Personal Development

Neatherd’s Personal Development mission is to give pupils valuable opportunities, to help pupils develop character and make informed choices to become global citizens, committed to creating a better future.

Neatherd is fully committed to all personal development opportunities being accessed universally and with full equity as we know that all pupils benefit from this, but especially those who are most vulnerable. Neatherd promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of our pupils and prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. We want to ensure that pupils leave Neatherd very well equipped for the next stage of their education and are educated so that they enjoy life, live well and are decent human beings, able to navigate the world and their responsibilities within it. Personal development is not a bolt-on to our rigorous academic experience, but instead lives throughout our curriculum, as well as outside of the classroom.

Our Personal Development Map of Opportunity sets out the different aspects of Personal Development at Neatherd.

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Curriculum

Neatherd’s curriculum actively promotes personal development, essential because it helps pupils cultivate positive values like compassion, hard work, respect, integrity and fairness (our school values) which can significantly impact their academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being, leading to more responsible citizens and individuals better equipped to navigate life challenges. The curriculum at Neatherd includes the statutory requirements and provides extensive coverage of the SMSC elements including British values and online safety, not only in the Society and Ethics curriculum but also across the curriculum of all subjects as well as outside of the classroom.

Tutor Time Programme – Personal Development Programme

Our Personal Development Programme of assemblies and tutor time provide a space to build a strong sense of community, reinforce the school's values and ethos, promote shared identity, and offer a platform to discuss important topics, all while fostering a sense of belonging among pupils, staff, and the wider school community. Neatherd’s Tutor time programme is thoughtfully planned and sequenced into assemblies, tutor time and whole school messages. As well as scheduled topics (e.g. Holocaust Memorial Day, Black History Month, etc) there is also time built into the schedule to be responsive to global matters or Neatherd specific matters.

Careers

Neatherd provides effective Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG), in line with all the statutory requirements as well as meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks. This encourages our pupils to make good choices and understand what they need to do to succeed in the careers to which they aspire. We ensure there are opportunities for a range of education and training providers to speak to pupils about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships. We provide quality unbiased careers advice and guidance provided to all pupils and also give meaningful opportunities for pupils to encounter the world of work.

Trips

Neatherd know trips are valuable because they provide pupils with real-world learning experiences, enhancing their understanding of classroom topics by connecting them to tangible environments, while also fostering personal development through building confidence, independence, teamwork, and cultural awareness. Neatherd offers trips to all pupils in all year groups, both as part of the curriculum and extra-curricular. In Key Stage 3 pupils go to the North Norfolk Coast to study coastal erosion, which is part of geography curriculum, pupils can also go to France on a language trip and to the Battlefields on a History trip. In Key Stage 4 curriculum trips visit local historical sites, to London to look at regeneration, and to Theatres for performances studied in English Literature and Drama. Extra-curricular trips include Iceland, a Ski-Trip to Italy and a Sports Tour to a European destination. Neatherd pupils can also sign up for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and with Camps International for an expedition to far-flung places, like Kenya or Borneo.

Pupil Leadership

We recognise pupil leadership is valuable as it empowers pupils to take responsibility, develop important life skills like communication and decision-making, fosters a sense of ownership within the school community, enhances student engagement, and prepares them for future leadership roles by giving them a platform to voice their opinions and actively contribute to school improvements; ultimately leading to a more positive and inclusive learning environment. At Neatherd we encourage pupils into leadership roles, such as becoming Prefects, Sports Leaders, House Leaders, Canteen Committee, Anti-Bullying Ambassadors or to be representatives on the School Council. All leadership roles make a positive contribution to school life.

Events

School events hold significant value by enhancing learning experiences, promoting social development, building school spirit, fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities for pupils to showcase their talents and skills, all while creating memorable moments that can positively impact their overall education. Neatherd has external organisations run events as well as the many events the school showcases, such as the Sports Festival and the always fabulous annual school production. Pupils can also volunteer for intergenerational conversations at a local care home and DofE pupils also volunteers with local organisations.

Clubs

Clubs are valuable as they provide pupils with opportunities to develop essential life skills like teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving, while also boosting confidence, and allowing pupils to explore interests outside of the traditional curriculum, all contributing to a more well-rounded educational experience. Many clubs are on offer to pupils, promoted through the Daily Announcements, the Clubs poster and the Annual Clubs Fair.

House System

A House system in school is valuable because it fosters a strong sense of belonging among pupils, encourages healthy competition, promotes student leadership, and provides opportunities for pupils to engage in school life beyond the classroom. This can lead to increased student participation, positive school spirit, and a sense of pride in their house and school.