PDL (formerly PSHE)

List of TLR Holders and their responsibilities:

Mr Aidan Peake - Head of Careers
Mrs Ashley Ellison-  KS3 PDL Lead
Mr Eddie Owusu- KS4 PDL Lead

Department aims: 

• Our aim is to enable our students to become kind, healthy, responsible and independent members of society. We aim to prepare pupils adequately for adult life: its decisions, responsibilities, experiences and opportunities, and to allow pupils to develop fully as emotionally mature human beings. 
• Give students a range of information, activities and interactions that will allow them to expand their knowledge of careers and assist them in making an informed decision about their own post-16 career path
• Develop a clear understanding of British values and foster student participation in the local community

Approaches to teaching and learning:

• Debates and discussions
• Group presentations
• Assemblies
• Role plays
• Expertise from outside agencies
• Trips 
• Interactions with business and enterprise
• Focus/enrichment days
• Extra-curricular community and charity events

Why the department has adopted this curriculum plan: (Curriculum Intent):

PDL is a crucial part of a child’s education. It gives children access to important information about themselves and the many facets of the diverse world around them. At Robert May’s School we provide a curriculum that is both broad and balanced, and responds to the needs and context of our school. We encourage respect and understanding of the universal rights of the child, as articulated in the UNCRC. At Robert May’s, we aim to promote children’s knowledge, self esteem, emotional wellbeing and resilience, and to help them to form and maintain worthwhile and positive relationships. The information provided will be relevant and appropriate to the age and maturity of pupils. 

Principles of sequencing learning in this subject:
(e.g how does the KS3 Curriculum build upon KS2 and then prepare students for GCSE; why do we teach topics/skills in this order)

• Our PDL curriculum is  taught on a rolling, spiral basis. Topics are revisited across year groups, and understanding is deepened. This allows for progression and retention of key skills and knowledge, and also the introduction of some concepts at an age-appropriate point. This progression is detailed in the PDL curriculum map. 
• In KS3, students' understanding and demonstration of British Values becomes more developed. Citizenship is delivered primarily in years 7, 8 & 9.
• The  topics covered in KS3 allow students to broaden their understanding of careers transitioning to a more focussed and personal curriculum in KS4 assisting students to decide their own career path

KS3

Within KS3, PDL is taught through a carousel model. Each member of staff teaches a particular topic within a year group. This allows for consistency of delivery and the ability for staff to become experts within this topic, develop their resources and also develop relationships with every student in the year group. The PDL teaching team is made up of the PDL leads, Heads of Year, Assistant Heads of Year and staff with specialist knowledge and expertise. A number of PDL topics are also delivered or reinforced through the Robert May’s Programme. 

KS4

PDL in KS4 is taught in a linear model where the pupils cover the topics following a schedule. This is due to KS4 having regular external visitors on site and also being part of various important events. The lesson schedule is planned around these events and external visitors to ensure the pupils have access to all content. The PDL teaching team is made up of the PDL leads, Heads of Year, Assistant Heads of Year and staff with specialist knowledge and expertise. A number of PDL topics are also delivered or reinforced through the Robert May’s Programme.

How students will receive feedback to enhance their knowledge and skills:

PDL teachers and external specialist providers will provide feedback during lessons and other activities

Reading List 

Reading Well

Extracurricular and enrichment:

• Shoe box appeal year 7
• Fundraising tea for Macmillan - year 8
• Tea dances for the elderly members of the community - years 8 & 9
• Visit to Houses of Parliament - year 9
• Model United Nations Day - Queen Mary’s College - year 9
• Safe Driving Day - year 10
• Fundraising summer concert - all years
• Cyber Safety focus day - year 7
• Health and mental well-being focus days - all years
• Careers Fair
• STEM enrichment day
• Tri Service Days- Year 7/8
• Stay Safe Days- Year 9
• College and enterprise visits and trips
• Author Visits- KS3

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural opportunities:

Embedded into the PDL curriculum

Character development and British Values opportunities:

Embedded into the PDL curriculum