Personal Development Time

Personal Development Time (PDT) is a curriculum subject which consists of three strands:

1. Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHEe)

2. Citizenship

3. Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)

During PDT, students develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe and prepare for life and work in modern Britain.  PDT offers a variety of learning activities which encourage students to become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.

The content is delivered through a variety of methods including:

• Weekly PDT lessons to students in Years 7 to 11
• Assemblies
• Additional sessions using outside providers to give the students up-to- date, information and advice
• Tutor time (such as by using the Votes for Schools platform each week)

PSHEe plays a prominent part in the personal development of each individual. Students are helped to deal with change, manage risk and learn how to cope with new challenges, situations and uncertainty. They also learn how to make the most of their abilities and opportunities so that they develop the confidence to make informed decisions, take responsibility and contribute positively by adopting ‘can-do’ attitudes and being determined to make things happen. Furthermore, students are encouraged to embrace diversity, formulate their own values and attitudes and build effective relationships with others.

Citizenship aims to ensure students gain a strong understanding about becoming an informed citizen. It equips students with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life. Citizenship teaches students about the rights and responsibilities, duties and freedoms and about laws, justice and democracy. It encourages respect from different national, religious and ethnic identities and explores the values we share as citizens in the UK. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for effective and democratic participation, helping them become informed, critical active citizens.

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is a very important part of the curriculum for our students. There are three strands of CEIAG - self-development, career exploration and career management. Students are helped to better understand themselves and their own specific needs and capabilities by being encouraged to explore their personal characteristics, the influences on them and to build and develop a record of their experiences. Increased self-awareness helps students to explore opportunities and use information in positive and realistic ways in developing strategies to aim high to improve their progression in learning. Impartial guidance allows students to make and adjust their own plans and take responsibility for managing career choices, changes and transitions. They are also helped to begin to understand the world of work and its changing career opportunities and to see the relevance of school to their future lives.