Personal Development Strategy (2025–2026)

At The Hayling College, we are committed to providing a coherent and ambitious personal development programme that extends beyond the academic curriculum and prepares pupils for life in modern Britain.

Our aim is that all pupils will:

  • Develop confidence, resilience and independence
  • Understand and respect diversity, equality and fundamental British values
  • Be well prepared for their next stage of education, employment or training
  • Access a wide range of experiences that broaden their horizons
  • Know how to stay safe, healthy and emotionally well

Personal development is an entitlement for every pupil, regardless of background, need or starting point.

Whole-School Coherent Programme

Personal development is delivered through a planned, sequenced programme including:

  • PSHE/RSE curriculum
  • Tutor time programme
  • Assemblies
  • Enrichment opportunities (clubs, trips, leadership)
  • Careers education
  • Pastoral support systems

A Personal Development Overview Map outlines provision from Year 7 to Year 11 ensuring progression and coverage.

Ms Cox (Personal Development) leads and quality assures this provision.

PSHE and RSE Curriculum

A fully mapped and progressive PSHE/RSE curriculum is delivered to all year groups

Content includes:

  • Relationships and sex education (statutory)
  • Physical and mental health
  • Economic wellbeing and financial education

Lessons are well-sequenced, knowledge-rich and age-appropriate.

Staff receive regular training to ensure high-quality delivery.

Equality, Diversity and British Values

Pupils develop understanding and respect for:

  • Protected characteristics
  • Different cultures, faiths and beliefs
  • Fundamental British values (democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance)

This is delivered through:

  • PSHE curriculum
  • Assemblies and themed events
  • Curriculum links across subjects
  • Pupil voice and debate opportunities

Wider Opportunities and Enrichment

All pupils are entitled to a broad range of experiences, including:

  • Educational visits (local, national and cultural)
  • Extra-curricular clubs (sport, arts, music, STEM)
  • Leadership opportunities (e.g. school council, peer mentoring)

Participation is:

  • Tracked centrally
  • Actively promoted to all pupils
  • Targeted support ensures disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND can fully participate (e.g. subsidies, adaptations).

Careers Education (Gatsby Benchmarks)

Our careers programme meets the Gatsby Benchmarks and includes:

  • Encounters with employers and workplaces
  • Information about FE, HE and apprenticeships
  • Personal guidance interviews

Careers education is integrated across the curriculum and tailored to pupil needs.

Pastoral Support and Wellbeing

We provide effective pastoral care that ensures pupils feel safe and supported.

Provision includes:

  • Safeguarding systems
  • Mental health and wellbeing support
  • Behaviour and attendance support

Pupils are confident in knowing who to speak to and accessing help when needed.

Inclusion and Equity

Personal development is an entitlement for every pupil.

Leaders:

  • Track participation across all groups (disadvantaged, SEND, vulnerable pupils)
  • Remove barriers to engagement
  • Make reasonable adjustments where needed

We evaluate the effectiveness of personal development through:

  1. Pupil Outcomes
  • Pupils demonstrate respect, tolerance and understanding of diversity
  • Pupils can articulate their learning about relationships, health and future aspirations
  • Pupils are well prepared for their next steps
  1. Participation and Engagement

High levels of participation in:

  • Clubs
  • Trips
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Gaps between groups are diminishing over time
  1. Pupil Voice
  • Surveys and focus groups show pupils:
  • Feel safe
  • Know how to access support
  • Value the opportunities provided
  1. Quality Assurance
  • Regular monitoring of PSHE and wider provision
  • Staff training and development
  • Governor oversight of personal development as part of the SDP
  1. Monitoring and Review
  • Half Termly review by SLT
  • Evaluation reported to governors via HT written report including ongoing use of:
    • Participation data
    • Pupil voice
    • Staff feedback

This ensures the programme remains responsive, inclusive and impactful.

Key Priorities (2025–2028)

  1. Further increase participation in enrichment, particularly for disadvantaged pupils
  2. Embed consistency and quality in PSHE delivery across all year groups
  3. Strengthen pupil understanding of diversity and life in modern Britain
  4. Fully meet and sustain the Gatsby Benchmarks
  5. Enhance systems for tracking and evidencing impact

Lead: Assistant Headteacher (Personal Development)

Review Date: Sept 2026