Personal Development
Personal Development Curriculum Intent
At The Buckingham School, we are committed to delivering a comprehensive and high-quality Personal Development (PD) curriculum that aligns with statutory guidance and meets the expectations set out in the PSHE Association’s Programme of Study.
Our PD curriculum is built on a spiral model, meaning that key themes and concepts are revisited regularly. This approach enables students to deepen their understanding and apply their learning in increasingly complex ways as they move through the school. The curriculum is designed to help students thrive both in and beyond school, supporting smooth transitions into secondary education and preparing them for further education, employment, or training.
Central to our PD curriculum are the three core learning behaviours: Responsibility, Respect, and Reflection. These values are embedded throughout our teaching and help shape well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to society.
How We Will Achieve Our Intent
- Develop a Spiral Curriculum: We will deliver a carefully planned PSHE curriculum that fully incorporates statutory guidance and is mapped to the PSHE Association's Programme of Study. This ensures a coherent and progressive learning journey for every student. Our curriculum is also responsive and adaptable, allowing us to address emerging societal issues that may affect our students' lives.
- Promote Inclusivity and High Expectations: We are dedicated to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students are supported and challenged. Using adaptive teaching strategies, we will set high expectations while providing appropriate scaffolding and resources to meet individual needs.
Personal Development Ethos
Our Ethos in Personal Development
- Support the needs of our students
We provide tailored guidance to meet the unique needs of every student, recognising that each learner is different. We stay up to date with key societal trends and issues. - Develop our students holistically
We believe in nurturing the whole child, balancing academic success with personal growth and social well-being. - Learning is a lifelong process
We instil the belief that learning is a lifelong journey, encouraging students to continue developing their skills and knowledge beyond the classroom, and into their next steps.
Key Stage 3 – Engaged: Learning with Kindness and Curiosity
In Key Stage 3, we spark students’ passion for learning in PD through a broad, engaging curriculum that covers the three topics: Health & Well-being, Living in the Wider World and Relationships & Sex Education (RSE). We foster a love of learning by encouraging students to explore, question, and discover.
Respect is modelled and taught in every lesson, helping students form positive relationships and understand the value of empathy and inclusion. Additionally, kindness and curiosity are encouraged in every lesson, where students are inspired to explore, ask questions, and think critically.
Students are introduced to Reflection as a key aspect of their learning process—while developing Responsibility for their own progress, behaviour, and impact on others.
Our approach is underpinned by the belief in Success for All, ensuring every learner feels valued, supported and equipped to succeed. By the end of Key Stage 3, students are curious, respectful learners who are actively engaged and ready to take increasing responsibility for their learning journey.
Key Stage 4 – Independent: Taking Responsibility for Learning and Growth
In Key Stage 4, students deepen their understanding of three key topics, Health & Well-being, Living in the Wider World and Relationships & Sex education (RSE, in a way that is age-appropriate and relevant to their future aspirations. The curriculum challenges them to think critically, reflect thoughtfully, and act with increasing independence.
Responsibility becomes central, as students are encouraged to manage their time, make informed decisions, and take ownership of their learning and conduct.
Respect continues to be reinforced, particularly as students navigate the pressures of adolescence, exams, and emerging adulthood. Students need to be respectful to the range of views and beliefs, and challenge these in an appropriate way when necessary.
Reflection is integrated throughout the curriculum. Students consider their views before exploring new topics and are guided to reflect on how their perspectives may evolve. They are also encouraged to examine diverse viewpoints and develop empathy and tolerance.
Our inclusive ethos ensures that Success for All remains a guiding principle—empowering every student to take ownership of their learning, make independent choices, and achieve their full potential, regardless of background or aspiration. Our commitment to Success for All remains at the heart of what we do in PD. Every student is supported to reach their full potential, regardless of background, by developing the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed for confidence and success in their next steps. By the end of Key Stage 4, our students are confident, independent thinkers who are ready to meet the challenges of further education, training, or employment—equipped with the personal values and practical skills to succeed.
Careers in Personal Development
We cover careers throughout the PD curriculum and the topics we teach are designed to ensure that students are able to make fully informed decisions regarding their next steps once they leave The Buckingham School.
Personal Identity and Self-Awareness: Encouraging students to reflect on their own values, interests, and strengths to build a clear sense of identity.
Careers and the World of Work: Introducing students to a range of career options, pathways, and further education opportunities to support informed future planning.
Financial Literacy and Responsibility: Equipping students with essential money management skills, including how to budget, save, and understand borrowing.
Health and Wellbeing: Supporting students in maintaining both physical and mental health, recognising their importance for long-term personal and professional success.
Positive Relationships and Social Skills: Helping students develop the skills to form and maintain healthy, respectful relationships—key for collaboration and effective teamwork.
LEARNING JOURNEY
