Personal Development (PD) and Sex & Relationships Education (SRE)

Intent – What are we trying to achieve through our Personal Development curriculum?

At Leighton Academy, we provide a Personal Development curriculum that is accessible to all and that will equip our children with the knowledge, skills and emotions needed to play an active role in society.  We aim to promote positive mental health for every member of our school community. We want all our children to become successful learners, develop to their full potential and achieve the highest educational standards that they can.

We want our pupils to:

• develop the knowledge, skills and understanding of how to keep themselves healthy and safe (including online).  
• become responsible global citizens.
• build positive, healthy and respectful relationships with others.
• develop their mental and physical wellbeing.
• show tolerance towards others - their beliefs, religions and life choices and to respect their differences.  
• be resilient and to make the most of their own abilities. 
• develop self-confidence and be able to share their thoughts, ideas and opinions with others. 

Implementation – How do we deliver our Personal Development curriculum?

At Leighton Academy, we use a range of schemes that have been adapted to suit the needs of our pupils.  Alongside this, we also enjoy taking part in a range of different celebratory days.  These can include the local community and the wider world e.g. collecting and distributing food locally and raising money for charities such as Down Syndrome Association. The children take part in planning events such as Red Nose Day and our own school talent show.  

As a school, we are also part of the No Outsider community.  From this, we are teaching our children that everyone is welcome in our school.  Children are taught messages of respect and understanding through stories about a variety of topics, including race and religion, and how this could affect their lives.  You can find more information about this on our No Outsiders page.  Alongside this, we are also a KiVa school with our own KiVa ambassadors and KiVa trained staff.

Impact – What difference is our curriculum making to our pupils?

Our children understand how important they are as individuals. They understand how to develop good, positive relationships with others and how to respect their opinions and views. Discussion helps the children to reflect on their thoughts and opinions, whilst considering those of others. Investigations allow an opportunity for the children to be resourceful and work together to come to the correct conclusion and problem-solving helps to inspire resilience. Mistakes will happen from time to time, but it is how we react to those mistakes that can make us stronger and more understanding. Most importantly, our children understand what it means to be kind, even when kindness is difficult to find.