Personal Development

The Personal Development curriculum at Leigh Academy Rainham encompasses: PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education), RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) and The Pastoral Tutor Programme (Citizenship and Fundamental British Values).

All subject areas are built upon prior knowledge, which gradually develops deeper thinking and knowledge through our spiral curriculum. The intent of this has been purposefully designed to support all students in their journey to become a well-rounded citizen prepared for life in modern contexts ranging from: local, regional, national and international. We aim to explicitly teach our LEIGH Learner values which are underpinned by Fundamental British Values and provide opportunities in which students are able to reflect on their progress to see how far they have developed at each key stage. In addition the curriculum has been well designed to support the following areas:

  • Developing responsible, respectful, active citizens who are able to become actively involved in life as an adult.
  • Deepens pupils’ understanding of the Fundamental British Values.
  • Promotes equality of all, ensuring equal opportunities and creating an environment where all pupils can thrive, regardless of race, religion, gender, belief, age, disability or sexual orientation.
  • Develops the character of pupils, allowing opportunities to reflect on their own progress and conduct to help flourish in society.
  • Provides the knowledge and understanding to make healthy choices, related to diet, eating and relationships.
  • Provides compulsory sex education for all pupils, following the guidance from the Department of Education with support from PSHE association.
  • Supports pupils’ with the knowledge to understand what they need to do to reach and succeed in the career which they aspire. We use the Unifrog platform to support all students, parents and carers also have access to the platform to further support students at home.

Very similar to curriculum subject areas, we have a spiral curriculum whereby we examine what life skills and knowledge students need to learn to be successful in the modern world. The key stage 4 PSHE curriculum aims to develop students SMSC by following a theme called: ‘Living in the wider world’ whereby they will be exploring key life skills such as: adult relationships, living independently, personal safety: abroad and at home, CV and jobs, politic, media and financial security. In addition, our PSHE curriculum at key stage 3 is not static and can change depending on certain issues or topics which may be more pressing for our cohort of students and therefore KS4 will be adapted accordingly for this. To prepare students for this we use our key stage 3 PSHE curriculum to provide a breadth of rich knowledge of case studies and strategies needed to overcome challenges which include but are not limited to: emotional resilience, mental health, social media, careers and human connections/relationships. Key stage 3 also helps prepare our students for further learning of PSHE at key stage 4 as students would very much be aware of laws.

In addition, our PSHE curriculum at all key stages  links to our LEIGH Learner values, whereby students will be very much aware of definitions and examples of demonstrating these important societal behaviours. This ensures thorough awareness of their moral and immoral choices, which helps support their emotional intelligence and critical thinking when discussing sensitive topics’ in class.

The pastoral programme which enriches cultural experiences for pupils allows them to discover their own heritage, values and shared beliefs, promoting a culture of mutual respect and tolerance for all. Many pupils willingly take part in and respond positively to key events such as whole school mock elections, sports day, drama performance shows. Celebrating diversity is commonplace within the personal development curriculum, such as Black History Month and LGBTQ+. All these events are celebrated in the academy, as well as a number of clubs/groups to support, such as a Diversity group.

Lessons will be varied in approach and delivery, including a mixture of discussion based learning, video clips and written tasks. Scenario based learning features heavily too, allowing pupils to apply knowledge learnt to situations that could occur during their own lives. We will ensure that all lessons, including those that may be sensitive, maintain a positive atmosphere ensuring a factual approach is adhered to, avoiding shocking or distressing information. Scenario based learning will also assist pupils in developing skills for “real life” situations. We will support pupils in making links to their learning by adopting a spiralled approach and regularly using recap tasks to ensure the retention of knowledge and skills. In addition, collaborative planning via a shared google drive to ensure all pupils receive the same learning experience. This is implemented through the planning of high quality lessons that are shared with other staff. In addition staff have regular access to professional development/training to ensure that curriculum requirements are met and subject knowledge developed either through the trust or PSHE association. In addition, curriculum resources are carefully created and reviewed to ensure maximum engagement and participation by all students. 

Our Personal Development curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. We measure the impact of our curriculum in the following ways:

  • Children demonstrate a positive attitude towards people and show an understanding of cultural beliefs different to their own.
  • They demonstrate respectful behaviour to all and this is transferable outside of school in the wider community and beyond demonstrating their LEIGH Learner Attributes.
  • Images and videos of the children’s learning.
  • Interviewing the pupils about their learning (pupil voice).
  • Pupil’s books are scrutinised and there is the opportunity for a dialogue between teachers to understand their class’s work.
  • Marking of written work in books.
  • Google forms which produce quizzes with a particular focus on: knowledge recall and communication through answering a range of application questions.

whole school pastoral programme

Our whole-school pastoral programme is delivered during form time and is built around shared weekly themes that reflect and support our Leigh Learning Attributes. While all students engage with the same core themes, the resources are tailored by year group to ensure appropriate challenge and progression. As students move through the school, the materials become more complex—encouraging deeper thinking and building on prior knowledge to enhance their understanding of each theme.

You can explore our weekly themes, which form part of our annual pastoral programme, in the tab below.

