Balcarras believes that Personal Development education plays a vital role in preparing children and young people to negotiate the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly complex world. Personal Development provides pupils with many positive and exciting opportunities, but also challenges and risks. Personal Development deals with real-life issues affecting our children, families and communities. It is concerned with the social, health, religious and economic realities of their lives, experiences and attitudes including relationships. It supports students to be healthy (mentally and physically), safe (online and offline) and equipped to thrive in their relationships and careers. 

Personal Development is taught at Balcarras through two lesson formats.  Every Monday a 30 minute Personal Development lesson is taught by the pupil’s tutor. In addition, once per half term, the timetable is collapsed for the whole school and a two hour Personal Development lesson is delivered through a range of outside speakers, professional experts and the tutor team.  

Linked documents 

• PSHE Policy (Click here to see the policy)

Details the PSHE provision in school, the aims and objectives of the programme and how it links to statutory requirements.  A scheme of work for the year is included in the policy. 

• Relationships and Sex Education Policy (Click here to see the policy)

Details the aims and objectives of teaching Relationships and Sex Education at Balcarras, links to equality, inclusion and social justice.  A scheme of work for the year is included in the policy. 

The Personal Development schedule and also a detailed schedule, including Monday lessons, can be found on the VLE.  The links are below: 

https://balcarras.fireflycloud.net/pshe