Intent
At The Oaks Academy Personal Development is at the core of what we do and enables our children to become independent, confident, healthy and responsible members of society, as well as developing the “whole child” intellectually, morally, socially and spiritually. Through our whole-school approach to Personal Development, it is our belief that excellence in these areas will lead to excellence across the curriculum and beyond in later life. To support our clear message around personal growth The Oaks defines this as the CHARACTER curriculum.
Careers & Finance
Health
Aspirations
Responsibility
Active Citizenship
Community
Tolerance
Emotional intelligence
Relationships
PSCHE lessons form one element of the Personal Development curriculum. This curriculum equips children with relevant and meaningful content, which is supported through a strong emphasis on emotional literacy, building resilience and nurturing mental and physical health. With an ever-changing society, we are able to provide our children with a strong understanding of the diverse world around them and support them in playing a positive role in contributing to the school and the wider community.
Implementation
All pupils in Years 7 to 9 receive two dedicated Character and Personal Development lessons across a two-week timetable, whilst students in Years 10 and 11 receive one lesson per fortnight. These lessons are delivered primarily by form tutors through a carefully planned and sequenced programme of learning that incorporates statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE), wider PSHE education, British Values, careers education and character development. The curriculum is mapped across all year groups to ensure progression in knowledge, skills and understanding. It is further supported by a structured form-time and assembly programme, aligned to safeguarding priorities, national awareness events and the school's inclusion calendar.
The strategic leadership of PSHE, RSHE and Personal Development is the responsibility of the Senior Leadership Team Lead for Community and Personal Development. This leader oversees curriculum design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation to ensure that provision meets statutory requirements and responds to the needs of students. Staff are provided with appropriate training, resources and ongoing professional development to enable them to deliver high-quality learning experiences. External speakers and agencies are used to complement and enrich the curriculum through the provision of specialist knowledge and expertise; however, responsibility for curriculum planning, content and quality assurance remains with the school. Assemblies and form-time activities are planned collaboratively with Key Stage Directors to reinforce key themes and promote the school's CHARACTER values and ethos.
At Key Stage 3, students build upon the knowledge, understanding, skills, attributes and values developed during their primary education. The curriculum supports students through the transition to secondary school, the challenges of adolescence and increasing independence. Students develop the knowledge and skills required to make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing, relationships and future pathways. They learn how to establish and maintain positive relationships, understand consent and personal boundaries, respect diversity and the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010, uphold British Values, and develop resilience and emotional wellbeing. Students also learn how to navigate their online lives safely and responsibly, critically evaluate information and media sources, and understand the influence of peers, social media and wider societal pressures. High-quality teaching prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
At Key Stage 4, students deepen and extend the knowledge, understanding and skills developed during Key Stage 3. The curriculum reflects students' growing independence and prepares them for adulthood, further education, employment and active citizenship. Students explore increasingly complex issues related to relationships, physical and mental health, personal safety, financial decision-making, equality, employability and the wider world. They are encouraged to reflect on their own attitudes and values, make informed and responsible choices, and develop the confidence, resilience and character needed to contribute positively to society and thrive in modern Britain
PSCHE Curriculum Map
CHARACTER lesson implementation
There are 7 spiral themes to the CHARACTER programme which run across year 7-11.
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Life Beyond School
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Equality Diversity & British Values
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Modern dangers online & offline
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Healthy Bodies and Emotional Wellbeing
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Personal Safety & Digital Awareness
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Relationships & Sex Education
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RESPECT = Behaviour Curriculum
Life Beyond School
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Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
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PSCHE lessons |
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Careers & Your Future Transition points in your life |
Year 8 will cover this through the form time and assembly programme which reinforces whole school messages |
Year 9 will cover this through the form time and assembly programme which reinforces whole school messages |
What is a CV? CV Writing |
Year 11 will cover this through the form time and assembly programme which reinforces whole school messages |
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Form time Programme |
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Who am I? KS3 Autonomous Learning Unifrog – 101 course Exploring possibilities - dream jobs Unifrog - Interest profile quiz Skills Builder What is a career? What is an entrepreneur? Unifrog - Takings skills profile quiz What is work life balance? Careers and the future Preparing for drop down CHARACTER Day Leaving a Positive Legacy Looking Ahead: Goals, Values and Aspirations Cultural Capital Skills Builder |
