Wellbeing and Living in The Wider World
Lesson 1 – Performance under pressure Lesson 2 – Voting. Lesson 3 – Money Management (RR) Lesson 4 – Part time jobs – contracts, pay slips and rights and responsibilities. Lesson 5 – Online subcultures and extremism Lesson 6 – Social media algorithms Lesson 7 – Cultural appropriation |
Relationships and Sex Education
Lesson 1 – Sex and the media Lesson 2 – Fake news Lesson 3 – Free speech vs. hate speech Lesson 4 – Addiction Lesson 5 – Living away from home – safety, budgeting/bills, and practical considerations. Lesson 6 – The dangers of pay day loans |
Living in the Wider World
Lesson 1 – Renting and buying a house – what is the difference? Lesson 2 – Saving for your future (pension and retirement) Lesson 3 – Messages to your year 7 self
FINISH FOR STUDY LEAVE |
Careers Programme
Virtual PD JB to deliver to address topics/issues when they arise & mark PSHE awareness days (e.g., sexual harassment, mental health, anti-bullying, pride month, managing exam stress)
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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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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