Personal Development
Staff
Mrs Claire McGilton
Subject Overview
Personal Development is one of the three strands of Learning for Life and Work (LLW). LLW is a discrete learning area in the NI curriculum. It is statutory for all pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4. The LLW programme of study is followed by all pupils from Year 8 to Year 14, with the content and focus changing to meet the developmental needs of the pupils.
Personal Development involves encouraging each child to become personally, emotionally, socially and physically effective, to lead healthy, safe and fulfilled lives and to become confident, independent and responsible citizens, making informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives.
Bangor Grammar School aims to play a significant part in helping pupils to cope with the challenges of everyday living and in their development toward adulthood.
There is now clear evidence that highlights the importance of promoting the development of emotional intelligence alongside other aspects of health promotion in young people. Research shows that for all kinds of jobs, emotional intelligence is twice as important as IQ and technical skills.
Achievements
Bangor Grammar School provides a breadth of experience for pupils to become involved with the local and global community through workshops with the PSNI, Army and Uber Heroes and more. This gives our pupils the opportunity to learn essential life skills in a more meaningful way.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, the Personal Development strand is based on the following key concepts:
- Self-Awareness,
- Personal Health, and
- Relationships.
In Years 8, 9 and 10 pupils have a series of 6 lessons on Personal Development. Classes are taught through a repeating cycle by teachers from other departments who are most suited to this style of discussion and participation.
The course followed during the three years addresses the statutory requirements of the KS3 Northern Ireland curriculum.
CCEA Specification links:
https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-3/curriculum/learning-life-work
Key Stage 4
Personal Development
Outside agencies and teachers within school will be used to incorporate the teaching and learning that is deemed specific to our pupils. This is not timetabled but will be conducted as a whole group at times throughout the year.
Pupils:
- develop an understanding of how to maximise and sustain their own health and well-being;
- reflect on, and respond to, their developing concept of self, including managing emotions and reactions to on-going life experiences;
- recognise, assess and manage risk in a range of real-life contexts;
- develop their understanding of relationships and sexuality and the responsibilities of healthy relationships;
- develop an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of parenting;
- develop further their competence as discerning consumers in preparation for independent living.
CCEA Specification links:
https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/curriculum/learning-life-work
Key Stage 5
In Years 13 and 14 all pupils will be given access to a number of opportunities such as building their confidence and team working skills. Outside agencies will be used to incorporate the teaching and learning that is deemed specific to our pupils. This is not timetabled but will be conducted as a whole group at times throughout the year.
Career Opportunities
This course seeks to allow pupils to develop their potential in all aspects of their lives. It is about values, attitudes and skills, considering the holistic development of the individual and not just its knowledge content. Personal Development helps provide young people with knowledge and skills to make informed choices and decisions throughout their lives, allowing them to become confident, resilient and responsible citizens.