Aim
At Rockwood Academy, Personal Development equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in school and beyond. Guided by our CORE values of Collaboration, Opportunity, Respect and Excellence, we develop resilient, responsible and respectful young people who make informed choices, build healthy relationships and contribute positively to society.
Intent
Our curriculum combines PSHE and RSE, health and wellbeing, safeguarding, online safety, financial education, careers, British Values and social responsibility. Students explore relevant issues including consent, mental health, exploitation, vaping, gambling, AI and deepfakes, harmful online content and preparation for adult life. Learning is reinforced through tutor time, assemblies, enrichment and leadership opportunities.
Sequence and Structure
Students receive a dedicated Personal Development lesson each week from Year 7 to Year 11. Learning progresses from identity, transition, friendships and personal safety to more complex relationships, health, safeguarding, finance, careers and independent living.
Each year includes 35 teaching lessons and 3 assessment periods during the year to help us to understand the level of knowledge and understanding students have gained. These are conducted in:
- Autumn 2
- Spring 2
- Summer 2
Retrieval, discussion, scenarios and reflection help students remember more, know more and confidently apply their learning in real-life situations.