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Personal Development Education

PDE is delivered by all form tutors.

Our aim is to promote self-esteem, a sense of purpose and the acquisition of personal values amongst our pupils.  We emphasise the importance of, and respect for, the beliefs and cultures of others and provide knowledge and understanding that promotes active and constructive citizenship.

The content of PDE lessons encourages pupils to think for themselves, make valid judgments’ and acquire the skills that will equip them for society and work in the 21st century.  Our objective is to help pupils become independent learners and to take increased responsibility for organizing their own studies.

The department has strong links with a number of outside education providers: Shine (Newham Sexual Health) Drugs Line and Trident (Work Experience).

In Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils complete a six-week unit of work on economic wellbeing. In Year 10 pupils complete 2 weeks work experience in preparation for the world of work.

Assessment For Learning
Teacher assessment is formative and summative throughout the year. Progress in PDE is reported to parents annually.  At the end on Key Stage 3 a Citizenship Level is awarded. 

We believe that a successful curriculum takes pupil opinion into account.  Pupils complete feedback forms annually, giving their opinion on what they would like included in PDE lessons.

The PDE Curriculum
The PDE Curriculum in Year 7
In Year 7 pupils study PDE for 1 hour a week and cover the following units of work:

  • Transition Unit
  • Study Skills
  • Beliefs
  • First Aid
  • Anti Social Behaviour
  • Citizenship
  • Finance
  • Relationships

The PDE Curriculum in Year 8
In Year 8 pupils study PDE for 1 hour a week and cover the following units of work: 

  • Drugs Education
  • Personal Safety
  • Healthy Living
  • Future Planning
  • Citizenship
  • Finance

The PDE Curriculum in Year 9
In Year 9 pupils study PDE for 1 hour a week and cover the following units of work: 

  • Finance
  • Sex and Relationships
  • Careers and option choices
  • Citizenship
  • Government
  • Personal Safety 
  • Study skills in preparation for Year 10

The PDE Curriculum in Year 10 and Year 11
The PDE requirements are delivered through tutor time, assemblies, enrichment activities and across curriculum subjects.