Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

– Nelson Mandela 

Personal Development Curriculum Intent Statement

At Looe Community Academy, our Personal Development curriculum is designed to prepare every learner for life beyond the classroom—helping them grow into confident, resilient, and responsible individuals. We believe that knowledge is connected, not fragmented, so our curriculum builds meaningful links between health, relationships, safety, and future aspirations, enabling students to see patterns and purpose in what they learn. 

Central to our curriculum are the big ideas of Managing Change, Health and Wellbeing, Respectful Relationships, Safety, and Citizenship. These concepts underpin every stage of learning, helping students explore how to navigate adolescence, make informed choices, and contribute positively to society. Through these lenses, learners develop self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to make decisions that protect their wellbeing and future. 

We aim to provide high challenge with low threat, creating a culture where students feel safe to ask questions, discuss sensitive issues, and develop their own values. Through rich encounters with real-world topics—from managing puberty and personal hygiene to understanding global issues and preparing for careers—students learn to think critically, act responsibly, and aspire ambitiously. 

Our curriculum prioritises knowledge for life, character development, and practical skills. Students learn how to maintain physical and mental health, build respectful relationships, and stay safe online and offline. They explore financial literacy, first aid, and career pathways, while engaging with themes of equality, diversity, and the law. Each year builds on the last, ensuring progression from foundational understanding to confident application. 

Progression from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4 

Our curriculum is spiralling and challenging, revisiting key concepts at increasing levels of complexity: 

• Year 7: Foundations in managing change, personal hygiene, and respectful relationships. Students learn how lifestyle choices affect health and how to stay safe online. 
• Year 8: Focus on happiness, aspiration, and healthy living. Students explore equality, diversity, and the dangers of substance misuse, while developing resilience and ambition. 
• Year 9: Preparation for adulthood begins—covering first aid, finance, and career choices. Students learn about media influence, self-esteem, and the law around sexual activity and consent. 
• Year 10: Deepening understanding of rights, responsibilities, and mental health. Students explore extremism, criminal behaviour, and how to identify unhealthy relationships. 
• Year 11: Transition to post-16 education and beyond. Students learn about world issues, pressures on adult relationships, and how to prepare for work or further study with confidence. 

Ultimately, our intent is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values to thrive in an ever-changing world—as healthy individuals, respectful citizens, and ambitious, cultural and socially able navigators who show learnership and self-awareness to be ready for the challenges and opportunities of adult life. 

Statutory Themes for PSHE/RSE Mapped across the Curriculum 

1. Relationships Education (RSE) 

• Families and different types of relationships 
• Respectful relationships, including friendships 
• Online and media influence 
• Being safe (including consent and exploitation) 
• Intimate and sexual relationships, including sexual health 

2. Health Education 

• Mental wellbeing 
• Physical health and fitness 
• Healthy eating 
• Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco 
• Health and prevention (including hygiene and first aid) 
• Basic first aid 
• Changing adolescent body (puberty, menstrual health) 

3. Living in the Wider World (PSHE) 

• Careers education and preparation for adulthood 
• Economic wellbeing and financial literacy 
• Media literacy and digital resilience 
• Citizenship (rights, responsibilities, democracy, law) 
• Online safety and managing digital footprint 
• Equality, diversity, and challenging discrimination 

Additional Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

• Drop down days 
• Links across the curriculum