Personal Development

At Ark Boulton Academy, we recognise the importance of the influence that a rigorous and inclusive Personal Development curriculum can have in providing a quality education that empowers individuals to flourish, be aspirational and make a positive contribution to their community, culture and wider society. Our Personal Development curriculum offers countless moments in each pupil’s experience in school to develop character through a broad range of moments that are taught, sought and caught. Ark Boulton pupils will go on and make a positive contribution to their communities having developed well rounded character who display curiosity, respect and perseverance throughout their school career. ​ 

All pupils at Ark Boulton Academy have one Personal Development Lesson a week alongside weekly assemblies and three character and aspiration days a year. It is planned and taught with the same rigour as all other academic subjects. Pupils will experience a range of curriculum opportunities that increase pupils’ understanding of relationships, social skills, morality, British Values and cultural understanding, pupils will develop a secure foundation upon which to build academic knowledge. Our Personal Development curriculum therefore seeks to support pupils to make well informed choices that will keep them safe, healthy and able to form positive relationships whilst developing respect and empathy for others. This in turn, leads to pupils being able to lead happy and fulfilled lives.   

During a range of opportunities, pupils learn to engage with a variety of perspectives, discuss topical issues and consider the implications of dilemmas faced through storytelling and scenario-based discussions. These experiences prepare them to consider complex and challenging issues with the support of the adults in school. As a result of this, pupils can engage in their academic curriculum in greater depth as they are able to consider the broader contextual influences that contribute towards each subject discipline. This in turn, helps pupils to be able to identify and articulate their place in their school, local community and beyond. An effective careers programme supports pupils throughout their Ark Boulton Academy journey to ultimately make strong choices for their future.  

Pupils will experience a range of curriculum opportunities that increase pupils’ understanding of relationships, social skills, morality, British Values and cultural understanding, pupils will develop a secure foundation upon which to build academic knowledge. Our Personal Development curriculum therefore seeks to support pupils to make well informed choices that will keep them safe, healthy and able to form positive relationships whilst developing respect and empathy for others. This in turn, leads to pupils being able to lead happy and fulfilled lives. ​ 

In KS3 pupils will be introduced to key concepts such as building healthy and happy relationships, diversity and keeping safe. Whilst KS4 will build on the foundations of what has been taught at KS3, developing their knowledge and skills further to have healthy safe relationships, mental health and their next steps.  

All Year 7 subjects Next Year 7 Subject - Religious Education

All Year 8 subjects Next Year 8 Subject - Religious Education

All Year 9 subjects Next Year 9 Subject - Religious Education

All Year 10 subjects Next Year 10 Subject - Religious Education

All Year 11 subjects Next Year 11 Subject - Religious Education