Personal Development is a comprehensive subject taught at Monkton Wood Academy, designed to equip students with essential life skills and empower them to become well-rounded individuals. The curriculum focuses on various aspects of personal growth, including mental and physical health, relationships, cultural diversity, financial decision-making, career development, and self-awareness. Through a structured approach across Key Stages 3 and 4, students progressively build their knowledge, understanding, and skills, preparing them for the challenges of adolescence and adulthood.
During Key Stage 3, students engage with a diverse range of topics which promote their overall well-being. In Year 7, the focus is on mental health and ensuring a smooth transition to secondary school, along with fostering cultural diversity awareness and introducing financial decision-making. Year 8 builds upon these foundations, covering physical health, drugs and alcohol education, identity and relationships, and exploring community and career opportunities. In Year 9, students deepen their understanding of physical health, peer influence, intimate relationships, and careers, while also developing skills in goal setting and employability.
In Key Stage 4, students delve further into the complexities of personal development. Year 10 places emphasis on mental health, addressing extremist radicalisation, and enhancing financial decision-making skills. Students also explore physical health, the power of influence, healthy relationships, and work experience opportunities. Year 11 focuses on physical health, independence, effective communication and relationships, career planning for next steps, as well as mental health, building for the future, cultural and family dynamics, and revision techniques.
Throughout the personal development curriculum at Monkton Wood, students are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, engage in interactive discussions, participate in activities that foster self-discovery, and develop essential skills required for a successful and fulfilling life.
