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Personal Development Programme
BackA curriculum for life
At Hertswood, our PD programme is built upon our five key values; Courtesy, Aspiration, Integrity, Resilience and Respect. Designed to equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need for their next steps, the PDP curriculum instils a sense of moral purpose, empathy and understanding and provides all of our students with opportunities to grow as active, healthy and engaged citizens.
Our vision
Through the Personal Development Programme we aim to ensure that every student leaves Hertswood with :
- the character and values to become a responsible, caring and confident adult.
- the knowledge of how to build, create and sustain meaningful relationships that lead to social fulfilment.
- the ability to pursue further study or employment in a way that is informed and leads to professional success in a diverse and demanding world.
- the understanding of how to live in a healthy way that promotes safety and happiness.
- the ability to embrace challenges with resilience and aspiration.
Curriculum structure
PDP is an integral part of our curriculum at Hertswood for all students from Year 7 through to Year 13. PDP lessons complement subject-based learning and support cultural development, promoting British values, providing careers information and guidance and exam preparation and reflection. The PDP curriculum is delivered through a half hour daily session with their tutor as well as areas of the subject curriculum.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| 7 | Newsletter | PSHE | Assembly | PSHE | Computing |
| 8 | Newsletter | PSHE | PSHE | Computing | Assembly |
| 9 | Assembly | Newsletter | PSHE | PSHE | Computing |
| 10 | Newsletter | Assembly | PSHE | PSHE | Debating |
| 11 | Newsletter | PSHE | PSHE | Assembly | Debating |
| 12 | Study skills | PSHE | Assembly | Quiz | Independent Enrichment |
| 13 | Assembly | PSHE | Study skills | Quiz | Independent Enrichment |
PSHE
“Students in Sixth Form access a well-planned personal, social, health and economic education curriculum” -OFSTED 2022
PSHE education equips young people with the tools they need to thrive: knowledge, understanding, strategies, and practical skills for a safe, healthy, and productive life. At Hertswood Academy, we take a thematic approach to PSHE education, focusing on the core themes of Health & Wellbeing, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World. By dedicating two half-terms to each theme, we enable students to build upon their knowledge progressively and reinforce key statutory content. This approach ensures that our curriculum is age-appropriate and allows students to connect new information with what they already know, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Newsletter
During the weekly newsletter session, students take a moment to reflect on their journey and track their personal growth. This valuable time also allows us to share important messages, explore the week's themes, and delve into current events.
Assemblies
Assemblies are a cornerstone of Personal Development at Hertswood Academy. Our thoughtfully curated assembly program ensures all students engage with a diverse range of topics, including British values, local and national current events, career insights from external speakers, and key annual celebrations.
To recognise and reward student excellence, effort, and achievement, we hold year-group award assemblies at the end of each term. Staff nominate students for Hertswood Values awards, and the Head of Key Stage and Headteacher present these awards, along with the prestigious Student of the Term prize.
Computing
At Hertswood Academy, our Key Stage 3 Computing curriculum aims to ignite a passion for digital technologies and equip students with the essential computational thinking and digital literacy skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century. We believe that computing is more than just using technology; it's about understanding how it works, developing creative solutions to problems, and becoming responsible and informed digital citizens. By the end of key stage 3, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study. Computing sessions are delivered to all KS3 students once a week.
Debating
Our debating curriculum empowers all KS4 students with essential life skills. Debating not only boosts confidence but also sharpens critical thinking, fosters collaboration, and cultivates respect for others. Students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly, analyse information critically, and work effectively as a team. These skills will benefit them throughout their academic journey and beyond, preparing them for personal and professional success.
Right to withdraw consent for sex education
Our PSHE curriculum for Years 7-11 covers a range of important topics designed to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of modern life. Including within this are lessons on:
- Healthy Relationships: Exploring friendships, intimate relationships, family dynamics, and the significance of consent.
- Personal Development: Understanding puberty, personal hygiene, and the emotional changes that accompany adolescence.
- Staying Safe: Learning about online safety, sexual health, contraception, and how to seek support.
We believe that open and honest discussions are vital in helping young people make informed choices. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about these topics in a safe and supportive environment. However, if you do not wish their child to participate in the sex education programme you are able to request them being withdrawn from these lessons. However, please be aware that the statutory guidance does outline clear times this is not possible:
- Parents are not able to withdraw their child from any aspect of Relationships education or Health education.
- Parents are able to withdraw their child (following discussion with the school) from any or all aspects of Sex education, other than those which are part of the science curriculum, up to and until three terms before the age of 16.
- After that point, the guidance states that ‘if the child wishes to receive sex education rather than be withdrawn, the school should make arrangements to provide the child with sex education during one of those terms.’
- Where students are withdrawn from sex education, schools should document the process and will have to ‘ensure that the pupil receives appropriate, purposeful education during the period of withdrawal.’
Even if a child is withdrawn, many young people will discuss such issues with each other outside the classroom. We hope all students will have the opportunity to take part in our carefully planned lessons to support them in their understanding of what are often relevant and sensitive topics based on factual information in a safe setting.
Should you wish to discuss your right to withdraw your child from any or all Sex Education lessons, please complete the right to withdraw consent request form and hand it in at reception for the attention of Beatrice Adamson (Lead Practitioner of PDP). You will then be contacted to arrange a discussion to agree on the next steps.