Personal Development Curriculum (PSHE&RSE)
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (PSHE)
Personal Development at Harris Academy South Norwood (HASN)
At Harris Academy South Norwood, we take pride in providing an exceptional personal development programme that goes beyond the classroom, preparing students to thrive in modern Britain. Our approach is centred on two key elements:
Building Character
We define character as the ability to make good decisions and behave well towards others and oneself. Inspired by philosophers such as Aristotle, Hume, and Kant, we believe that character development is about building good habits, cultivating empathy, and developing a strong sense of duty. Through constant modelling and teaching, we embed our four aspirational values into daily life:
- Endeavour: We teach students to work hard and overcome barriers through perseverance and resilience.
- Respect: We foster an environment where students value and accept others, displaying good manners and gratitude.
- Responsibility: Students take ownership of their choices, behaviour, and future, being honest when things go wrong.
- Kindness: We encourage students to help those in need and act considerate towards others and themselves.
Being Prepared
Through our broad curriculum, both traditional and extended, we ensure that students feel safe, healthy, and equipped for life and work in modern Britain. We support their personal development by focusing on key areas such as careers, enrichment opportunities, and fostering British values.
Our Core Values
- Diversity: We embrace our diverse community and encourage acceptance of others as they are.
- Togetherness: We understand the power of collaboration and find joy in connecting with one another.
- Talent: We nurture and celebrate the unique talents and abilities of every student.
Aspirational Values in Action
Rewards and Recognition
Students are celebrated for embodying our core values and aspirational behaviours. Our Rewards Badges Programme acknowledges achievements across six categories: Endeavour, Kindness, Responsibility, Respect, Acceptance, and Talent. Students earn bronze, silver, and gold badges in assemblies held biannually.
For example:
- Endeavour: Students earn points for hard work and persistence, with 200 points required for a gold badge.
- Kindness: Acts of kindness, such as helping peers, contribute towards earning badges.
- Responsibility: Roles like a tour guide or sports captain demonstrate responsibility and are rewarded.
- Talent: Performing for HASN events or excelling in academic or creative endeavours earns recognition.
Enrichment Opportunities
We believe that enrichment is a vital part of personal development. Every department runs at least one enrichment activity (two for CORE departments), offering opportunities for students to:
- Develop academic and vocational skills.
- Pursue their passions and discover new interests.
- Connect with peers in a supportive environment.
Enrichment activities are diverse and accessible to all, including students with SEND and those eligible for Pupil Premium. Examples include:
- Clubs (e.g., STEM, chess, art, sports).
- Guest speakers and trips.
- Opportunities for leadership, such as becoming a school prefect or HASN Champion.
Personal Development in Tutor Time
Tutor time is a key component of our personal development framework, delivering structured activities designed to prepare students for life beyond the academy:
Daily Schedule
- Monday: Spellings & Numeracy.
- Tuesday & Wednesday: SPHERE Programme.
- Thursday: First Chapter Thursday (reading programme).
- Friday: Assembly.
SPHERE Programme
Our SPHERE (Social, Personal, Health, Economic, Relationships Education) curriculum provides a comprehensive framework for students to explore topics such as:
- British Values (democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance).
- PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education).
- RSE (Relationships and Sex Education).
- SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Development).
- Careers and work-related learning.
The SPHERE programme ensures students develop a well-rounded understanding of their responsibilities as individuals and citizens of modern Britain.
Literacy and Numeracy Focus
Personal development at HASN is intrinsically linked to academic success. Our initiatives include:
- First Chapter Thursday: Tutors read aloud the opening chapter of a new book each week, exposing students to diverse authors and stories while fostering a love of reading.
- Tier-Two Word Tests: Students learn and test new vocabulary weekly, focusing on etymology and morphology to deepen their understanding of language.
- Numeracy and Science Challenges: Weekly challenges develop problem-solving skills and promote numeracy across the academy.