What are my interests KS3 Autonomous Learning Unifrog – 101 course Job applications - super hero CV Unifrog - Interest profile quiz Careers - Challenges and rewards of work Creating the life your want: making a vision board Unifrog - Takings skills profile quiz What does success mean to me? Careers and the climate Preparing for drop down CHARACTER Day Leaving a Positive Legacy Looking Ahead: Goals, Values and Aspirations Cultural Capital Skills Builder |
Careers - What are my skills KS3 Autonomous Learning Unifrog – 101 course Careers - What comes after school: main learning pathways Unifrog - Interest profile quiz Careers - Decision making: choosing what to study at KS4 Taking control of your career journey Working and earning and managing your money What is the labour market & why is it important? Preparing for drop down CHARACTER Day Leaving a Positive Legacy Looking Ahead: Goals, Values and Aspirations Cultural Capital Skills Builder |
Careers - Reflecting on my career journey Unifrog 101 course Introducing work experience Exploring employer profiles Unifrog: Recording your post 16 intentions Post 16 applications: Are Btecs right for me? Careers - What type of career is best for me? Unifrog- Taking the skills profile quiz Preparing to go on work experience Planning and organising: revising effectively Wellbeing in the workplace Unifrog - Taking the skills profile quiz In person, hybrid and remote what works best? Preparing for drop down CHARACTER Day Leaving a Positive Legacy Looking Ahead: Goals, Values and Aspirations Autonomous Learning Skills 4 Life |
What are my employability skills Unifrog 101 course Post 16 application support, opportunities & deadlines Careers - Post-16 choices Unifrog: Recording your post 16 intentions Post 16 applications: Using the College / Sixth Form tool to find the best fit Decision making: choosing your post 16 pathway Unifrog: Taking the skills profile quiz Researching volunteering and paid work Unifrog - Quick task: Recording an application Money talks: apprenticeship v higher education
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Assembly Programme |
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International Literacy Day Oracy / Unifrog launch Satchel Celebration National Apprenticeship Week National Careers Week Earth Day Student leadership Speeches and new SL launch |
International Literacy Day Oracy / Unifrog launch Satchel Celebration National Apprenticeship Week National Careers Week Earth Day Student leadership Speeches and new SL launch |
International Literacy Day Oracy / Unifrog launch Duke of Edinburgh Celebration Options National Apprenticeship Week National Careers Week Earth Day Student leadership Speeches and new SL launch |
International Literacy Day All Achieve / Unifrog launch Duke of Edinburgh Celebration Post 16 National Apprenticeship Week National Careers Week Earth Day Student leadership Speeches and new SL launch |
International Literacy Day All Achieve / Unifrog launch Celebration Post 16 National Apprenticeship Week National Careers Week Earth Day Student leadership
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Equality Diversity & British Values
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Year 7
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Year 8
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Year 9
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Year 10
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Year 11
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PSCHE lessons |
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Getting to know people What is a community Sleep & Relaxation Proud to be me Desert Island Living How laws are made Prisons, Reform & Punishments
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What is your identity Multicultural Britain Breaking down stereotypes Prejudice & Discrimination Challenging Islamophobia |
Equality Act 2010 LGBTQ+ What is it? LGBTQ+ Rights across the world Gender Equality Racism & Discrimination in Society
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Critical thinking & Fake News British Values & Identity Hate crime in the UK |
Media literacy & digital resilience Moral & ethical decisions
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Form time Programme |
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What is Diversity? LGBT+ History and Inclusion LGBT+ Voices and Role Models LGBT+ Rights, Respect and Equality LGBT+ Awareness and Challenging Stereotypes LGBT+ How to be an ally Protected Characteristics |
Challenging gender stereotypes LGBT+ History and Inclusion LGBT+ Voices and Role Models LGBT+ Rights, Respect and Equality LGBT+ Awareness and Challenging Stereotypes LGBT+ How to be an ally Protected Characteristics |
Recognising and preventing discrimination LGBT+ History and Inclusion LGBT+ Voices and Role Models LGBT+ Rights, Respect and Equality LGBT+ Awareness and Challenging Stereotypes LGBT+ How to be an ally Protected Characteristics |
Challenging prejudice and discrimination LGBT+ History and Inclusion LGBT+ Voices and Role Models LGBT+ Rights, Respect and Equality LGBT+ Awareness and Challenging Stereotypes LGBT+ How to be an ally Protected Characteristics |
Know your rights: the equality act LGBT+ History and Inclusion LGBT+ Voices and Role Models LGBT+ Rights, Respect and Equality LGBT+ Awareness and Challenging Stereotypes LGBT+ How to be an ally Protected Characteristics |
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Assembly Programme |
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European day of Languages World Food day Anti Bullying week World Religion Day Holocaust memorial Day PRIDE Month |
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Modern Dangers Online and Offline
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Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
Year 10 |
Year 11
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PSCHE lessons |
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Avoiding gangs & Criminal behaviour Online gaming, grooming & addiction Staying safe online Alcohol & Risk Nicotine & Smoking Ecigs, Vaping & Shisha Energy Drinks & Caffeine Knife Crime & safety
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County Lines - What is it? Substance abuse Cyberbullying Online grooming Child exploitation & Online Protection |
What is a drug? Different types of addiction Cannabis products Drug classification Party drugs & illegal drugs The war on drugs Volatile substance abuse |
Honour based violence Online gaming & Gambling Social media validation Modern Day Slavery |
Virtual reality & live streaming Vaping why is it on the rise? Festivals & Nitrus Oxide |
