At Kettering Buccleuch Academy, we are passionate about providing our students with a well-rounded curriculum that incorporates the ‘hidden skills/knowledge’ that will help our students nurture their own personal development. Today’s children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world and living their lives seamlessly on and offline. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities, but also challenges and risks. In this environment, children and young people need to learn how to be safe and healthy, and how to manage their academic, personal and social lives in a positive way.
Some aspects of our PSHE/RSHE/SMSC programme of study incorporate challenging topics, and we make no apologies in ensuring these are delivered to all our students in a safe learning environment. This is so students can ask questions, learn about common misconceptions and prejudices, and be able to make their own informed decisions and choices, after being presented with the full facts.
In our recent Ofsted inspection it was noted that:
“The curriculum for personal development is strong in all year groups. Leaders have designed it to help develop pupils’ character.
In all year groups, tutors ensure that pupils join in discussion and debate about topical issues. Examples include climate change and the impact of public protests. These opportunities promote pupils’ understanding of British values, including democracy and individual liberty. The curriculums for relationships, sex and health education and careers guidance are equally well planned. Pupils are well prepared for their next steps and life in modern Britain.
The school meets the requirements of the Baker clause, which requires schools to provide pupils in Years 8 to 13 with information about approved technical education qualifications and apprenticeships. The 6th form’s ‘global learning’ programme strongly supports students’ wider personal development.”
SMSC
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development is the over-arching umbrella that encompasses personal development across the whole curriculum.
At Kettering Buccleuch Academy we currently hold the National SMSC Gold award.
SMSC Gold Award Report
SMSC development is provided in a range of different ways – within the curriculum, within PSHE being delivered within the tutor time programme and extra-curricular activities and opportunities such as assemblies, trips and visits (when available post COVID restrictions).