Personal Development Programme

Personal Development lessons

All student have a weekly PD lesson on Mondays. The curriculum covers relationships and sex education, mental health, equality and diversity, and online safety. We also cover life skills including cooking on a budget, practical home skills and financial literacy. Most sessions are tutor-led with external speakers and workshops enhancing provision.

SPEAK, ARGUE, WRITE

Our PD lessons also focus on presentation, debating, oracy and formal writing skills.

House system

Students are organised into tutor groups within one of our four houses, which are named after wonderful mathematicians and scientists: Birkar, Burnell, Hamilton and Murphy. Over the year we run events such as sports, music, chess and quizzes to develop team spirit and healthy competition! There is the opportunity to purchase a house hoodie.

Tutor system

Each student will meet 1:1 with their form tutor at least once every half-term to provide guidance on academic progress, wellbeing and personal development. Students also have a weekly form time to promote study skills, reflection and community building.

Enrichment

Enrichment activities are scheduled into the timetable on Tuesday afternoons throughout Year 12 and the Autumn term of Year 13. Students sign up for their choice of activity each term/half-term.

Clubs

We offer a wide range of clubs, currently including Chess, Dungeons & Dragons, Robotics and Music. Clubs take place at lunchtime or on Tuesday afternoons. Most are student-led and we encourage and support new clubs. We hold a Clubs Fair at the start of the Autumn term to share what is on offer.

Leadership

The Student Council convey student voice to the Senior Leadership team and organise inter-house, charity and social events. In September, each Y12 form elects a representative to join the current School Council. Additional opportunities include joining the Mental Health Advocates and leading a club.

Volunteering & Outreach

We expect all students to volunteer at one of our Taster Days, Open Days or Outreach events. We have a team of Reading Champions who are trained to support younger children with reading sessions in local primary schools and are working to expand this so that all students do some form of community volunteering.

Trips and events

We run as many trips, visits and social events as we can and are always happy to hear ideas for new ones! Trips scheduled for 2026-27 so far include the Y12 Cuffley and Y13 Henley Fort residentials, Thorpe Park, orienteering, winter party and Y13 prom. We also organise educational visits. If the trip is outside of the hours of 8:00am-7:00pm, parents/carers will be sent an itinerary and specific permission will be requested.

Duke of Edinburgh

All students have the opportunity to work towards their Silver or Gold award.

Assemblies

Fortnightly year group assemblies are led by staff, students or external speakers and organisations. Topics include academic themes, current affairs and personal development.