Shirebrook Academy

What is personal development?

Personal Social and Health Education and Economic Well-being (PSHEE) – helping students to develop confidence and skills to manage relationships and make healthy lifestyle choices (includes drug/alcohol awareness, sex and relationships education, and financial awareness).

Careers Education – helping students to explore career opportunities, and assess their own skills to enable them make realistic and independent choices about post-16 routes.

Citizenship – helping students become active, informed and responsible citizens (includes learning about laws, politics, environmental issues and human rights).

Work Related Learning – helping students to learn about the world of work and develop skills to prepare for employment, through practical activities such as work experience.

Enterprise Education – helping students learn about business and develop the skills to succeed in working life, for example being creative, innovative, and dealing with change in a positive way.

How are these subjects delivered at Shirebrook Academy?

• Across the curriculum there are links with personal development, for example the study of the effects of alcohol/smoking in science.

• During the school year students will have a series of ‘Super Learning Days’ – days where the normal timetable is suspended and students spend time working on a personal development theme. Examples of days from last year include ‘Life Choices’ for Y9, ‘Global Citizenship’ for Y8, and visits to the Lifewise centre at Magna, Rotherham for Y7. Speakers from outside agencies, such as local colleges, police, school nurse, and Connexions, offer valuable contributions to these days.

• Other events such as theatre performances, school council elections, business challenges or visits to employers and colleges are also important aspects of the programme which help to bring the subjects to life.