For further information on Personal Development, including the right to withdraw from sex education, please email eve.collier@stationers.latrust.org.uk or richard.hill@stationers.latrust.org.uk

Life Education logo

What is Personal Development?

  • Interactive workshops that will help students become lifelong learners and critically engage with the world around them. 
  • An opportunity for students to share their own life experiences and learn from others.
  • Time for students to explicitly and implicitly learn about and apply our academy values: Scholarship, Fellowship and Leadership, alongside the ten IB Learner Profiles. The three school values will have equal emphasis and focus, ensuring they are embodied by students.
    • Scholarship: Students develop cultural capital and rich knowledge about the World. They draw upon sound research to help them shape their understanding of society and their place within it. As lifelong-learners, they are inquirers with an unrelenting thirst for knowledge.
    • Leadership: Students are collaborative and work positively towards common goals. When presented with challenging and unfamiliar circumstances, they take calculated risks, think creatively and boldly, and remain balanced in their approach. They lead with a strong moral compass and an unquestionable commitment to mutual respect.
    • Achievement: Students will learn and develop the necessary skills for success as a global citizen in the wider community. They will learn how to communicate; research and work independently. Students will also develop a range of employability skills across the programme which will support their future goals outside of LSA.
  • In this fast-paced technological world, it can be easy to lose sight of what is important to us and our happiness. 
  • It is also too easy to focus on immediate gains and self gratification, rather than on how we can contribute to creating a more sustainable and equal world. 
  • Life education is designed to give students time to reflect, take a step back and observe closely, themselves and the world around them. 
  • As an academy, we care about our students and what they will become. We want them all to live meaningful, happy, full and fruitful lives.
  • Ready to learn and contribute to the learning process. ALL students will be expected to engage and share their views. 
  • Respectful to one another’s views and opinions. We will listen without judgement or intolerance. 
  • Commit to the academy’s shared values and aim to embody them in all aspects of life and learning.

Each week, every tutor group will access and engage with the following programme:

  • A virtual student briefing led by the Principal, Deputy Principal and relevant Heads of College
  • A tutor time reflection session where tutors will introduced the topics and key messages for the week ahead
  • A College assembly 
  • Two PSHE sessions where students explore key topics and activities surrounding the ‘theme of the week’.

Through a range of diagnostic tools, school leaders will audit and analyse the impact on the quality of Personal Development lessons and engagement from students to ensure:

All students leave LSA as well rounded individuals who positively and critically engage with the World around them, fully equipped to live fruitful and fulfilled lives as global citizens. As life-long-learners, they will continue to foster our school values to help shape a better future and more socially-just World for all.

The Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) curriculum for Key Stage Three students at Leigh Stationers’ Academy is designed to foster the holistic development of young individuals, equipping them with essential life skills and values. This curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics and objectives:

  • Resilience: Students learn how to build resilience by understanding the importance of a positive mindset, coping with adversity, and developing strategies for managing stress and challenges.
  • Kindness and Respect: The curriculum emphasises the values of kindness and respect for self and others. Students explore the significance of empathy, tolerance, and inclusivity in building positive relationships and a harmonious society.
  • Moral Values: Moral and ethical values are a core component. Students engage in discussions and activities that encourage critical thinking and ethical decision-making, exploring topics like honesty, integrity, and social responsibility.
  • Online Safety: Students are educated about the potential risks of the digital world and how to navigate it safely. They learn about cybersecurity, responsible online behaviour, and strategies to protect themselves from online threats.
  • Community Safety: The curriculum addresses safety in the physical community. Students are taught about local safety resources, emergency procedures, and their role in ensuring community well-being.
  • Healthy Relationships: Students explore what constitutes a healthy relationship, be it with peers, family members, or romantic partners. Topics include communication, boundaries, consent, and recognising signs of unhealthy relationships.
  • Personal Development: The curriculum encourages self-awareness and personal growth. Students explore their interests, passions, and goals, learning how to set and work towards achieving them.
  • Well-being: Mental and emotional well-being are prioritised. Students are taught strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
  • Physical Health: The importance of physical health, including nutrition, exercise, and sleep, is emphasised. Students learn how to make informed choices that support their physical well-being.
  • Financial Literacy: Basic financial concepts are introduced, including budgeting, saving, and responsible spending, to prepare students for economic independence.
  • Citizenship: The curriculum promotes active citizenship by teaching students about their rights and responsibilities within society. Topics include democracy, diversity, and global issues.
  • Critical Thinking: Critical thinking skills are honed through discussions, debates, and problem-solving activities, encouraging students to question information and think independently.
  • Career Exploration: Students are introduced to various career paths and encouraged to explore their interests and skills to make informed decisions about future career choices.

