Personal Development
Personal Development is at the heart of Bournemouth School. Working in partnership with parents and carers, we play a vital role in preparing our students to navigate the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly complex world. This ever-changing environment offers exciting possibilities but also presents significant risks and demands.
Our Personal Development curriculum addresses real-life issues that affect our students, their families, and the wider community. It explores the social, health, and economic aspects of their lives, experiences, and relationships. Through Personal Development, students learn to stay healthy—both mentally and physically—stay safe online and offline, and develop the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their relationships, education, and future careers.
The success of our Personal Development programme depends on the active involvement of our whole community. Students are encouraged to discuss their learning with parents and carers, and we work closely with external agencies and local businesses to enhance the curriculum. Our full Personal Development curriculum, including Relationship Education, is available to view on our website.
Why is Personal Development Important?
Personal Development is central to helping young people flourish. It:
- Promotes physical and mental health and wellbeing, encouraging personal responsibility for a healthy lifestyle.
- Ensures students understand how to stay safe—both online and offline—including awareness of risks linked to drugs, alcohol, and other social pressures, as well as the laws surrounding them.
- Provides the knowledge and understanding needed to build healthy, respectful relationships of all kinds and to recognise appropriate boundaries.
- Fosters independence, resilience, and responsibility—preparing students for future roles as parents, employees, and leaders.
- Enhances employability by developing essential personal and social skills valued by employers.
- Encourages students to think critically, evaluate information, and recognise misinformation across media and social platforms.
How is Personal Development Taught?
Bournemouth School adopts a whole-school approach to Personal Development. Some topics are explored during tutor time and dedicated lessons, while others are reinforced through our Theme for the Week and assemblies. Every aspect of school life contributes to the delivery of Personal Development.
Subject areas also play a key role—topics in Science address biological and health aspects, while English, Drama, and PE provide opportunities to explore relationships, communication, and wellbeing. Our School Council, House system, and Prefect team all help foster leadership, teamwork, and a sense of community—core elements of personal growth. Although Personal Development does not lead to a formal qualification, it is delivered with the same high expectations as any other subject. Lessons take place in a safe and supportive environment, using clear ground rules and distancing techniques to ensure students are not asked to share personal experiences. Teaching materials are carefully chosen to be age-appropriate and relevant to students’ needs.
Our Courses
- Art, Craft and Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Design and Technology
- English Language
- English Literature
- Food Preparation and Nutrition
- French
- Geography
- German
- Graphic Communication
- History
- Mathematics
- Music
- Personal Development
- Physical Education
- Physical Education (GCSE)
- Physics
- Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics
- Spanish
