“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10
Our Personal Development curriculum aims to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, understanding and character they need to make informed choices, lead confident, healthy and independent lives, and become responsible and active members of society. Through a carefully planned programme encompassing PSHE, Relationships and Sex Education, Citizenship, Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), and wider enrichment opportunities, pupils are supported to flourish socially, emotionally, morally, spiritually and academically.
Personal Development is woven throughout school life and is underpinned by our Ascent Programme, which supports pupils in developing the personal qualities, resilience and aspirations needed to thrive both in school and beyond. Through a broad, balanced, aspirational and responsive curriculum, pupils are encouraged to understand themselves, recognise their potential and develop the confidence to overcome challenges and embrace opportunities.
Our curriculum promotes pupils' physical, mental, emotional, social and economic wellbeing, helping them to develop a strong sense of self-worth and an understanding of how they are growing personally and socially. Pupils learn how to build and maintain positive relationships, respect diversity and difference, recognise and manage risk, and know where to access support when needed. We ensure pupils are equipped to recognise online and offline risks and understand the safe and responsible use of technology.
Through Citizenship education, pupils gain a secure understanding of democracy, government, the rule of law and the justice system. They develop the knowledge and skills needed to participate actively in society, evaluate information critically, debate respectfully, and engage thoughtfully with political, social, moral and cultural issues. Pupils are encouraged to understand both their rights and responsibilities and to recognise the importance of contributing positively to their communities.
We are committed to promoting equality, inclusion and respect for all. Pupils learn about fundamental British Values, protected characteristics and the importance of fostering a fair and inclusive society based on justice, liberty, peace and human dignity. Through volunteering, leadership opportunities and enrichment experiences, pupils develop a sense of responsibility and recognise the positive impact they can have locally, nationally and globally.
Our Personal Development curriculum also prepares pupils for their future by developing financial literacy, career awareness and decision-making skills. Through a comprehensive careers programme, pupils are supported to raise their aspirations, understand the opportunities available to them and make successful transitions into further education, employment or training.
In partnership with parents and carers, we aim to ensure that every pupil leaves school with the confidence, character, knowledge and skills to lead a fulfilling life, make positive contributions to society and achieve their full potential.
Curriculum Intention:
- Develop confidence, resilience, self-worth and a strong sense of identity.
- Understand how to maintain positive physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
- Build healthy, respectful and positive relationships.
- Recognise and manage online and offline risks and understand how to access support.
- Respect diversity and difference, promoting equality, inclusion and mutual respect.
- Understand democracy, government, the rule of law and the responsibilities of citizenship.
- Become responsible, respectful and active citizens who contribute positively to society.
- Develop the ability to think critically, evaluate information and debate issues thoughtfully and respectfully.
- Engage in leadership, volunteering and community opportunities that develop character and civic responsibility.
- Manage money effectively and develop the financial understanding needed for adult life.
- Raise aspirations and make informed decisions about future education, training and employment.
- Reflect on their personal development and recognise their role within school, the local community and wider society.
- Leave school prepared to thrive in modern Britain and live life to the full.
Curriculum Design
/files/documents/PDE_Curriculum_Plan_2026-2027.pdf
For more information about our sixth form course provision please follow the link below:
Courses « St. Anthony’s & St. Aidan’s Catholic Sixth Form (aaasixthform.com)
Implementation:
The Personal Development Education (PDE) curriculum is delivered on a fortnightly basis and provides a broad, balanced and age-appropriate programme that reflects the diverse needs of our students. The curriculum encompasses key areas including Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE), citizenship, health education, personal finance, careers education, and information, advice and guidance.
Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond the curriculum, contributing fully to the life of the school and the wider community. Through these opportunities, students learn to recognise their own worth, work effectively with others and become increasingly responsible for their own learning and personal development. They are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and develop an understanding of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues that form an important part of growing up. Students also learn about the political and social institutions that influence their lives, alongside their rights, responsibilities and duties as members of society. Through this, they develop respect for diversity, difference and our shared humanity, enabling them to build positive and fulfilling relationships.
The Personal Development Programme is underpinned by the school's wider priorities, including the 101 Things to Do programme, Mental Health and Wellbeing, RSHE, SMSC development and Safeguarding. It is delivered through four key strands:
- Identity and Moral Development
- Living in the Wider World
- Relationships and Social Development
- Careers and Economic Wellbeing
Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) is delivered through the Ten Ten Life to the Full programme, which teaches relationships and health education within the context of a Christian understanding of human sexuality rooted in the teachings and wisdom of the Catholic Church.
A wide range of opportunities for personal development are provided throughout students' educational journey. The programme is delivered through the PDE curriculum, wellbeing weeks, cross-curricular learning opportunities, enrichment activities and the wider life of the school. Enrichment opportunities include both co-curricular activities, which enhance academic learning through experiences such as educational visits and guest speakers, and extra-curricular activities, including breakfast clubs, after-school clubs and wider participation opportunities.
Throughout the year, students engage with a variety of assemblies, themed events and collapsed timetable activities. These often involve external partners and specialist agencies who deliver workshops and presentations on important issues. Recent examples include: ESH Construction, Teenage Cancer Trust and Go Smarter Sustainable Travel. Students are also provided with opportunities to engage with employers, visit workplaces and universities, and gain a greater understanding of future career pathways, the world of work and the importance of educational achievement.
Further opportunities for personal development are embedded through school assemblies, educational visits, guest speakers and whole-school and subject-specific events, such as the Maths Challenge, Spelling Bee and other enrichment activities.
The school's RSE Lead is Mrs Gardner, who works closely with the Head of PDE, the PDE delivery team and the Safeguarding Team to ensure that the curriculum is effectively planned, delivered and responsive to the needs of all students.
Impact:
At St Aidan’s Catholic Academy, the greatest measure of the impact of the Personal Development curriculum is the positive progress students make in their personal growth, character development and readiness for life beyond school. Our curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to lead confident, healthy and independent lives, enabling them to become informed, active and responsible citizens in modern Britain.
Through the Personal Development programme, students develop a deep understanding of democracy, government, citizenship and the rights and responsibilities of individuals within society. They are able to apply their knowledge and understanding confidently, developing the skills to research and interrogate evidence, debate and evaluate differing viewpoints, present reasoned arguments and take informed action on issues that matter to them and their communities.
Students make progress in their ability to use a range of research strategies, weigh up evidence critically, construct persuasive arguments and substantiate their conclusions. They gain first-hand experience of different ways that citizens can work together to address challenges, contribute positively to society and support the common good. As a result, they become increasingly aware of their role in creating positive change within their school, local community and wider society.
The curriculum also supports students in developing resilience, self-awareness and sound judgement. They learn to recognise risks, understand the potential consequences of their actions and make informed decisions that support their wellbeing and future aspirations.
As a Catholic school, we ensure that the young people in our care develop values and morals that guide their choices and actions. Students are encouraged to show respect for the dignity and rights of every human person, regardless of faith, background or belief. Through this understanding, they are equipped to contribute positively to society, promote tolerance and respect, and support authentic social cohesion.
Ultimately, our pupils leave St Aidan’s as well-rounded, compassionate and confident individuals who are prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.