Why do we learn personal development?
The intent of the APA Personal Development Curriculum is to expand and promote the knowledge, attitudes, skills, relationships, and behaviours that can be fully utilised both inside and outside of the classroom.
Our Personal Development Curriculum is a fundamental part of our whole school provision. All staff are well-equipped to deliver the content effectively, meaning that our students have a safe space to share their opinions and questions, however challenging. This diversity of opinion empowers our students to be open-minded, value discussion and engage with challenging topics throughout the course of their life, embracing tolerance and diversity.
Our approach
Our Personal Development curriculum also empowers our students to become healthy, active, safe, and responsible citizens. We teach our students about relationships, British values, physical and mental health, online safety, and citizenship. Simultaneously, we provide students with developmental experiences via our Student Leadership Programme, our Enrichment Programme and our House System. Careers education is also fundamental to Personal Development at Ark Putney Academy
In addition, our use of assemblies also ensures that students are aware of key cultural events which highlight the importance of inclusion and diversity within our community. By providing students with accurate, age-appropriate knowledge we can develop our students’ character and future choices; ensuring that they are prepared for life in modern Britain.
Our seven-year spiral curriculum builds a clear sequence and progression of learning. Each term students will study the same theme, but all content is specifically tailored to the given year group. We plan the curriculum to maximize students’ experience; to complement their learning and develop their character. We aim to provide an equitable experience to ensure that students have access to the opportunities they deserve regardless of background.
Year 7
| Autumn |
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Friendships Healthy Habits Bullying Respecting others Practical Positive Strategies Healthy family relationships. |
| Spring |
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Physical Health Growing Up and Puberty The Golden Trio - Eating Mental Health: Growth Mindset Failure and Feedback as Fuel Our Screen Habits Staying Safe Online |
| Summer |
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The Contribution of a Citizen Your Rights as a Citizen Diversity and Multiculturalism Identity |
Year 8
| Autumn |
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Qualities in a Partner Sexuality, Gender and Individuality Intimacy and Boundaries The Law around Sexual Content Mob Mentality |
| Spring |
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Physical Health The Golden Trio – Exercise, Mental Health: Our Power HPV and Vaccinations Mental Health: Anxiety Staying Calm |
| Summer |
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The Development of Democracy in the UK, The UK Parliament; House of Commons and the House of Lords and Political Parties. |
Year 9
| Autumn |
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Self-awareness Faith and Culture in Relationships Families in the C21 Consent and Contraception Bullying and Harassment |
| Spring |
|---|
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Mental Health: Body image and positive sense of self Mental Health: Mood and the impact of alcohol Substances in Society Illegal Drugs |
| Summer |
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Systems of Government across the World Justice and the Rule of Law Your Future Workplace Salary Scales Taxation and Budgeting |
Year 10
| Autumn |
|---|
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Professional Relationships Spectrum of Consent Relationships in the Media Domestic Abuse Diversity of Sexual Orientation Debates within Sex |
| Spring |
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Mental health: Coping with Challenges Substances and Scenarios Habits for Happiness Life Expectancy First Aid Sleep and Rest |
| Summer |
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Constitutional Monarch Local Government and Lobbying Your Vote Finance: Savings Investment and Interest Credit and Debt Future GCSE Management |
Year 11
| Autumn |
|---|
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Control, Conflict and Compromise Relationships: Online vs Offline Attachment and Detachment Sexually Transmitted Infections |
| Spring |
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Personal Safety: Being Streetwise Connection in the C21 Suicide and how we can prevent it General Health: Check Yourself GCSE Management: a Healthy Approach to Revision Why Memory Matters |
| Summer |
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GCSE Management: Revision Review and Your Financial Future. |
Year 12
| Autumn |
|---|
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Transition to Sixth Form A-Level Mindset (VESPA) Black History Month |
| Spring |
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Prejudice & Discrimination Happiness and Mindfulness Recreational Drugs Sexual Health Relationship with Pornography |
| Summer |
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Social Media Monarchy Terrorism Radicalisation PRIDE month Introduction to UCAS process |
Year 13
| Autumn |
|---|
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UCAS Application 1-1 IAG meetings Apprenticeships/Internships Student Finance Interview Skills |
| Spring |
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Consent & Sexual Assault British Values & Identity Coping with Stress Alcoholism Social Impacts of Drugs Conception |
| Summer |
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Democracy Dictatorships International Politics Life Beyond APA |