Click CEOP Chelmer Valley High School

Personal Development

Assistant Headteacher (PD) Miss G Flack
PD Curriculum Lead Mrs K Cook
SMSC Lead Mrs N McGovern
Finance Lead Mr T Curd
Careers Lead Mrs A Shea
PD Teacher Mrs N Goodfellow

 

Personal Development Programme 

1. Introduction 

At Chelmer Valley High School, Personal Development is at the heart of preparing students for success both in school and beyond. 

We believe that education extends beyond academic achievement. Our Personal Development (PD) programme is designed to equip every student with the knowledge, skills, character and experiences they need to thrive in school, within their community and in adult life. 

Personal Development is a planned and coherent programme that supports students to develop as confident, healthy, responsible and respectful individuals. It encompasses our taught PSHE and RSE curriculum, alongside careers education, SMSC development, British Values, tutor-time provision, enrichment opportunities, student leadership, volunteering, trips and visits, and wider personal development experiences. 

Our programme reflects the needs of our students and the wider community while supporting them to understand themselves, develop positive relationships, make informed decisions and prepare successfully for their future. 

Year 7

Year 7 learning journey pshe

Year 8

Year 8 learning journey pshe

Year 9

Year 9 learning journey pshe

Year 10

Year 10 learning journey pshe

Year 11

Year 11 learning journey pshe

Key Stage 5

Ks5 learning journey pshe

 

 

2. Aims 

Our Personal Development programme aims to: 

  • develop students' confidence, resilience, independence and self-awareness; 

  • support students' physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing; 

  • develop knowledge and understanding of healthy, respectful relationships; 

  • provide age-appropriate Relationships and Sex Education (RSE); 

  • help students understand how to keep themselves safe, both online and offline; 

  • develop students' understanding of their rights, responsibilities and role within society; 

  • promote respect, tolerance, equality and an understanding of diversity; 

  • develop financial literacy and practical life skills; 

  • raise aspirations and prepare students for further education, employment and adult life; 

  • provide high-quality careers education and opportunities to encounter employers and different pathways; 

  • provide opportunities for students to develop talents, interests and cultural awareness through enrichment; 

  • encourage leadership, volunteering and active participation in the school and wider community; 

  • develop the character and personal qualities that enable students to flourish. 

3. PSHE Curriculum 

Through our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education programme, students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to make informed decisions, build positive relationships, maintain their wellbeing and become active, responsible citizens. 

Our PSHE curriculum is designed to meet all statutory requirements for Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), Health Education and Citizenship. The curriculum follows a spiral model from Year 7 to Year 13, enabling students to revisit and deepen their understanding of key themes throughout their school journey. 

PSHE Lesson Delivery 

60-minute lessons are delivered: 

  • Weekly in Years 7 to 9 

  • Fortnightly in Years 10 to 13 

These lessons are complemented by Chelmer Builds Community tutor sessions, delivered: 

  • Twice weekly in Years 7 to 9 

  • Three times per fortnight in Years 10 and 11 

We recognise that every cohort of students is unique. While our curriculum provides a strong foundation, it remains flexible and responsive to the needs of students and the wider community. Content is regularly reviewed and adapted to address emerging issues, student voice, safeguarding concerns, local and national priorities and current affairs. 

Our PSHE programme covers a wide range of themes including: 

  • Physical and mental health 

  • Healthy and respectful relationships 

  • Online safety and digital citizenship 

  • Equality, diversity and inclusion 

  • Citizenship and democracy 

  • Personal safety and risk management 

  • Careers education and future pathways 

  • Financial capability and life skills 

 

4. Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) 

RSE forms an important part of our Personal Development programme. 

Teaching is delivered sensitively and progressively, taking account of students' age, maturity and individual needs. More information can be found on this under the RSE Policy on the website. 

 

5. SMSC Development 

Chelmer Valley High School delivers a high-quality, broad and balanced curriculum that actively promotes students' Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development. 

The physical, emotional and mental development of all students prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life while enabling them to achieve their full potential. 

Through curriculum learning, enrichment activities, assemblies, tutor programmes and wider school experiences, students are encouraged to: 

  • develop self-awareness and reflect on their own beliefs and values; 

  • distinguish right from wrong and understand the consequences of their actions; 

  • work effectively with others and contribute positively to their community; 

  • appreciate and respect different cultures, traditions and perspectives; 

  • engage with issues that affect society at local, national and global levels. 

 

6. British Values 

Chelmer Valley High School is committed to promoting Fundamental British Values and preparing students for life in modern Britain. 

Through our curriculum, assemblies, tutor programme and wider opportunities, students develop an understanding of: 

  1. Democracy; 

  1. The Rule of Law; 

  1. Individual Liberty; 

  1. Mutual Respect; 

  1. Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs. 

Students are encouraged to engage thoughtfully with current affairs, understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens and contribute positively to their school and the wider community. 

British Values are embedded throughout the Personal Development curriculum and reinforced through student leadership opportunities, enrichment activities and school culture. 

 

7. Personal Development in Tutor Time 

Personal Development extends beyond the classroom and is embedded throughout school life. 

Through our Chelmer Builds Community tutor programme, students engage with carefully planned themes that support their wellbeing, personal growth and understanding of the world around them. 

Tutor programme sessions are delivered: 

  • Twice weekly in Years 7 to 9; 

  • Three times per fortnight in Years 10 and 11. 

 

The programme incorporates the following sessions to support students’ personal development: 

  1. Chelmer Builds Community 

Supplementary PSHE content is delivered, with a focus on our value of community. Each session is built upon a shared foundation: 

  1. Mental Health and Wellbeing  

Students develop an understanding of positive mental health, emotional resilience and healthy coping strategies. Sessions encourage students to reflect on their wellbeing, recognise when support may be needed and learn practical ways to maintain positive physical and mental health. 