The PSHE curriculum for Key Stage Three students aims to foster personal growth, resilience, and a strong moral compass while providing practical knowledge and skills to help them navigate the challenges of adolescence and prepare for a successful transition into adulthood. It equips them with the tools necessary to thrive as responsible, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals in an ever-changing world.

Curriculum Map

Module One – Back to School

Across this module students will be supported with their transition from primary school through lesson topics such as: how to settle in successfully; personal safety travelling to and from LSA and basic first aid. Students will also be given the opportunity to discuss their role in the wider community and how they can communicate successfully both inside and outside of LSA.

Module Two – Healthy Minds

Across this module students will learn about good mental health and how to maintain this both inside and outside of school. Topics explored will include: the power of sleep and healthy routines including physical fitness and exercise. Students will be given opportunities to explore mechanisms that can help them to reduce or cope with their worries and anxieties as well as where they can find support inside and outside of LSA.

Module Three – Healthy Relationships

Across this module students will take part in lessons and activities exploring how to make and maintain Healthy Relationships. Topics will include: what are healthy friendships and relationships; how to set healthy boundaries; how to recognise negative traits within a friendship and where support can be found, both inside and outside of LSA. We will also begin to explore puberty and the changes that come with growing up.

Module Four – Online Safety

Across this module students will learn how they can keep safe online. They will discuss the positives and the negatives of the internet and social media including online bullying. Students will also be given the opportunity to discuss and to understand the law and the protection that it offers whilst online. Students will be provided with avenues for support both inside and outside of LSA.

Module Five – Service in Action

Across this unit students will design projects and work in groups to explore the MYP Service in Action project.  They will explore the ideas of community and responsibility and how we can work together effectively to improve our communities.

Module Six – Life Beyond LSA

Across this module students will explore life outside of LSA. They will discuss ideas surrounding community, charities, hobbies and interests. Students will explore their role within the community and how we can all help those around us. At the end of the module, students will be encouraged to reflect on Year 7 and set aspirational targets for Year 8.

Module One – Back to School

Across this module students will reflect upon their progress in year 7 and set themselves SMART targets for the new academic year. Students will learn about growth mindset and how to achieve academic resilience. They will also have the opportunity to discuss the wider community and how their actions and behaviour can have a positive impact on those around them.

Module Two – Healthy Minds

Across this module students will explore what good mental health and wellbeing looks and feels like. They will also explore the impact of negative influences upon their mental health with the view to limit their interaction with these influences such as vaping and smoking. The module will explore the positive impact of a healthy sleep routine as well as the benefits of a healthy standard of living.

Module Three – Healthy Relationships

Across this module students will explore what a respectful relationship looks like and what they look like across many different aspects of their life including friendships, relationships and family units. They will explore the British Values of tolerance and respect when discussing how relationships can look different to others.

Module Four – Online Safety

Across this module students will learn how they can keep safe online. They will discuss the positives and the negatives of the internet and social media including peer pressure and online bullying. The module will explore the ideas of respectful boundaries when online and delve into factors such as body image and confidence compared to the ‘online world’. Students will also be given the opportunity to discuss and to understand the law and the protection that it offers whilst online. Students will be provided with avenues for support both inside and outside of LSA.

