IN THIS SECTION

Personal Development Strategy

What is bespoke about our school’s Personal Development strategy?

The Tracker

One of the core principles of our Trust is to know our children and families well.

  • Our weekly tracker process enables early identification and support for pupils and families, ensuring access to a broad and balanced curriculum.
  • Regular discussions help identify barriers to learning and explore opportunities for support, leading to a structured intervention plan.
  • Early intervention allows targeted support to be implemented effectively, reducing the risk of poor outcomes for pupils.

Relational Practice

  • Relationships are essential for all children, helping them feel safe, develop a sense of belonging, and understand themselves, others, and the world around them.
  • A relational approach underpins our school ethos, policies, and everyday practice, offering universal support while also providing targeted help for those in greatest need.
  • By embedding restorative practices, including circle and group discussions, we foster open communication, strengthen relationships, and create a supportive environment for problem-solving and mutual support.

When developing a relationship based provision we need to  think in terms of: 

Developing Relationships – This involves building relationships, supporting inclusion and setting and  maintaining boundaries with empathy.  

Responding and Calming – Using relational skills to keep things calm, using co-regulation skills in order to regulate  strong emotions and developing skills and plans to  manage crisis. 

Repairing and Restoring – using restorative conversations as part of our daily interactions to support a harmonious  environment, facilitating restorative encounters to resolve  conflict and harm and to support change.

Newcastle Foundation

    • We are proud to be one of five partner schools in the North East working with the Newcastle United Foundation, demonstrating the power of inclusive partnerships in creating supportive and inspiring environments for young people.
    • At Benfield, we utilise our partnerships to focus on transitions—whether moving into secondary school or preparing to leave—ensuring students feel supported during these key stages.
    • Our transition programme equips young people with the skills and confidence to navigate these pivotal moments, helping them successfully progress in their educational journey.
    Personal Development is delivered through the following areas:
    Year Group Careers/Economic advice PSHE themes Curriculum whole school

    Co-curricular/

    enrichment offer (inc. NEAT experience)

    		 Universal offer (assembly/form time etc)

     

    7

    MyBigCareer World of Work workshop 

     

    Within PSHE lessons – focus on what is meant by ‘career’, identifying strengths and skills and looking at green careers (regional LMI focus). 

     

    IntoUniversity workshops twice a year – targeted cohort.

     

    Themed weeks and events – National Apprenticeship Week, National Careers Week, Volunteering Week, NEAT Careers Fair. 

    Transition

    Focus on dealing with the challenges of transitioning from primary to secondary as well as understanding positivity in education 

    		 In Year 7, pupils are supported in their transition to secondary school with a curriculum that focuses on building key literacy and numeracy skills. A broad range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, Spanish, Geography, History, and the Arts, helps pupils develop a strong academic foundation. Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education introduces topics such as wellbeing, friendships, and respect, ensuring pupils begin to develop an understanding of their role within both the school and wider community. Pupils in Year 7 are encouraged to explore a wide range of enrichment activities to develop new interests and settle into school life. They have access to creative clubs like Art, Cookery, and Magic Club, as well as sports options such as football, basketball, and netball. Games Club and Debate Club provide opportunities for developing thinking and communication skills, while Eco Club fosters an early awareness of sustainability. STEM-based clubs, including Lego League and MicroBit programming, introduce problem-solving and technology skills in a fun, engaging way.

    Transition

     

    Community

     

    Identity

    Living in the wider world

    Understanding identity, self-worth and how to work together effectively.

    Health & wellbeing

    Understand the dangers of unhealthy lifestyles and actions including energy drinks, vapes and mental stresses

    Relationships & families

    Develop an understanding of online safety, friendships, bullying and the bystander effect

    Employability and finances

    Understand how to budget and understand the basics of careers including green careers.

    British Values

    Understand the protected characteristics and also develop an understanding of the political systems in the United Kingdom including political parties and parliament. 
    8

    Dedicated careers education within PSHE lessons – focus on developing key employability skills such as teamwork and leadership and continuing to develop understanding of LMI.

     

    IntoUniversity workshops twice a year, plus a visit to a local university – targeted cohort

     

    NHS Careers drama workshop

     

    Themed weeks and events – National Apprenticeship Week, National Careers Week, Volunteering Week, NEAT Careers Fair. 

    Living in the wider world

    In this theme in year 8, we are focusing on first aid, especially allergies, basic first aid such as bandages and water safety.

