Personal Development

At Astley Cooper, we have student personal development embedded throughout the curriculum. It is a central focus point in line with our three core values: Responsibility, Respect and Resilience. Personal Development is much more than the timetabled lessons our students enjoy. It is a whole school experience ranging from the form time activities, awareness and culture days to the school trips, workshops and guest speakers.   

We have combined PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) and RSE topics to create an engaging programme delivered in our Personal Development lessons. These lessons are designed to:

· Deliver the statutory content within Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE).

· Develop students' understanding and analytical skills in order to be healthy, safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution to their community and country and maintain emotional well-being.

· Promote young people’s well-being (physical and mental health, emotional, social and economic, education, training and recreation and protection from harm and neglect).

· Develop the student’s core skills such as communication, leadership, team work, metacognition and analysis, exploring other cultures and beliefs.

· Educate our young people around mental health and support them in building resilience, developing their ability to manage their emotions.

Why Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Matters

At our school, we believe that Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is an important part of preparing children for life. It’s not just about learning facts—it’s about helping them grow into confident, respectful, and responsible individuals.

What is RSE?

RSE teaches young people:

· How to build healthy, positive relationships with friends, family, and others.

· About respect, consent, and kindness—both online and offline.

· The changes that happen during growing up and puberty, so they feel prepared and supported.

· How to make safe, informed choices about their health and wellbeing.

Why is it important?

· Keeps children safe by teaching them about boundaries and how to seek help.

· Promotes respect and equality, helping to reduce bullying and discrimination.

· Supports emotional wellbeing, building confidence and resilience.

· Prepares them for the future, giving them skills for adult life and healthy relationships.

Our Approach

· Lessons are age-appropriate and follow national guidance.

· Children are encouraged to ask questions in a safe, respectful environment.

· The lessons will be delivered in Year 7 through to Year 13 once a fortnight. They will be accompanied by several awareness days, form-time activities and whole school events, including workshops to raise awareness around important topics such as mental health and maintaining healthy relationships.

· All students will develop key transferable skills including literacy, numeracy and creativity.

If we are successful our students will be:

· Aware of their own capability with a high self-esteem, allowing them to be able to develop and live a happy life.

· Confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.

· Responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society.

· Independent thinkers able to formulate their own personal opinions and able to participate in activities in school and the local community.

· Be tolerant and accepting individuals who appreciate Britain’s diversity, learning empathy and the importance of inclusivity.