Module Five – Service in Action

Across this unit students will design projects and work in groups to explore the MYP Service in Action project.  They will explore the ideas of community and responsibility and how we can work together effectively to improve our communities.

Module Six – Life Beyond LSA

Across this unit students will explore life outside of LSA including concerns from around the world. Students will cover topics including finance, what are my rights as an individual and violence in the community exploring contextual concerns and the law surrounding anti-social behaviours. Students will explore and take part in discussions surrounding the practices of faiths and cultures.

Module One – Back to School

Across this module students will be asked to reflect upon Year 8 and set themselves SMART targets for the year ahead. Students will be introduced to strategies and ideas that will help them to prepare for the year ahead and their approaching GCSE choices. Students will be encouraged to think positively about the year ahead and how they can monitor and support their own wellbeing to develop their resilience and to look after themselves

Module Two – Healthy Minds

Across this module students will explore how they can look after themselves: physically, mentally and emotionally. They will discuss positive behaviours and influences that can improve our minds and wellbeing and learn how to spot negative signs that could impact our daily lives. Students will explore how the law is there to support us from harm and why the laws exist. Students will also have access to support mechanisms both inside and outside of LSA.

Module Three – Healthy Relationships

Across this module students will be encouraged to explore the different types of healthy relationships that exist in our society. Students will learn about peer pressure and how to instil healthy boundaries within all of our day to day relationships. Students will continue to explore how the law can protect us and what the laws are that can protect families and individuals against pressure and discrimination.

Module Four – Online Safety

Across this unit students will explore how despite its many positives, the internet and social media can lead to personal upset and distress when used incorrectly or illegally. Students will look at how they can protect themselves online and how to spot signs of fraud or dishonesty. Students will explore case studies showcasing how they can stay safe online. Students will also have access to support mechanisms both inside and outside of LSA.

Module Five – Life Beyond LSA

Across this unit students will have the opportunity to explore finances and how they can look after their money. We will discuss what a community is and how we all have a role to play within the wider community, outside of LSA, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all people. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about how first aid can be beneficial to them within their daily lives. The end of the module will encourage students to set themselves aspirational targets for the start of the GCSE courses.

Module Six – Community Project

Across this unit, students will work in groups to develop a project that can support and improve resources in our wider local communities. Students will be responsible for leading, designing and presenting their ideas.

Module One – The Wider World

Across this unit, students will reflect on Year 9 and explore how they can be successful in Year 10 and the introduction to GCSE subjects and content.  Students will also learn about British Values as well as exploring the impact social media has on the worldround us.  This unit will encourage students to think twice before acting and learn how to stay safe outside of LSA and their homes.

Module Two – Healthy Living

Across this unit, students will learn strategies to help support their mental health and what different types of mental health there are to allow them to support and understand their own feelings. They will learn about good mental health and how outside influences may impact them. 

Module Three – Healthy Relationships

Across this unit, students will explore what healthy relationships look and feel like in both the real and online worlds.  They will explore boundaries and aspects of consent as well as the law surrounding these areas and how it does protect them to ensure that they know their rights how they can protect themselves moving forward in all future relationships.

Module Four – Careers and Work Experience

Across this unit, students will be given time and support to source their independent work experience placement.  Students will write their CV, draft cover letters to potential employers and explore how Unifrog can support them in their searches.

Module Five – Life Beyond LSA & Preparing for Mock Exams

Across this unit, students will explore how to look after their finances as well as learn about the UK Governance how it differs across local, regional and international. Students will also continue to explore British Values and their place in out communities.  Students will also be provided with effective revision resources and support for their upcoming mock examinations.

Module Six – Preparing for Work Experience

Across this unit, students will continue to explore a range of revision activities before preparing for their work experience placements in the final two full weeks of the school year.