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Personal Development at LGGS

Our ethos and values of care, contribute and challenge support a safe learning environment for personal development which reveals the values of the school.

An awareness, understanding and respect for self, including self-confidence and self-esteem
An awareness and respect for others and their views
Taking responsibility for choices and actions
The promotion of understanding and empathy to enable all pupils to treat others with fairness and respect
The development of relationships based on mutual understanding and trust
Develop a regard for family life, friends, and the wider community

Definition and Objectives for Personal Development

Personal Development is at the heart of every community and is found in many different forms throughout the school. It aims to enable students to become responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society at all levels.
Students are taught how to develop into confident individuals who can live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.
It aims to enable students to be successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve. Some of the PD lessons explore PSHE topics as well as Careers education.
It is part of lifelong learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health.
Personal Development is taught within subjects such as BTC, Science, PE, RSHE and guest speakers
It aims to give children and young people essential skills for building positive, enjoyable, respectful and non-exploitive relationships and the skills to stay safe both on and offline.
It enables pupils to explore their own and others’ attitudes and values and builds their self-esteem and confidence to view their own sexuality positively.
Relationship and sex education within personal development is not about the promotion of sexual activity. The objective of RSE is life-long learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health. It should help pupils to learn to respect themselves and others by acquiring accurate information, developing skills and forming positive beliefs, values and attitudes.
Personal Development is about the understanding of the importance of marriage for family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, love and care. It is also about the teaching of sex, sexuality and sexual health and to enable pupils to take responsibility for their sexual health and well-being.
Promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of all pupils
Prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of later life
Encourage pupils to value themselves and others
Allow pupils to acknowledge and appreciate difference and diversity
Teach pupils how to make informed choices
Prepare pupils to be positive and active members of a democratic society
Teach pupils to understand what constitutes a safe and healthy lifestyle
Provide a framework in which sensitive discussions can take place
Promote safety in forming and maintaining relationships,
Provide pupils with a toolkit for understanding and managing their emotions
Provide pupils with the opportunities to consider issues which may affect their own lives and/or
Help pupils to identify the characteristics of healthy relationships, how relationships may affect mental and physical health; and how to stay safe online.
Prepare pupils for puberty, and give them an understanding of sexual development and the importance of health and hygiene
Help pupils develop feelings of self-respect, confidence and empathy
Create a positive culture around issues of sexuality and relationships
Teach pupils the correct vocabulary to describe themselves and their bodies

Delivery of Personal Development and the Curriculum
Personal Development is taught across BTC, PE, Biology, and guest speakers. Some biological aspects of sex education are taught within the science curriculum. Many aspects are taught through cross-curricular links and as part of everyday class activities. At Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School we believe that pupils should be taught about the society in which they are growing up. These subjects are designed to foster respect for others and for difference and educate pupils about healthy relationships. We believe that Personal Development should meet the needs of all pupils, whatever their developing sexuality or identity – this should include age-appropriate teaching about different types of relationships in the context of the law. Pupils will receive teaching on LGBTQ+ relationships, for example, through teaching about different types of family, including those with same sex parents.

Personal Development Curriculum

Personal Development Curriculum Overview

Agreeing on ground rules for discussions in Personal Development
Teachers encourage pupils to develop their own rules or ‘contract’ of behaviour. The aim is to help pupils to see respect and rules as necessary for harmonious relations and in everyone’s interests. It is essential in any classroom where personal development, PD discussions take place that there is an agreed set of ground rules so that all pupils feel safe to contribute, get a chance to participate and discussions are not dominated by small groups. The send help cards can be used if a student needs to opt out. There is confidentiality within the room, but the teacher will need to pass on safeguarding concerns.

How can I help to support my child at home and encourage a good education in Personal development?
Having open and honest conversation at home can support the learning of the pupils in school. Below are some supportive websites which will help to educate parents and pupils at home:

Assets Publishing Service

Students can access support in schools through their tutors, head of year or our School Counsellor.