PD

At Ferryhill School, our Personal Development curriculum is designed to help every student become their best self and build a bold future.

We recognise that education extends far beyond academic achievement. Our Personal Development programme provides students with the knowledge, skills, experiences and confidence they need to thrive at school, in their relationships, in their future careers and as responsible members of modern Britain.

Our curriculum is planned from Year 7 to Year 11 so that students build their understanding over time. Through dedicated Personal Development lessons, tutor time, assemblies, careers education, enrichment, student leadership, employer engagement and wider school experiences, students are given regular opportunities to explore the issues that will shape their lives.

Our Personal Development curriculum brings together relationships, sex and health education, physical and mental wellbeing, citizenship, British values, equality and protected characteristics, safeguarding, online safety, careers education, financial awareness, character development, leadership and wider enrichment.

At the heart of our programme are the Ferryhill School values of Integrity, Creativity and Excellence. We want students to understand these values and importantly, to demonstrate them through the choices they make, the relationships they build and the contribution they make to our school and wider community.

Our curriculum is shaped by the needs of our students and the community we serve. We recognise that students may face different barriers, experiences and starting points. Our Personal Development provision therefore aims to broaden horizons, raise aspirations and ensure that all students, including those who are disadvantaged, have SEND, are young carers or face other barriers to participation, are able to access meaningful opportunities and support.

We aim to develop students who are confident, respectful, resilient and increasingly independent. Students learn how to keep themselves and others safe, maintain healthy relationships, recognise risk, manage their physical and mental wellbeing, challenge discrimination and prejudice, make informed decisions and know when and how to seek support.

We actively prepare students for life in modern Britain. Through the teaching of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs, students develop an understanding of their rights and responsibilities and learn how they can make a positive contribution to society. They are encouraged to understand and respect difference, recognise the protected characteristics and develop the confidence to challenge discrimination and intolerance.

Careers education is a central part of Personal Development at Ferryhill. From Year 7 onwards, students encounter employers, education and training providers, further and higher education and the world of work. Through careers guidance, labour market information, employer-led projects, workplace experiences and encounters with a wide range of pathways, students develop the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future.

We believe that Personal Development must also be experienced beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to take part in enrichment, sport, creative activities, visits, residential experiences, community projects, student leadership and volunteering. These opportunities allow students to discover new interests, develop their talents, build confidence and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Student voice is an important part of our provision. We listen to students' experiences and use their feedback, alongside safeguarding information, pastoral data and the needs of our local community, to review and develop the curriculum. This ensures that Personal Development remains relevant and responsive to the challenges our students face.

By the time students leave Ferryhill School, our aim is that they are well prepared for their next stage of education, employment or training and for adult life. They should leave us with high aspirations, strong personal values, a secure understanding of how to stay safe and healthy, respect for others and confidence in their ability to make positive choices.

Our Personal Development curriculum ultimately seeks to ensure that every student leaves Ferryhill School equipped not only with qualifications, but with the character, knowledge, experiences and confidence to lead a safe, successful and fulfilling life.