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Personal Development

The aim of the Personal Development curriculum at Lancaster Girls' Grammar School is to offer students a wealth of opportunities to learn about themselves, their attitudes and opinions, and where they fit into the world. Our aim is for all LGGS students is to develop the attributes, confidence and knowledge needed to navigate life’s challenges, before they experience them in the real world.

The taught PD curriculum focuses on learning opportunities within 3 key strands:

· Physical and Emotional Health and Wellbeing,

· Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and

· Living in the Wider World.

Our programme of learning is based on the PSHE Association’s and Unifrog’s programmes of study. School assemblies and fortnightly PD sessions with form tutors support the taught curriculum by asking our students to reflect on their role as Citizens, their values and beliefs, and those of LGGS.

British Values (democracy, the rule of law, respect and individual liberty) are at the heart of the PD programme, as well as ensuring that all students understand the privilege of working in a richly diverse community where differences are celebrated and protected characteristics are respected and welcomed.

Personal Development does not end there though. It permeates every aspect of school life. Our co-curricular offer, trips, clubs, sporting events, leadership opportunities and drama, dance and music performances and in fact every contact we have with our students, whether formal, informal, within the classroom or beyond, is a PD learning opportunity, with the capacity to open doors, raise aspirations and develop students’ cultural capital. Every staff member has the privilege of contributing to this curriculum, and every teacher is a teacher of Personal Development.

Key Stage 3

Course Overview

Personal Development is an essential aspect of the curriculum for students at Key Stage 3 (KS3) and Key Stage 4 (KS4). It equips students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and understanding to make informed choices about their wellbeing, relationships, and future aspirations. The curriculum encompasses key topics such as mental health, financial education, careers, citizenship, and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE).

At KS3, Personal Development focuses on foundational topics to help students build self-awareness, resilience, and interpersonal skills. Key areas include:

· Mental Health and Wellbeing: Understanding emotions, stress management, and resilience-building strategies.

· Healthy Lifestyles: Nutrition, exercise, and personal hygiene.

· Online Safety and Media Literacy: Identifying risks online, responsible internet use, and evaluating online information.

· Financial Education: Basic money management, saving, and budgeting.

· Careers and Aspirations: Exploring different career pathways, goal setting, and personal strengths assessment.

· Citizenship and Social Responsibility: Understanding democracy, human rights, and active participation in society.

· Relationships and Sex Education (RSE): Healthy relationships, puberty, and consent education.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Parental Right to Withdraw

RSE is a statutory component of the Personal Development curriculum. It aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to maintain healthy, respectful relationships and make informed decisions regarding their sexual health.

Parental Right to Withdraw

· Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from some or all aspects of sex education that fall outside the national science curriculum up until three terms before the

child turns 16. After this age, if a student wishes to receive sex education, they have the right to make that decision.

· Any parent or carer who wishes to, is invited to contact Mandy Crellin (Head of PD) M.crellin@lggs.lancs.sch.org or David Green (Assistant Headteacher) D.green@lggs.lancs.sch.org to discuss their child’s RSE. We will be happy to discuss these issues, address concerns and provide clarity on the content being covered.

· We will ensure that all students receive quality education on relationships, consent, and online safety, as these are mandatory aspects of the RSE curriculum, and those students withdrawn from non-mandatory aspects of RSE, will be provided with alternative and age-appropriate learning materials. Please see our separate RSE policy for more information.

Key Stage 4

Course Overview

At KS4, the curriculum builds upon KS3 knowledge and provides deeper understanding and practical application for future life choices. Key topics include:

· Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing: Coping strategies, accessing support, and maintaining wellbeing under pressure.

· Healthy Relationships and Consent: Understanding different types of relationships, boundaries, and recognizing unhealthy behaviours.

· Sexual Health and RSE: Contraception, STIs, and pregnancy choices.

· Financial Independence: Understanding credit, loans, taxes, and financial planning.

· Workplace Readiness: CV writing, interview skills, and workplace rights.

· Social and Political Awareness: Understanding global issues, extremism, and the role of the media.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Parental Right to Withdraw

Parental Right to Withdraw

· Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from some or all aspects of sex education that fall outside the national science curriculum up until three terms before the

child turns 16. After this age, if a student wishes to receive sex education, they have the right to make that decision.

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