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Form time Programme |
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Managing risk & travelling safely Making safe and Positive Choices |
Managing risk: Looking after your personal safety Making safe and Positive Choices
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Social influences: young people and gangs Making safe and Positive Choices Sex and consent online |
Managing risk: unsafe and emergency situations Making safe and Positive Choices
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Gambling: risks, consequences and safety Making safe and Positive Choices |
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Assembly Programme |
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Road safety Week Rail Safety Water Safety Summer Safety |
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Heathy Bodies and Emotional Wellbeing
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Year 7
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Year 8
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Year 9
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Year 10
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Year 11
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PSCHE lessons |
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Introduction to puberty Puberty (Girls focus) Puberty (boys focus) Personal hygiene Growing up Self esteem Tooth Decay & Dental Health |
Health & Wellbeing What is Mental Health? Positive body image Child Abuse Types of bullying Healthy eating and cholesterol Stress Management |
How Self esteem changes What is a Penis? What is a Vulva? Bullying in all its forms Dealing with grief and loss Media & airbrushing Cancer prevention & healthy lifestyles
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What is a GP the role of a doctor Menstrual & Gynaecological Health Unhealthy Weight Gain & Risks Masculinity & Misogyny Suicidal (thoughts & feelings)
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Fertility & What impacts it Mental health illnesses Teenage pregnancy choices Testicular & prostate cancer Breast & cervical cancer screening Love & abuse
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Form time Programme |
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What is mental health? Social media & mental health |
Mental health - talking about our emotions Self esteem & confidence |
Mental health: developing coping strategies Healthy lifestyles- accessing health services Healthy lifestyles: achieving balance |
Recognising strengths in ourselves and others What is a healthy lifestyle? |
Mental health- building resilience Mental health: recognising challenges and identifying support |
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Assembly Programme |
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RHS Plants for Wellbeing / World Mental Health Day Positive masculinity |
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Personal Safety & Digital Awareness
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Year 7
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Year 8
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Year 9
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Year 10
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Year 11
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PSCHE lessons |
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Intro to Tax Government & our Taxes Advertising tricks Becoming a responsible citizen How deepfakes are being used in politics How to avoid financial scams Latest UK census Data |
Loneliness Is it Bullying or Banter Peer Pressure & Risk Taking Personal Safety Personal Safety in Public Spaces Respect & Women Why Sexist Jokes are Wrong Deepfakes Bullying & Digital media literacy What is AI generated sexual imagery AI & Chat bots Algorithms & content AI - how is it changing the way we think Illegal online behaviours |
Conspiracy theories & narratives Forms of Extremism What is terrorism? War & conflict The radicalisation process How does counter terrorism work? Antisemitism in the UK |
What is Sextortion Positive male role models & incels Personal Safety Dangers of Virginity testing |
Screen addiction & Studying Online misinformation |
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Form time Programme |
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Media literacy: becoming a responsible digital citizen |
Media Literacy: interpreting information online |
Year 9 will cover this through the PSCHE and assembly programme which reinforces whole school messages |
Staying safe online: AI, risks and critical thinking |
Staying safe online: harmful content and scams |
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Assembly Programme |
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AI and the future |
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Relationships & Sex Education
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Year 7
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Year 8
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Year 9
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Year 10
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Year 11
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PSCHE lessons |
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Consent and boundaries Respect & Relationships What makes a good friend Friendships & online relationships Being positive Pressure, Influence & friends What does it mean to be a man |
Relationships & Sex Education Being Yourself & Self Love Healthy Respectful Relationships Dealing with conflict What is Love? Introduction to contraception Sexual Orientation |
Sexual consent and the law FGM and the law Relationships & Partners Domestic Abuse & Domestic Violence Delaying sexual activity Why have sex? Sexual harassment and stalking What are STIs Treating STIs and the clinic Contraception explored Contraception – condoms Contraception explored further HIV and AIDS |
Online pornography (myths v reality) Sexualisation & the media |
Importance of sexual health Revisiting contraception Respect love and relationships
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Form time programme |
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Building Positive Relationships with Peers Managing Conflict and Disagreements Respectfully Safeguarding and Unkind Behaviour |
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