01372 276499
Woodstock House, Woodstock Lane North, Long Ditton, Surrey KT6 5HN

equip students with resilience and independence

Nurturing students' growth in all aspects of

life—spiritual, moral, cultural, physical, and social

DEVELOPMENT

At Wemms Education, our Personal Development programme nurtures students’ growth in all aspects of life—spiritual, moral, cultural, physical, and social. Through PSHE, RSE, careers education, enrichment activities, and tailored support, we equip students with resilience, independence, and the skills to thrive in their future roles while promoting diversity, British values, and positive relationships.

At Wemms Education Centre, our Personal Development curriculum is designed to foster the spiritual, moral, cultural, physical, psychological, and social growth of every student. It aims to enrich their understanding and expand their horizons.

This encompasses areas such as Relationships and Sex Education, Personal, Social, and Health Education, SMSC (Social, Moral, Spiritual, and Cultural Education), Physical Education, and CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance).

Our curriculum emphasises the importance of individuality and cultural diversity, encouraging students to respect and embrace differences in the world and their local communities. Through this, they gain an appreciation of British values and an understanding of the Protected Characteristics. Working alongside families, the school helps students navigate the complexities of modern life, which offers exciting opportunities but also presents significant challenges and risks.

The curriculum focuses on real-life issues that impact students, their families, and their communities. It addresses topics such as health, relationships, and economic challenges, equipping students to stay healthy (both mentally and physically), safe (online and offline), and prepared for future careers and personal relationships.

We strongly encourage parental involvement in our Personal Development programme. Students are urged to discuss the curriculum with their families to reinforce learning and understanding at home.

Helpful Resources:
Why is Personal Development important?
  • It cultivates independence, resilience, and responsibility, preparing students for roles as future employees and parents.
  • It fosters critical thinking, helping students identify misleading information, particularly on social media.
  • It promotes physical and mental health by encouraging students to take charge of their well-being.
  • It supports employability by honing the personal and social skills needed in the workplace.
  • It provides knowledge about online safety, substance misuse, and understanding the law on these matters.
  • It teaches students to develop positive and respectful relationships within the boundaries of the law.
How is Personal Development taught?

We employ a whole-school approach to Personal Development, integrating it across multiple areas, including Tutor Time sessions, Physical Education classes, PSHE lessons, RSE lessons, Careers Events, counselling sessions, enrichment activities, interventions, and assemblies.

Students are supported in achieving their individual EHCP targets through a diverse curriculum, encouraging exploration of their talents and interests. Departments use structured rolling programmes that cover topics such as Life Skills, Careers, Assemblies, and Wellbeing. These programmes ensure that students build on prior knowledge while gaining age-appropriate understanding.

Helpful Resources:

Our School Council enables students to voice their ideas and contribute to school improvement. Elected representatives from all year groups meet fortnightly to discuss various initiatives. Key achievements for 2023-24 include:

  • Organising regular litter-picking events to maintain clean school grounds.
  • Hosting a Christmas talent show.
  • Coordinating efforts to enhance the annual Careers Day.
  • Planning and organising a fundraiser for sensory equipment.
  • Conducting research to reduce energy costs, which influenced operational decisions.

Our Support for Learning team collaborates with students, families, and staff to meet behavioural and pastoral needs effectively. By maintaining a consistent, supportive approach, the team fosters resilience, self-regulation, and self-confidence among students.

Specialist staff and external professionals lead intervention programmes tailored to meet specific student needs. Progress is monitored regularly to ensure successful outcomes. Activities are embedded in the curriculum to enrich Personal Development, including:

  • Focused interventions, including BEME, Fight or Flight, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language, and social skills workshops.
  • Transition readiness programmes, such as ‘Life After Wemms.’
  • Partnerships with organisations like the Harlequins Rugby Foundation, promoting life skills and emotional well-being.
  • Tracking progress against EHCP objectives.
  • Encouraging year-group-specific ethos and identity.
  • A structured PSHE curriculum.
  • Participation in Surrey Special Schools Sports Association events and national initiatives like Anti-Bullying Week.
  • Engagement in extracurricular trips, events, and leadership opportunities.
  • A wide variety of career activities, including work experience.
Helpful Resources:

Kevin

Vice Principal - Pastoral

At Wemms Education, our Personal Development curriculum nurtures students' spiritual, moral, cultural, physical, psychological, and social growth, preparing them to thrive in all aspects of life.

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