    		 Year 8 builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in Year 7, encouraging pupils to become more independent and confident in their learning. The curriculum remains broad, allowing pupils to explore different subjects in greater depth and identify their personal strengths and interests. PSHE continues to play a key role, addressing topics such as resilience, emotional wellbeing, and the importance of making positive choices. Year 8 pupils build on their interests by continuing to access a broad selection of clubs, with opportunities to deepen their engagement in chosen activities. They can develop their creative talents in Art and Textiles Club, join the School of Rock or Choir, or challenge themselves in Mathletes and Chess Team. Sports offerings expand with rugby, netball, and athletics, encouraging teamwork and physical fitness. Debate Club continues to help develop confidence, and language-focused clubs like Spanish Club offer opportunities to explore new cultures.

    Health & wellbeing

    We focus on mental health and how we can cope in situations such as Christmas and summer.

    Relationships & families

    Understand the importance of consent, understanding sexuality and different families.

    Employability and finances

    In the theme in Year 8, we strongly emphasise developing key skills, particularly teamwork and leadership. We also create a basic understanding of banking, including debit/ credit cards and consumer rights.

    British Values

    Understanding of the Equalities Act and Human Rights- a project about human rights which incorporates skills of teamwork in presentation. 
    9

    Links to careers embedded across all subjects.

     

    Dedicated careers education within PSHE lessons – focus on GCSE options and continuing to develop understanding of LMI.

     

    IntoUniversity workshops twice a year, including two Leadership in Focus workshops – targeted cohort

     

    Themed weeks and events – National Apprenticeship Week, National Careers Week, Volunteering Week, NEAT Careers Fair. 

     

    University of Cambridge Access and Outreach.

    Living in the wider world

    In Year 9 within this theme there is a focus in understanding the extremist world in which we now find ourselves within including that of incels. We also focus on body image as well as that of masculinity.

     

    There are also external visitors supporting this theme with sessions on incident images.

    		 In Year 9, personal development is closely linked to preparing pupils for their future pathways. The curriculum provides opportunities for deeper learning in all subjects, helping pupils make informed decisions about their Key Stage 4 options. PSHE lessons cover key topics such as careers education, financial literacy, and relationships, ensuring pupils are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood. As pupils become more confident, they have the chance to take on leadership roles within their enrichment activities. Year 9 pupils can participate in more advanced team sports, such as rugby and athletics, and continue to develop their creative skills through Textiles and Newspaper Club. STEM opportunities remain strong with MicroBit programming and Chess Team, while PrideSoc and Debate Club provide platforms for discussion and advocacy. Practical skills are further developed through Cookery Club and Eco Club, promoting independence and environmental awareness.

    Health & wellbeing

    Due to our focus on RSE this unit is covered within other topics where we discuss mental health and how our lifestyles affect others and ourselves.

    Relationships & families

    In Year 9 we have the focus of understanding human sexuality, safe sex and consent. 

    Employability and finances

    In Year 9 we focus on our future plans and options being chosen can relate to our future plans. We also try to instill an understanding of basic financial needs and services. We have for this included the use of Xello to support our curriculum

    British Values

    Within this theme we focused upon the role of political parties within our country and our protected characteristics 
    10

    Links to careers embedded across all subjects.

     

    Dedicated careers education within PSHE lessons – focus on post-16 options, career-related research and how to use LMI to make career-related decisions.

     

    IntoUniversity workshops twice a year, plus a visit to a workplace to take part in workplace simulation workshop – targeted cohort

     

    Themed weeks and events – National Apprenticeship Week, National Careers Week, Volunteering Week, NEAT Careers Fair. 

     

    University of Cambridge Access and Outreach plus Jesus College Summer residential. 

    Living in the wider world

    Within our citizenship hybrid model classes there is much focus on the rule of law and democracy within the Edexcel course.

     

    The students not within the hybrid model during PSHE lessons have a bespoke program covering these units as well as taking part in the national mock trial competition. 

     

    We also have external speakers who focus on county lines.

    		 As pupils enter Key Stage 4, the curriculum becomes more personalised, with a focus on their chosen GCSE, BTEC, or vocational courses. The pastoral programme supports pupils in developing key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Enrichment opportunities, including leadership roles within the school, provide pupils with the chance to take on more responsibility and contribute positively to the school and local community. In Year 10, pupils refine their interests and begin to align enrichment activities with their personal and academic aspirations. Choir, Guitar Club, and Dance offer expressive outlets, while STEM clubs such as MicroBit programming and Mathletes support curriculum learning. Debate Club at KS4 encourages critical thinking and structured argument, while leadership opportunities exist in sports teams and subject-based clubs. Pupils also have increased access to activities that promote future skills, including Newspaper Club and Art and Textiles.