Personal Development

Citizenship: Citizenship is compulsory at Key Stages 3 and 4 and teaches students about democracy, the role of Parliament, the justice system, human rights, media literacy, and how to take responsible action on issues that matter to them.

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education): PSHE more broadly develops knowledge of financial education, mental health, physical wellbeing, careers and economic understanding. This also includes aspects of religion and religious views, as agreed by the local council.

RSE (Relationships and Sex Education): RSE is statutory in all secondary schools and ensures that students understand healthy relationships, consent, online safety, exploitation, sexual health and equality.

These subjects are reinforced by the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE), which requires schools to safeguard pupils by teaching them how to recognise risks such as abuse, grooming, extremism, discrimination, misinformation, and how to seek support.

Together, this curriculum equips students with critical thinking skills, emotional literacy, political understanding and practical life knowledge that will benefit their future selves by enabling them to make informed decisions, manage relationships safely, participate confidently in democratic society and protect their own wellbeing. The government requires all students to learn this content because it supports safeguarding, promotes fundamental British values such as democracy and mutual respect, reduces vulnerability to harm, and prepares young people to contribute positively to society as informed, responsible citizens.