Personal development

Personal Development

Personal development and Wellbeing at CoLA is a journey linked to our purpose, the “exploration of life,” adapted and personalised for every student. The journey is inclusive by design, by ensuring students can voice their feedback through focus groups, and demonstrate the CoLA values of integrity, ambition, duty and resilience through a positive RSHE and SMSC culture. Engage in enrichment curriculum experiences and have a mind-set where building for their future aspirations is the norm, no matter what their starting point.

The PDC is offered to all students and meets a number of the academic statutory requirements around RSHE, SMSC, SEMH, FBV and other areas. 

An overview of our Personal Development and wellbeing journey map can be found here.

There are numerous constituent strands to the PDC which combined make up the whole curriculum. These include;

• A character education programme which includes all the RSHE/SMSC statutory requirements. 
• An assembly programme, which encourages students to reflect on the inspirational stories of role models from diverse background, including figures who has fought for civil rights, transgender advocates and scientists pushing the parameters of our understanding. 
• A comprehensive student leadership programme, allowing students to not only have a voice within the academy, but to also support and encourage their peers by becoming role models within our community.  Further details and quotes from the student president below. 
• A house competition system, which encourages healthy rivalry between students that enables us to recognise and celebrate success and excellence. Details of each house can be seen below. 
• A comprehensive enrichment and adventure learning programme that provides every student with a choice of after school clubs as well as Duke of Edinburgh. Details and timetable can be found below. 
• A daily reading programme for all students in Years 7-10 which encompasses a rich canon of literature, including classic novels and contemporary fiction. 
• A range of opportunities to support the development of oracy for all students, allowing them to voice their views through cultural diversity discussions, explorer newsletters and debates throughout the year. 
• A comprehensive careers map which follows the 8 Gatsby benchmarks and helps prepare our students for their future choices. 

Regular trips and six drop down days a year including the Model UN, Jack Petchey Speak Out challenge, MFL overseas trips and an annual ski trip.

RSHE Curriculum plan

The RSHE Curriculum plan incorporates the new July 2025 changes to the statutory guidance. All content is adapted to ensure this is age appropriate for each year group. The long term plan is followed, however if and when needed the schedule will be altered to meet the needs of the students and the academy.   The topics highlighted in red, relating to Sex Education can be opted out from, by writing directly to the Principal. If you’d like to discuss any of the sessions or have access to the resources used please email sgardner@cityacademy.co.uk

An overview of our RSHE Curriculum long term plan can be found below.