SUCCESS FOR ALL

Our Vision

At Smithills School, Personal Development and PSHE are at the heart of our commitment to developing confident, resilient and successful young people. We believe that education is about more than academic achievement; it is about preparing pupils for life in modern Britain and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and character needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

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Our curriculum is built around the core values of Independence, Community and Excellence, supporting pupils to understand themselves, develop positive relationships with others and prepare for their future roles in society.

We aim to ensure that every pupil leaves Smithills with the confidence to make informed decisions, the resilience to overcome challenges and the aspiration to achieve their full potential.  

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What is Personal Development and PSHE?

Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education provides pupils with opportunities to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to:

• Stay physically and mentally healthy.

• Build safe, positive and respectful relationships.

• Understand diversity, equality and inclusion.

• Keep themselves safe online and offline.

• Make informed decisions about risk and wellbeing.

• Develop resilience, confidence and self-awareness.

• Prepare for future education, employment and adult life.

• Become active and responsible members of their communities

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Our Curriculum Journey

Our curriculum follows a carefully planned progression from Year 7 to Year 11, allowing pupils to revisit important themes in greater depth as they grow and mature.

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Independence – Understanding Myself

Pupils develop:

• Self-awareness and emotional literacy.

• Mental and physical wellbeing.

• Confidence and resilience.

• Healthy lifestyle choices.

• Personal safety and decision-making.

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Community – Understanding Myself with Others

Pupils explore:

• Identity and belonging.

• Respect and inclusion.

• Equality and diversity.

• Healthy relationships.

• Citizenship and social responsibility.

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Excellence – Understanding Myself Within the World

Pupils learn about:

• Future aspirations and ambition.

• Financial awareness and independence.

• Managing risk and responsibility.

• Positive relationships and wellbeing.

• Preparing for adulthood and the wider world.

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Key Themes

Throughout their time at Smithills, pupils engage with a broad range of age-appropriate themes including:

• Mental health and emotional wellbeing

• Physical health and healthy lifestyles

• Relationships and respect

• Online safety and digital citizenship

• Diversity, equality and protected characteristics

• Personal safety and safeguarding

• Financial education

• Careers and future aspirations

• British Values and active citizenship

• Resilience, confidence and character development

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Learning Beyond the Classroom

Personal Development at Smithills extends beyond timetabled lessons. Pupils benefit from a wide range of experiences that help them grow as individuals, including:

• Assemblies and tutor programmes

• Careers education and guidance

• Leadership opportunities

• Community and charity projects

• Educational visits and enrichment activities

• External speakers and specialist workshops

• Student voice and participation opportunities

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Together, these experiences help pupils develop the confidence, understanding and skills needed to become successful young adults.

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Our Commitment

We are committed to creating a learning environment where every pupil feels safe, respected, valued and supported. Through our Personal Development and PSHE curriculum, we encourage pupils to:

Be independent. Be respectful. Be resilient. Be ambitious.

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Our goal is for every young person to leave Smithills ready to contribute positively to society and lead a happy, healthy and successful life.

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Curriculum Map