Pastoral programme

At Leigh Academy Rainham, Fundamental British Values are taught explicitly to support students in their journey to become a well-rounded citizen prepared for life in modern contexts ranging from: local, regional, national and international. Our pupils live in an ever-changing society that is demanding of each and every member. Pupils’ ability to effectively adapt and demonstrate key values will define their place within society. Globalization means that our communities are becoming more diverse and our opportunities to understand each other and our surroundings is broadening every day; this can be a challenge for many, but is a chance for all pupils to thrive. Government guidance now states that all schools have a duty to actively promote the Fundamental British Values, these are namely: Democracy, The Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance of different Faiths and Beliefs. Our thoughtful and wide-ranging promotion of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, underpinned by our shared values, ensures that every pupil is supported to understand the dynamics of our society and their role within it. In addition, High-quality citizenship education helps to provide students with knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare them to play a full and active part in society.

Within our curriculum the academy provides opportunities to:

  • Foster students’ keen awareness and understanding of democracy, government and how laws are made and upheld
  • Equip students with the skills and knowledge to explore political and social issues critically, to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments;
  • Prepare students to take their place in society as responsible citizens, manage their money well and make sound financial decisions.
  • The citizenship framework is delivered during bespoke focused weeks, or pastoral themes during tutor time, drop-down days (all students), and college lead assemblies. Our aim is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding which will equip them with the tools needed to become active citizens. A key part of our citizenship curriculum also lies within the opportunities students have to volunteer and carry out responsible activities; our Student Leadership, The Duke of Edinburgh Award, and our co-curricular enrichment programme. Our co-curricular enrichment programme enables students to pursue their talents, as well as make positive contributions to their local, national, and global communities.
Fundamental British Values Curriculum Map

Leigh Academy Rainham is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment that values and respects every individual. As part of our curriculum, we prioritize the teaching of protected characteristics, ensuring that our students understand and appreciate the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through engaging and thought-provoking lessons, we empower our students to recognize, celebrate, and respect differences in characteristics such as age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and more.

Our dedicated educators provide comprehensive education on these protected characteristics, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become compassionate and respectful global citizens. At Leigh Academy Rainham, we strive to nurture an environment where everyone feels valued, understood, and supported.

Protected Characteristics Curriculum Map

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSE) forms an integral part of the personal development curriculum at Leigh Academy Rainham. We intend to deliver a robust and exciting curriculum to help our students grow up in an increasingly complex world and live their lives seamlessly on and offline. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities for us all, but also challenges and risks. In this environment, our students need to know how to be safe and healthy, and how to manage their academic, personal and social lives in a positive way.

The RSE framework is delivered in PSHE bi-weekly lessons, the pastoral programme during tutor time, targeted assemblies, and events. Our RSE curriculum has been carefully produced and sequenced to take into account age appropriateness and provides students with the knowledge that will enable them to make educated decisions on aspects such as wellbeing, relationships, and how to navigate the online world safely. A key focus is to provide guidance on how to seek advice and support. This knowledge will allow our students to make informed decisions regarding any complex situation they may face. The curriculum is aligned with the Department of Education Statutory guidance on Relationships and Sex Education (RSE).

In addition, at Leigh Academy Rainham our Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) still forms an integral part of our personal development provision here at the academy and is drawn from a wide variety of sources including our RSE curriculum. Our provision enables all students to leave us with a sound understanding of risk and with the knowledge and skills necessary to make safe and informed decisions. We tackle relationships, health, sex, drug, and financial education not only through our robust tutor programme, but also through aspects of our curriculum. This enables our students to understand and live up to their responsibilities towards themselves, their families, communities, and society as a whole.

Relationships and Sex Education Curriculum Map

PSHRE and RSE Curriculum Plan

Year 7

Module 1: Introduction to Healthy Minds:

  • L1: Positive Emotions
  • L2: Our Brain, Emotions and Thoughts
  • L3: Managing our Emotions and Thoughts
  • L4: Keeping Optimistic

Module 2: Applying Healthy Minds in Practice:

  • L5: How to Calm in Stressful Situations
  • L6: Putting it into Perspective: Avoiding Catastrophe 
  • L7: Resilience Strategies: What can I use?
  • L8. Review of Resilience Progress

Module 3: Healthy Wellbeing & Relationships:

  • L9a/b. What are Healthy Relationships?
  • L10. Healthy Eating & Exercise (Dangers of Eating Disorders)
  • L11. The Importance of Sleep

Module 4: How can I keep Healthy During Puberty?

