KS4 Options Booklet 2026-2028 - Flipbook - Page 15
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Personal Development Learning - 1 Lesson Each Week
The PDL course informs students about personal and environmental issues with the purpose of
developing autonomous, decision-making individuals who will be prepared for the future in a rapidly
changing world.
A versatile modular programme provides opportunity for the enhancement of Life Skills, including
advancing students9 use of ICT.
● Careers Education and Guidance
o The world of work, further education, decision making, interviews, applications, form
filling, lifestyles, equal opportunities, opportunity awareness, transition skills and
self-awareness, and Post 16 information.
● Citizenship
o In Years 10 and 11 some of the extended registration time each week will be used to
look at: the role of government, environmental and global issues, staying safe, crime and
the law and being healthy.
● Health Education and Substance Abuse
o Exploration of the risks, hazards and consequences of the use and misuse of smoking,
alcohol and drugs including psychoactive substances. A basic introduction to the key
principles of first aid is also included.
● Relationships and Sex Education
o An exploration of values and moral issues; consideration of the personal, legal and
social aspect of sexual relationships including consent; contraception and the risks and
consequences of unprotected sex, including pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and STIs; the
development of communication and decision making skills. Tolerance with regards to
sexuality and issues concerning testicular cancer, bowel cancer and breast cancer are
also included as are concerns about and awareness of sexual exploitation and FGM.
● Economics Education
o Economics Education continues to play a big part in the curriculum at KS4. All subjects
embed enterprise activities in their curriculum giving students the opportunity to be
innovative, make decisions, learn to work effectively in teams and communicate
successfully with others.
● Internet Safety, British Values and Preventing Extremism
o One of the reasons why we attach significant importance to teaching and learning in
Ethics is so that through this and other personalised learning programmes, students are
made fully aware of the dangers of internet grooming, avoiding radicalisation (including
raising awareness of the Prevent strategy) and giving everyone the opportunity to
empathise with, understand and act positively on British Values.
