Personal Development
Here at the Howard, we strive to prepare students for life after formal education and give them the tools to be active and responsible citizens. Our Personal Development curriculum allows every student to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed for this.
The programme allows students to investigate the various relationships they form and contributions which they make, and covers topics such as:
- Citizenship and British values*
- Careers education, information, advice and guidance
- Digital citizenship and online safety
- Physical and mental wellbeing
- Relationships and sex education
These topics are covered across all five years and are taught in Personal Development lessons (years 7-11) and Learning for Life. As parents, you have the right to withdraw your child(ren) from sex education lessons in if you wish. Please refer to the RSE policy here for information. Any requests to withdraw must be emailed to the Personal Development lead Niall.Stillwell@thehoward.thpt.org.uk.
Topics covered in Personal Development lesson by Year Group can be found in our Learning Journey here.
Learning for Life
The Learning 4 Life Programme
At the Howard we recognise the importance of our pastoral care on the personal development of our students. All students take part in an afternoon tutor session (Learning4Life) every day to ensure they are able to fully benefit from their daily contact with their form tutor. During this time, students participate in various sessions:
Assemblies - these may be Year or House assemblies and are based on current events and topical themes, often linking in with British Values. External speakers are invited to present on key issues.
Life Skills - students learn through age-appropriate content which supports them in their personal development and helps prepare them for the future. Information about the topics covered in each year can be found below. These sessions cover aspects of the Personal Development curriculum.
Reading – Depending on the year group, this could be the Accelerated Reader programme, Reading Challenges or Pre-read/Read/Respond.
Numeracy Ninja – To develop numeracy skills
Hot Topics - these sessions provide opportunities to engage with and discuss current news headlines
Study/Revision/Check-ins – Scheduled for Years 10/11 to dedicate time to good revision routines for their exams.
Life Skills topics
Year 7
Actions and consequences: Introducing community values
Facing challenge: Building confidence/resilience to cope with failure and problem solving
Holistic health: Encouraging positive physical and mental health
Careers: Exploring careers and areas of interest
Exam ready: Explaining revision techniques for the end of year exams
Online Safety: Raising awareness of online dangers
Year 8
Personal Progress: Exploring values such as respect and integrity
Inclusivity: Developing understanding of diversity and discrimination
Online safety: Creating support videos for online risks
Healthy body and mind: Developing positive physical and mental health
Careers: Considering possible career choices as well as LMI and employment law
British values and living in Britain: Linking individual values with those of the country
Financial responsibility: Learning how to manage and control money and assets
Year 9
Anti-racism: Discussing the issue of race in society
KS4 options: Supporting and guiding through the options process
Personal well-being: Practising techniques to support a healthy mind
Online Safety: Exploring risks of cyber-bullying, image sharing and child on child abuse
Gender & Sexuality: Understanding gender stereotyping, sexuality and transgender
The Apprentice: A creative unit where students undertake business tasks
Career skills: Developing employability skills
Year 10
Social Justice: Research-based unit exploring topics of equality, wealth and privilege
Work experience: Introducing the work experience programme
Online safety: Linking online risks to behaviours and actions
Exam ready: Explaining how to improve outcomes through positive actions
Careers - What’s next?: Considering post-16 options and accessing support
Year 11
Adulting: Preparing for life beyond school – finances, getting a job, renting/buying property, driving
Careers: Applications, promoting yourself and interviews
Anti-racism: Discussing the issue of race in society
Exam Ready: Preparing for external examinations