  • L12. Physical and Emotional Changes Within Puberty
  • L13: Body Image, Fears and Pressures
  • L14: Sexting, Dangers and Reporting

Module 5: Navigating Social Media:

  • L15: What is Media Literacy?
  • L16: Reality VS Fantasy
  • L17: Advantages & Disadvantages of Social Media

Module 6: Media and Identity:

  • L18: Benefits of Social Media
  • L19: Fake News/Skewed Views
  • L20: Identity Maps

Year 8

Module 1: Mental Health Awareness

  • L1: Defining & Identifying Mental Health
  • L2: The Science of Mental Health
  • L3: Types of Mental Illnesses 
  • L4: Triggers, Protective Factors & Promoting Wellbeing

Module 2: Supporting and Spotting Mental Health Problems:

  • L5: Spotting & Supporting Mental Health
  • L6: Coping Strategies for Reducing Mental Health
  • L7: Reducing Mental Health Stigmas
  • L8. Odd One Out: Risks of Social Media and Cyberbullying on Mental Health

Module 3: Alcohol & Drugs Introduction:

  • L9. Risk & Effects of Alcohol (Peer Pressure) 
  • L10. Risk & Effects of Smoking (Vaping) 
  • L11. Drugs & The Law

Module 4: Drug Abuse & Misuse:

  • L12. Legal & Prescription Drugs
  • L13: The Risks & Effects of Illegal Drugs
  • L14: Assessment

Module 5: Sex Ed Part 1:

  • L15: Relationships: Love & Dating
  • L16: Harassment, Upskirting & Sexting 
  • L17: Grooming: Awareness, Prevention & Reporting

Module 6: Sex Ed Part 2:

  • L18: Consent & Safe Sex
  • L19: Pregnancy & Fertility
  • L20: Sexual Transmitted Infections: Risks, Effects & Preventions

Year 9

Module 1: Introduction to Careers and Working within the Workplace:

  • L1: Why should I be ambitious?
  • L2: Building professional and meaningful relationships
  • L3: Legal Rights and Responsibilities in the Workplace
  • L4: Exploring Careers (Link to Unifrog)

Module 2: 

  • L5: Job Applications & CVs: Producing a Compelling CV 
  • L6: Interview Preparation Lesson
  • L7: Interview [Skills and Review]

Module 3: Risk & Consequences of Gang Culture: (St Giles)

  • L8. What is Gang Culture?
  • L9. How and Why is Knife Crime on the Rise?
  • L10. Managing Risks & Staying Safe: County Lines
  • L11. Basic First Aid

Module 4: Managing Risky Behaviour:

  • L12. Extremism & Radicalisation
  • L13: Gambling & Addiction
  • L14: Managing Money & Savings

Module 5: Sex Ed Part 3:

  • L15: Contraception
  • L16: FGM
  • L17: Pornography: Dangers & The Law

Module 6: Relationships & Families:

  • L18: Types of Families-LGBT inclusion
  • L19: Family Planning & Pressures 
  • L20: EOY Assessment

Year 10

Module 1: Living Independently:

  • L1: What are utility bills and how should I pay them?
  • L2: How do I balance my income when living independently?
  • L3: How and why is a good work-life balance important for home life?

Module 2: Healthy Body Behaviours + Health Concerns:

  • L4: How and why is a healthy body important in my school teenage years?
  • L5: How and why should I check my body regularly?
  • L6: How can becoming a parent affect and change my physical body?
  • L7. How do I respond to a health concern about my body?

Module 3: Keeping Safe and Travelling Abroad:

  • L8: What does safe travelling look like?
  • L9: Avoiding Danger: How and why has travelling abroad led to disasters?
  • L10: How can I plan a safe travelling holiday to a different continent?

Module 4: Relationships,: Sex, Safety + Pressure:

  • L11 Introduction to KS4 PSHE and Relationships Recap
  • L12: How and why do humans practice safe sex?
  • L13: CONSENT: How should we approach this when sexually active?
  • L14: How do I respond to pressure in controlling and coercive relationships?

Module 5 and 6: The World of Work: Workplace Experiences:

  • L15: How do I construct an effective CV?
  • L16: How do I construct an effective Personal Statement?
  • L17: How can I better prepare myself for interviews?
  • L18: What careers am I looking to explore into? [Unifrog]
  • L19: EOY Google Forms Quiz
  • L20: What is working really like, what are some of the rules that protect me?
  • L21: How can I prepare myself for part time work when studying?

Year 11 Proposed Curriculum

Module 1: Parenting Skills and Family Life:

  • L1: What and why are there challenges when raising children?
  • L2: How and why does the word family take on different interpretations?
  • L3: What skills are necessary to be an effective parent?
  • L4: How can I respond and get support when struggling to raise a child?

Module 1 and 2: Relationships: Financial Security:

  • L5: How and why do people struggle with money management?
  • L6: Payday Loans: ‘How and why are they poor money management?
  • L7: Family Living: ‘How much money am I left with when I have a family of 4/5 people?
  • L8: How do I respond and approach money-management issues?

Module 3: Parenting Skills and Family Life:

  • L9: How has online pornography influenced and distorted relationships?
  • L10: How and why have deepfakes become a problem in society?
  • L11: How can online gambling, accumulators and betting lead to problems?

Module 4: Resilience, Independence & Study Skills:

  • L12: How and why should I be constructing a revision timetable?
  • L13: What and why is effective revision important?

‘EOY Google Forms Quiz’

Module 5 and 6: Preparation for GCSE: ‘Managing Exam Mental Health and building Resilience’

  • Supporting students during exam season.