Personal Development
The Personal Development curriculum is currently under review in line with government guidance published in July 2025. The revised programme will be finalised and ready for implementation from September 2026.
At Bishop Barrington we have an ambitious, age appropriate, evidence-based spiral curriculum, which extends beyond the classroom to make learning relevant and truly enriches the lives and learning journey of our pupils and our community. The Personal development curriculum is built upon an ethos that is driven and informed by our students, parents and teachers. As a microcosm of society, our programme is flexible and fluid to meet the needs of local, national and global issues, that will empower our students to thrive in an everchanging, diverse and multi-cultural society. Our commitment to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our students permeates all that we do, being truly, student-centred.
Personal Development centres around the individual. Through a holistic approach to our students we will equip them with the knowledge and empower them with the skills to be happy, healthy and safe individuals who are prepared emotionally, physically, and socially to thrive as their lives grow. Our curriculum supports them to become resilient, reflective, adaptive and resourceful young people who are able to take full responsibility for their health and well-being. This programme encompasses PHSE, Careers, RSE and Citizenship Education, and is designed to give pupils the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe and to prepare them for life and work in modern Britain.
Relationships are the essence of human life; our understanding of self, others and our interactions help to form our personalities, inspire and impact us in the most complex ways. Our dignified curriculum supports students to explore themselves, to understand the principles of healthy relationships in mature manner and how to manage these relationships with self-respect and self-esteem to establish a network around themselves that is healthy and positive. It is essential that students are securely navigated through controversial topics of human sexuality, sexual health and growing up in a respectful environment showing understanding for all. Students will be well-informed and skilled in determining their own boundaries and how to enforce them as they become independent adults.
Ensuring that our students are prepared for life in modern Britain is imperative. Being informed Citizens and understanding their rights, roles and responsibilities within local, national and global communities ensures their ability to contribute effectively to the democratic society in which they live. We provide opportunities for students to engage with politicians, activist groups and law makers to understand the active role they place within society regardless of the political landscape. We facilitate opportunities for students to develop the ability to recognise and challenge prejudiced information that saturates aspects of social media. Our students are given opportunities to be active in our school communities, and importantly, grapple with the issues of local needs, learning how to overcome barriers and develop a sense of collective mutual responsibility to enhance democratic life for all.
To realise potential and self-worth, establishing a fulfilling career pathway is essential to us as human beings. Understanding our motivations can inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves. Impartial careers information, advice and guidance is vital in ensuring our students receive a broad and balanced diet of skills and processes required to achieve their aspirations. Our CIAG programme gives students the ability to understand the vast array of opportunities that exist post-16; whether it is a career in STEM, the arts, vocational or academic routes, every child will be able to recognise and foster their talents into a passionate career. We cultivate aspirations by removing and reducing the barriers to betterment and social mobility. We are innovative in our support of helping them to realise and achieve their goals. Our provision reflects a dynamic culture beyond Academy life, that meets demands of global change. Irrespective of the stage of life, our students will be able to call upon this expertise allowing them to flourish.
Right to be excused from sex education (commonly referred to as the right to withdraw)
Parents have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of the sex education elements delivered within statutory RSE. Upon receiving a formal request, parents/carers will be invited into school for an informal conversation and encouraged to meet with the head teacher (or appropriate senior leader), the subject lead, and, where suitable, their child. This discussion helps ensure that everyone’s views are fully understood and provides an opportunity to clarify the nature, aims, and importance of the curriculum. The school will keep a formal record of this process.
During these conversations, our staff will outline the educational benefits of participating in the programme, as well as any potential disadvantages of withdrawal. These may include the social or emotional impact of being removed from lessons, and the possibility that a child may receive inaccurate second-hand information from peers or online sources rather than clear, factual teaching from highly trained staff who are skilled in delivering sensitive content and safeguarding young people. Parents may be able to mitigate these risks if they choose to deliver sex education at home.
Our aim is always to work collaboratively with families, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of each child’s learning, wellbeing, and personal development.
Parents and Carers can see what we cover in PSHE/SRE below. Any further questions, please let us know.
