Personal Development
If the culture of our school affects the character of our students, and the character of our students then eventually shapes the culture of our society, undoubtedly what we teach our students and the knowledge and habits they acquire, and build makes a genuine difference to society.
Our students are involved in the pursuit of knowledge to benefit their own lives and the lives of others. We believe that knowledge is powerful. We believe that our actions become our habits, our habits become our character, our character is who we are - and this can have a lasting impact on others.
This mission is underpinned by our values, curiosity, commitment, and compassion. Our personal development curriculum allows students to embody these all-important character traits by supporting our students to develop a culture of scholarship and a love of learning where intellectual curiosity and rigour is valued.
The curriculum will encourage students to search for truth, fight ignorance and take personal responsibility for their actions. It inspires our students to give back to our community and find a deep sense of belonging, while cherishing individuality.
Our vision is to develop students who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, experiences and dispositions to be ambitious individuals who take ownership of their lives, show kindness and acceptance of others and kind contribute positive to society, leaving a long-lasting impact.
To become curious
- About the world around me
- About my subject beyond the specification
- About the beliefs and views of others
To grow compassion
- By caring for the lives of others
- By deepening my understanding and empathy
- By displaying tolerance and acceptance of others
To be committed to
- My character
- My future
- My passions
- My health and wellbeing
- My relationships
- My community
Examples of the opportunities and academic and personal enrichment offered for each character trait.
End points for the personal development curriculum
To become curious
At the end of KS5 students will have developed an interested and enquiring mind, seeking to understand and find truth in all that they do and come across.
Students will have a genuine love of learning and will have immersed themselves in opportunities and experiences that have aided and developed this. Students will be accepting of the views and beliefs of others and will celebrate and cherish diversity and individuality.
Students will have a wealth of knowledge and understanding beyond a subject specification which will allow them to participate in society and have a greater and more informed view of the world around them.
To grow compassion
At the end of KS5 students will feel a deep sense of belonging into a caring community, showing kindness, gratitude, and acceptance towards others.
Students will have embarked on a number of opportunities which have allowed them to give back to the community, support the learning and wellbeing of others and gain skills which can benefit others in the future.
Students will have a strong moral code, celebrate diversity and share the belief that knowledge can benefit the lives of others
To be committed
At the end of KS5 students will be ambitious individuals who are well informed and prepared for their next steps. Students will have a wealth of experiences and dispositions, which allow them to interact in society and apply for their university or career pathway of choice.
Students have embedded effective habits into their daily lives which have allowed them to be successful in their academic studies now and in the future.
Students have developed a range of soft skills and conversational techniques which have allowed them to be confident and successful at interview and when interacting in society. Students will be well informed about relationships, interactions, and wellbeing, allowing them to integrate well into different communities.