Personal Development at Unsworth Academy
The aim of Personal Development is to give young people the information they need and access to a wide, rich set of experiences in a coherently planned way. Opportunities are given for learners to develop their talents and interests by extending beyond the academic, technical, and vocational elements of school life. Unsworth Academy aims to recognise that learners are influenced by many factors outside of school’s control but teach resilience and build confidence to help determine how well young people cope with these experiences.
Effective personal development encourages learners to understand the importance of becoming responsible, respectful, and active citizens. it enables learners to mature and build character to flourish in society. Personal development ensures that learners feel empowered in making decisions for the next steps in their education and lives overall.
Learners should understand the benefits of positive well-being, understand their own strengths and be able to set achievable goals. This is encouraged through PSHE lessons, the Personal Development curriculum delivered in form time, the Learner Progress Portfolio’s, Assemblies, Drop down days and outstanding leadership opportunities.
Personal Development is linked to PSHE and we aim to dedicate a minimum of 70 minutes weekly through lesson time and form activity time. Topics covered in PSHE are linked through activities in form time to enable time for discussion and understanding.
British Values
- Respect, tolerance for others and inclusiveness permeate our school community. Every individual is valued and encouraged to believe they can succeed.
- We use the four Fundamental British Values to underpin all our work in school, building a greater sense of self identity and awareness of our place in the wider world;
- Democracy – all are free to express opinions, willing to listen to others with different views, have a role in influencing decision-making.
- Rule of law – laws protect everyone, no one is above the law. All are aware of rights and responsibilities.
- Mutual respect and tolerance – raising understanding and tackling prejudice so all are treated with dignity and respect.
- Individual liberty – freedom, for example the right to act, believe and express oneself in a manner of one’s own choosing.