The Personal Development curriculum is intended to take into account the need to deliver a spiral programme of PSHE to our pupils. It is also designed to incorporate new regulations on RSE(Relationships and Sex Education), HSE (Health Education), aspects of CIAG (Careers Information and Guidance), Citizenship and British Values. At KS4 there are also units to cover some core RE topics. Statutory guidance for RSE and HSE can be found on government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education

The school policy on RSE is also available on the main website: Sex & Relationships Policy

The curriculum is designed to be flexible to take into account issues of national and international concern. It is age appropriate, making use of and adapting resources from a wide variety of sources such as the PSHE Association, Barclays Bank, Brook Clinic, NHS.

For example, when students start at the Academy in Year 7 our induction unit #madeinmorton is designed to consolidate the students understanding of the core values of the academy chain. RSE modules throughout reflect the increasing maturity of our young people and the types of relationship issues they are likely to encounter. In KS3 the focus is mainly on family and friendship issues and the physical and emotional challenges of puberty. In KS4 students will look at adult relationship issues including teenage pregnancy.  In year 10 and 11 there is also an increased emphasis on CIAG making sure students are prepared for their next step beyond Morton Academy. Student voice also told us the KS4 students wanted to cover aspects of personal finance to include different types of bank accounts and how the tax system works.

In a largely monocultural area it is important that students are exposed to a wide variety of social and cultural issues. We ensure that our students develop the essential knowledge to become informed global citizens with the curiosity to explore others’ beliefs and values. Through careful planning and teaching we ensure this is framed in the local, national and global context. We encourage students to explore moral and ethical questions and issues which might impact on their personal lives and their ability to become an effective adult citizen in their local and national community.

CIAG is integral to all part of the curriculum and PD has an important role to play in preparing Morton students for the adult world. This becomes increasingly important at Key Stage 4 as we support our students in preparing for their next steps in life through examining career options, how to prepare for job applications and interviews and personal finance. Our lessons also promote the importance of employability skills such as the analysis of different viewpoints, team work, problem solving, and presentation of information and ideas.

Lyn Sunman - Subject Leader

Rachael Ryan