Personal Development
The Northern Ireland Curriculum aims to empower young people to achieve their potential and make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives as
1. Individuals
2. Contributors to society
3. Contributors to the economy and the environment.
Personal Development contributes to all three of these Curriculum Objectives.
The value of Personal Development
Research shows PD improves
- Learning
- Attendance
- Positive attitudes
- Relationships
- Skills and capabilities
- Health behaviour
PD Team and Lessons
At Larne Grammar we have an enthusiastic team of pastoral teachers involved in delivering the Personal Development Programme. PD lessons are well structured and pupil evaluation rates them as fun and useful. Many teaching strategies are employed including role play, group work, debate, DVDs, personal reflection, diary work, puppet work and practical work. All PD teaching is carried out in accordance with our school policies.
Key Stage 3 Personal Development
This is based around 10 themes
- Health and the whole person
- Feelings and emotions
- Managing influences and making decisions
- Self-concept
- Managing change
- Morals, values and beliefs
- Learning about Learning
- Safety and Managing Risk (incorporating Hearstart)
- Relationships and Sexuality
- Drugs Awareness
N.B. theme 6 morals values and beliefs is not included within the teaching schemes of PD as it is included in R.E.
Key stage 4 Personal Development
This is based around the 6 statutory statements
- Pupils will develop and understanding of how to maximise and sustain their own health and wellbeing
- Pupils will develop an understanding of relationships and sexuality and the responsibilities of healthy and appropriate relationships.
- Recognise, assess and manage risk in a range of real life contexts.
- Pupils will reflect on and respond to their developing concept of self including managing emotions and reactions to on-going life experiences.
- Develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of parenting.
- Develop further their competence as discerning consumers in preparation for independent living.