Personal Development

At Billing Brook School, our personal development curriculum is designed to support our children and young people. We emphasise both academic and personal growth. Our approach aims to build confidence, self-advocacy and self-efficacy, preparing pupils for life beyond Billing Brook School.

We teach pupils to be proud of who they are. At Billing Brook we achieve this through various components of our curriculum. For example through our RE and Science Curriculum, enrichment days, and dedicated PSHE / RSE units of learning. Additionally, aspects of our Curriculum for Life contribute to this holistic approach, all of which are meticulously outlined in our comprehensive curriculum documents.

We employ effective teaching strategies to actively engage our pupils. These strategies include interleaving, revisiting key themes, incorporating retrieval practice throughout our long term plans, and providing concrete examples that demonstrate real-world applications.

There are several other areas of Personal Development that are built into our wider school curriculum, some of which are outlined below.

SMSC

Spiritual Development

Imagination and Creativity: Encourages creative thinking in learning.
Understanding Emotions and energy levels: Helps pupils recognise feelings and /or their energy level and their impact.
Exploring Beliefs: Respects diverse beliefs and values.
Moments of Reflection: Provides stillness and contemplation.
Appreciating Wonders: Reflects on life’s mysteries.
Curiosity: Fosters a love of learning.
Building Relationships: Maintains positive connections.

Moral Development

Valuing Individuals: Recognises each person’s uniqueness.
Listening and Responding: Engages with others’ viewpoints.
Responsible Actions: Acts considerately and makes informed choices.
Environmental Respect: Cares for the environment.
Understanding Right and Wrong: Applies ethical understanding.
Consequences of Actions: Recognises outcomes.

Social Development

Self-Image and Rights: Develops self-awareness and understanding of rights.
Self-Advocacy: Empowers pupils to express themselves.
Effective Communication: Encourages communication skills.
Helping Others: Supports peers and community.
Positive Qualities: Cultivates honesty, consideration, and independence.
Leadership and Relationships: Nurtures leadership and meaningful connections.
Social Skills: Participates in cooperative activities.

Cultural Awareness

Diversity Appreciation: Recognises the value of cultural differences.
Local and Global Understanding: Learns about various dimensions (local, national, global).
Cultural Exposure: Engages in visits and cultural events.
Artistic and Sporting Opportunities: Responds positively to creative and physical activities.
Understanding Democracy: Appreciates the role of parliamentary systems.
Community Participation: Develops communication skills for local events.

British Values

DEMOCRACY

PSHE: Empowers pupils, allowing them to make choices about important matters.
Understanding the World: Raises awareness of others and sensitivity to differences.
Physical, Health, and Wellbeing: Encourages building relationships, resolving conflicts, and understanding rules.
English: Provides a ‘voice’ through communication and active listening.

TOLERANCE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS & BELIEFS

PSHE: Develops awareness and respect for diversity.
Understanding the World: Celebrates customs, traditions, and different ways of life.
RE: Explores cultural and religious awareness.

MUTUAL RESPECT

Community Engagement: Collaborates with visitors, sports events, and local facilities.
Understanding the World: Demonstrates care for others and the environment.
The Arts: Expresses ideas and feelings creatively.

INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY

PSHE: Encourages independence, consent, and self-expression.
Understanding the World: Supports pupils in forming their own friendship groups.
The Arts and Communication: Allows choices, preferences, and self-expression.

SMSC Policy

Protective Behaviours and SoSafe

At Billing Brook School, we prioritise equipping our pupils with safety skills and strategies. Our PSHE curriculum covers protective behaviors, and incorporates a programme called SoSafe, ensuring pupils know how to respond if they ever feel unsafe. Additionally, we provide targeted interventions when necessary.

Enrichment Days

At Billing Brook School, we organize enrichment days and weeks throughout the school year. These events are diverse and include themes related to the curriculum, religious festivals, and other celebrations. Additionally, we actively participate in special occasions such as National Neurodiversity Week, Anti-Bullying Week, Careers Week, and Mental Health Awareness. Our commitment extends to local community projects and activities.

Visits and Visitors

At Billing Brook School, our pupils actively participate in a range of well-organised trips and visits. These experiences are closely tied to the curriculum and provide valuable learning opportunities. Additionally, we offer residential trips during key stages 3, 4, and 5. These residential experiences take place at various outdoor centers across the country, as well as a local camping ground for the Duke of Edinburgh (D of E) program. The duration of these trips can vary from 1 to 4 nights.