Personal Development
What is personal development?
Personal development refers to a curriculum that both supports and extends beyond the academic, technical and vocational. Its purpose is to build confidence and character by promoting self-reflection and self-worth to raise aspirations and improve employability as pupils learn about themselves and the modern world. It aims to ensure all pupils are well prepared by developing the cultural capital skills, knowledge and understanding they need to lead happy, healthy, independent lives and to become informed, responsible, respectful and active citizens; being actively involved and contributing to the wider society and life in Britain.
What is included in personal development?
At Durham Johnston Comprehensive School, personal development includes the following:
- SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural) education
- British values
- Protected characteristics
- Character education
- Religious education (RE)
- PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) education
- RSE (relationships and sex) education
- Health education
- Citizenship education
- CEIAG (careers education information, advice and guidance)
- Extra-curricular offer
- Educational visits
Personal development supports all pupils in their spiritual, moral, physical, emotional, cultural and intellectual development according to their needs, and regardless of their social and/or economic backgrounds.
Elements of PD can also be found in all academic sessions (SMSC) with key areas considered through the tutor programme and assemblies. Personal development is therefore both part of the academic curriculum, and also extends beyond to include the co-curriculum. It fosters a sense of pride, belonging and identity in our school as it is hinged upon and promotes our core values as well as ethical leadership, SMSC and British values. It is the foundation of the learning community at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School.