The PD curriculum is underpinned by the ethos and values of The Priory Belvoir Academy and we uphold it as an entitlement for all our students.  We recognise the need to work with parents and carers to ensure a shared understanding of PD and to deliver an effective and personalised programme that meets the needs of our students.   Like other subjects, discrete personal development lessons gradually build key concepts and skills through topics that are relevant to the student’s age and stage of development. PD covers a wide range of topics and curriculum areas based on the following strands:

• Relationships and Sex Education (statutory RSHE)
• Staying Safe Online/Offline
• British Values, Equality & Diversity and Citizenship
• Careers – Next Steps
• Health & Wellbeing

Delivery

• Lessons Character Development and PD delivered during tutor time (8.40am-9.05am)
• Assemblies delivered in Year groups (8.40-9.05am)
• Drop Down Days - a full day off timetable where students spend the day focusing on specific areas of PD pertinent to each year group. These include multi-agency days when multiple external agencies are invited in to deliver sessions (minimum 1 per year group)
• External speakers – specialists are regularly invited to speak with our students on topics such as drug and alcohol awareness, contraception and Higher Education 
• Curriculum – We work collaboratively with curriculum leaders so that the PD curriculum enhances the learning and skills developed in subject areas. 

PD Tutor Time

 

Daily PD Tutor Time sessions aim to support the development of our students so that they are fully equipped and confident to tackle the challenges that life in the wider world may bring. Students engage in broader discussions around concepts and ideas (e.g. understanding cultural differences and the responsibilities of citizenship), as well as practical strategies and advice such as managing personal finances, career options and personal health and safety.

 

Currently in Year 7, 8 & 9 during tutor time students are following a joints PD and reading programme. Three texts have been chosen; each text covers a range of PSHE themes which are relevant for the appropriate year group. Tutors read aloud whilst students follow, reading from their own books. At the end of every chapter student’s complete comprehension questions which are based on literacy and PSHE themes.

Year 7 – A Kind of Spark

Year 8 – I am Malala

Year 9 – Kind of Nothing

 

Relationships & Sex Education Curriculum Overview

The Relationships, Health and Community strand of the PD programme has been refreshed in response to statutory guidance from the Department for Education on Relationships, Health and Sex Education (RSHE), as well as feedback from students, parents, carers and academy staff.  Its primary goal is to equip students with the knowledge to create and maintain positive and healthy relationships in all aspects of their lives. Sessions on trust, connections with others and expressing emotions support students in their ongoing relationships with family and friends and those on romantic and sexual attraction, intimate relationships, healthy relationships and consent prepare students for new types of relationships they may be exposed to as they progress through their lives.  

At Belvoir, we aim to give students the information they need to make good decisions about their own health, to recognise issues in themselves and others, and to seek support as early as possible when issues arise. Topics such as mental and physical health, drugs, alcohol and vaping, and the changing adolescent body are covered in lessons. 

Students are offered expert advice on all aspects of their personal health including self-examination, physical health and the importance of sleep.   The aim is for the academy to develop students’ confidence, resilience and knowledge so that they can keep themselves mentally healthy.