Personal Development

Personal Development at Wilmslow High

At Wilmslow High School, personal development is a central element of the student experience and is woven into both the curriculum and the wider school life. It reflects the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life beyond the classroom.

Personal development is the goal — shaping students’ values, behaviours, and readiness for life.
The wider curriculum is one of the means through which that goal is achieved.

We are committed to nurturing the personal growth of each student, helping them to become confident, responsible, and independent individuals. Our Personal Development programme is designed to support students in developing key life skills, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of self-worth. We focus on fostering resilience, leadership, and well-being, ensuring that every student is equipped to navigate the challenges of both school and life beyond.

Our provision also emphasises the importance of character development, encouraging students to embrace diversity, respect others, and contribute positively to the school and wider community. At Wilmslow High School, we believe that personal development is integral to academic success, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every student leaves us not only with strong qualifications but also as a well-rounded, empowered individual ready to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Personal development at Wilmslow High includes the following key components: (these could be in drop down boxes?)

Key Components of Personal Development at Wilmslow

PSCHE Curriculum (Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education):

Delivered through dedicated lessons and tutor time activities. Topics include:

Relationships and sex education (RSE)
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Physical health and healthy lifestyles
Financial education and online safety
British values and citizenship
Careers and future pathways (linked to the Gatsby Benchmarks)

RE and Ethics Education:

Encourages reflection on moral, ethical and spiritual questions, enhancing cultural literacy and respect for diversity.

House tutor groups:

Promotes development of strong relationships, with tutors guiding students’ pastoral and personal development journeys.

House Identity:

Encourages participation, belonging and leadership through inter-house competitions, charity events, and student voice.

Tutor Time Programme:

Includes weekly themes such as current affairs, careers focus, character education, and assemblies delivered via the Student Noticeboard

Embedded in school values: PRIDE (Professional, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy).
Celebrated through rewards systems and recognition (e.g. achievement points, House awards).
Delivered explicitly through sessions and implicitly through modelling by staff.

Roles such as:

Know More / Do More / Be More Head Students and Deputy Head Students
Regular ‘voice’ opportunities
Student Council representatives
Student Parliament

Opportunities to lead initiatives, represent the school, and contribute to school improvement.

A strong careers programme aligned to the Gatsby Benchmarks, offering:

Encounters with employers and workplaces
One-to-one careers guidance
Support with post-16 and post-18 options (including sixth form, apprenticeships, university)
Work experience opportunities

Wide range of clubs and societies: sports, music, drama, STEM, debating, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, etc.
Trips and visits, including international exchanges, cultural trips, and outdoor education.
Participation is encouraged for all to build confidence, resilience and teamwork.

Strong pastoral support structures (Heads of House, Pastoral Managers, Inclusion Team)
Access to mental health support and counselling
Safeguarding education through PSHCE, assemblies, and whole-school initiatives
Preparation for Life in Modern Britain include the FBV poster below and protected characteristics poster
Promotion of British values: democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance.
Diversity and inclusion promoted through curriculum, themed weeks, and student-led initiatives.

We are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive environment where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to be themselves.
We actively promote understanding of the Protected Characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010, helping students appreciate diversity and treat one another with dignity.

Young People of Character

At Wilmslow High School, we are committed to developing young people of strong character — confident, compassionate and ready for life beyond the classroom.

Rooted in our PRIDE values (Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Empathy), our approach encourages students to build resilience, take responsibility, and act with integrity.

Character is taught, caught and sought, with opportunities both in and out of lessons. From leadership roles and community service to daily interactions in the classroom, students are supported to make thoughtful choices, embrace diversity, and grow into positive contributors to society.