Promoting Student Leadership and Engagement
We encourage students to take on leadership roles, enhancing their confidence and sense of responsibility. Opportunities include:
- Becoming a school prefect.
- Acting as tour guides or mentors.
- Our student council meet every week to provide feedback to SLT on how the school can improve
- Participating in performances, clubs, and enrichment activities.
Personal Development
HASN’s personal development programme helps students become the best version of themselves by:
- Providing opportunities beyond the norm to support students' holistic development.
- Embedding British values and preparing students for life in modern Britain.
- Ensuring all students, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds, have equal access to enrichment opportunities.
- Developing students’ confidence, resilience, and independence through leadership roles and recognition schemes.
- Supporting students’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development through assemblies, SPHERE activities, and enrichment.
Join Us in Supporting Personal Development
We believe that personal development is a partnership between the academy, students, and their families. Together, we can ensure that every student at HASN develops the character, skills, and knowledge they need to thrive.
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
At Harris Academy South Norwood, our Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to develop healthy, respectful relationships and to make informed decisions about their well-being. Our approach aligns with the statutory guidance provided by the Department for Education and reflects the principles valued by Ofsted.
Our Aims
The RSE curriculum at Harris Academy South Norwood aims to:
- Provide students with the information and understanding needed to form healthy, nurturing relationships of all kinds, including friendships, family relationships, and intimate partnerships.
- Empower students to identify and maintain healthy relationships by recognising the characteristics of positive and respectful interactions.
- Teach students about consent, the importance of boundaries, and strategies to resist pressure in all types of relationships.
- Equip students with knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, including contraception, the importance of sexual health, and how to access appropriate support and advice.
- Support students in understanding acceptable and unacceptable behaviours in relationships, fostering respect and empathy for others.
How We Deliver RSE
Our RSE programme is:
- Comprehensive and Inclusive: Lessons are carefully planned to be age-appropriate, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse experiences and needs of all our students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- Engaging and Participatory: We create a safe and supportive learning environment where students feel confident to engage, ask questions, and express their views. Lessons are interactive, using varied teaching approaches that promote critical thinking and discussion.
- Expert-Led and Accurate: Delivered by trained staff, with additional input from external experts when appropriate, our RSE curriculum is grounded in reliable sources of information and provides honest, medically accurate education. We ensure students understand their legal rights and responsibilities, distinguishing fact from opinion.
- Promotive of Equality: Our lessons actively promote gender equality and LGBT+ inclusivity, challenging all forms of discrimination and fostering respect for different perspectives and cultures.
- Responsive to Students: We value the input of our students and adapt our curriculum based on their feedback to ensure relevance to their lives and experiences.
Positive Relationships and Mental Well-Being
We place a strong emphasis on the link between positive relationships and mental health. Students are supported in recognising the impact of healthy relationships on their overall well-being and are guided on how to manage situations where relationships may become unhealthy or harmful.
Celebrating Successes and Achievements
Our commitment to fostering respect, empathy, and understanding extends beyond the classroom. We actively celebrate students’ achievements in developing these vital life skills through recognition and rewards, ensuring they feel valued and encouraged to continue their personal growth.
Tackling Online Sexual Harassment
Recognising the challenges posed by the online world, we provide robust education on online safety, including identifying and responding to online sexual harassment. We collaborate with organisations such as the Children’s Commissioner to provide guidance for both students and parents on staying safe online.
Monitoring and Evaluation
We continually evaluate the effectiveness of our RSE curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of all students. This includes:
- Gathering feedback from students and parents.
- Regularly updating staff training to reflect best practices.
- Reviewing curriculum content in line with statutory guidance and emerging issues.
Commitment to Excellence
At Harris Academy South Norwood, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality RSE programme that empowers our students to navigate relationships and life with confidence, respect, and resilience.
Miss Bird Assistant Principal for Personal Development
If you need to contact her with any questions.
Please email birdl@harrissouthnorwood.org.uk
