Introduction
This subject includes Citizenship, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) alongside Religious Education (RE) and Careers Information Advice and Guidance. This will form part of the core curriculum at KS4.
How is the course assessed?
Assessment in Personal Development across KS4 is varied. It will depend on the nature of the topic studied or activity undertaken. Student work will not be marked on the 1-9 grade scale, however regular verbal or written feedback will be given by teachers and in addition, self and peer reviews will be utilised when appropriate.
Course Content
At Kirkby Stephen Grammar School, students in KS4 will have two lessons of Personal Development per fortnight.
They will cover all the core subjects listed above.
In Year 10, students will get the chance to have a week of work experience which offers a very beneficial opportunity. They will also take part in a mock interview competition during the summer term. This gives our students the chance to conduct and dress appropriately for the interview before being asked a series of questions by local employers, again, another very beneficial opportunity.
In Year 11, running alongside their Parents’ Evening, there is a “Next Steps” Careers Fair with a variety of different providers. This allows students opportunity to get as much information as possible to make choice about their next steps. Also during this year, every opportunity is given to students, from having a variety of visiting speakers in many varied roles, apprenticeship providers and lots of valuable experiences so they can make a well informed choice about their future.
Students will explore a range of different topics including:
– Careers and work experience
– Politics
– Human rights
– Physical and mental health awareness
– Sex and relationships- parenthood
– Drugs and alcohol
– Independent living & economic wellbeing
– Global and Environmental awareness
– Beliefs and values
Students will also have additional opportunities for extra-curricular and practical school-based activities such as:
– Careers talks and visits to colleges/universities
– Workshops on aspects of health and wellbeing
– Cultural visits