  1. Chelmer Celebrates Diversity 

Students explore and celebrate the rich diversity within our school community and wider society. They develop their understanding of equality, inclusion, respect and belonging while learning to value different cultures, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. 

  1. Connect and Thrive 

Students participate in mindfulness and wellbeing activities that support emotional wellbeing, concentration, self-awareness and positive relationships. 

Tutor programme 2026 2027

8. Safeguarding Through the Curriculum 

Personal Development plays a significant role in supporting the school's safeguarding culture. 

Through PSHE, tutor time, assemblies, workshops and external speakers, students are taught how to recognise risks, stay safe and access support when needed. 

Students learn about: 

  • online safety and digital citizenship; 

  • healthy and unhealthy relationships; 

  • consent and personal boundaries; 

  • exploitation, including child criminal exploitation and child sexual exploitation; 

  • county lines and knife crime awareness; 

  • substance misuse; 

  • peer-on-peer abuse; 

  • extremism and radicalisation; 

  • bullying and discrimination; 

  • mental health and emotional wellbeing. 

By developing students' knowledge, confidence and resilience, we aim to ensure they are well equipped to make safe and informed decisions. 

 

9. Student Leadership 

We believe that leadership opportunities are an important part of Personal Development and help students develop confidence, responsibility, communication skills and a sense of community. 

Students are encouraged to take an active role in school life through a range of leadership opportunities which may include: 

  • Student Council representation; 

  • House and Sports leadership roles; 

  • Sixth Form leadership positions; 

  • Student ambassadors; 

  • Open Evening and school event support; 

  • Volunteering and community projects. 

Through these experiences, students learn how to represent the views of others, work collaboratively and make a positive contribution to the school community. 

 

10. Student Voice 

Student voice is a valued part of school improvement and Personal Development. We encourage students to share their views and contribute to decision-making, with student feedback used to review and develop Personal Development provision, enrichment opportunities and wider aspects of school life. 

Providing opportunities for meaningful participation helps students develop confidence, responsibility, leadership skills and an understanding of democratic processes. 

 

11. Careers Education and Future Pathways 

Careers education is an integral part of our Personal Development programme. 

Our careers programme is designed to raise aspirations, widen horizons and support students in making informed decisions about their future. The programme is aligned with statutory careers guidance and the Gatsby Benchmarks. 

Students are provided with opportunities to: 

  • explore a wide range of careers and employment sectors; 

  • understand post-16 and post-18 pathways; 

  • access information about apprenticeships, further education and higher education; 

  • develop employability skills; 

  • engage with employers and professionals; 

  • prepare applications, CVs and interview techniques; 

  • access independent careers guidance; 

  • develop confidence in planning their future careers. 

Through careers lessons, employer encounters, guidance opportunities and the use of platforms such as Unifrog, students are supported to make ambitious and informed choices about their future. 

Screenshot 2026 09 04 161616

Screenshot 2026 09 04 161643

12. Trips, Visits, Clubs and Enrichment 

We recognise that some of the most valuable learning experiences take place outside the classroom. 

A wide range of clubs and activities are offered throughout the year and published termly, including: 

  • Sports clubs; 

  • Art clubs; 

  • Music activities; 

  • Drama productions; 

  • LGBT+ Group; 

  • Student leadership opportunities. 

Students also have access to a range of educational visits designed to enhance learning and broaden cultural understanding, including: 

  • local church visits; 

  • museum and gallery visits; 

  • theatre visits; 

  • STEM employer visits; 

  • overseas educational visits; 

  • First World War battlefield visits. 

Students also benefit from a variety of off-timetable experiences that suit the needs of the cohort. 

These experiences help students develop confidence, resilience, leadership skills, independence and an appreciation of the wider world. 

 

13. Citizenship 

Personal Development supports students in becoming active, responsible and informed members of society. 

Through curriculum teaching and wider school experiences, students develop an understanding of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. 

Students are encouraged to contribute positively to their school, local community and wider society while developing the values and character traits needed to flourish in modern Britain. 

 

14. Preparation for Adulthood 

A key purpose of Personal Development is to prepare students for life beyond school. 

Students are provided with opportunities to develop practical skills and knowledge including: 

  • managing money and personal finance; 

  • making informed and responsible decisions; 

  • communicating effectively; 

  • maintaining healthy relationships; 

  • understanding the world of work; 

  • developing independence and resilience; 

  • recognising and managing risk; 

  • accessing support when needed; 

  • understanding rights, responsibilities and citizenship. 

 

15. Inclusion 

Personal Development is for every student. 

We recognise that students have different backgrounds, experiences, needs and aspirations. Our programme is adapted where appropriate to ensure that all students, including those with SEND and those facing additional barriers, can access and benefit from the curriculum and wider opportunities available. 

We actively seek to remove barriers to participation and ensure all students can engage fully in school life. 

 

16. Monitoring and Evaluation 

The Personal Development programme is regularly reviewed to ensure it meets the needs of students and reflects statutory requirements and current guidance. 

The Personal Development Lead, alongside senior leaders and relevant staff, monitors: 

  • curriculum delivery; 

  • student engagement; 

  • enrichment participation; 

  • careers provision; 

  • leadership opportunities; 

  • wider Personal Development opportunities; 

  • student outcomes and experiences. 

Leaders evaluate the impact of Personal Development through: 

  • student voice; 

  • participation rates; 

  • attendance at enrichment activities; 

  • careers destination information; 

  • behaviour and safeguarding information; 

  • feedback from students, staff, parents and external partners. 

This information is used to continually improve the quality and impact of the programme.