CHARACTER Programme

CHARACTER

Intent 

At The Oaks Academy Personal Development is at the core of what we do and enables our children to become independent, confident, healthy and responsible members of society, as well as developing the “whole child” intellectually, morally, socially and spiritually. Through our whole-school approach to Personal Development, it is our belief that excellence in these areas will lead to excellence across the curriculum and beyond in later life.  To support our clear message around personal growth The Oaks defines this as the CHARACTER curriculum. 

PSCHE lessons form one element of the Personal Development curriculum. This curriculum equips children with relevant and meaningful content, which is supported through a strong emphasis on emotional literacy, building resilience and nurturing mental and physical health. With an ever-changing society, we are able to provide our children with a strong understanding of the diverse world around them and support them in playing a positive role in contributing to the school and the wider community. 

Implementation 

All children in year 7-9 have 2 distinct CHARACTER lessons across their 2-week timetable and once a fortnight in years 10 & 11. These lessons are delivered by form tutors whilst also utilising expertise from outside speakers. The planning and structure of this delivery is mapped across the school and is also supported by a clear form time and assembly programme which is mapped against an inclusion calendar. 

Planning and ensuring the facilitation of an appropriate PSCHE curriculum is the SLT lead for Community and Personal Development. SLT will ensure that staff are provided with the appropriate training and support required to deliver an effective Personal Development programme, through distinct lessons and a weekly form time programme. They will plan and co-ordinate with the Key Stage directors an effective assembly programme that supports a clear message around CHARACTER, its purpose and its values at The Oaks. 

At key stage 3, students will build on the knowledge and understanding, skills, attributes and values they have acquired and developed during the primary phase. PSCHE education acknowledges and addresses the changes that young people experience, beginning with transition to secondary school, the challenges of adolescence and their increasing independence. It teaches the knowledge and skills which will equip them for the opportunities and challenges of life. Students learn to manage diverse relationships, their online lives, and the increasing influence of peers and the media.  

At key stage 4, students deepen knowledge and understanding, extend and rehearse skills, and further explore attitudes, values and attributes acquired during key stage 3. PSCHE education reflects the fact that students are moving towards an independent role in adult life, taking on greater responsibility for themselves and others. 

PSCHE Curriculum Map

CHARACTER lesson implementation 

There are 6 spiral themes to the CHARACTER programme which run across year 7-11. Each theme is then broken down further to ensure compliance with Dfe statutory RSE and Health guidelines, Gatsby benchmarks, PSHE association Core Themes and CDI Framework 

• Life Beyond School 
• Celebrating Diversity and Equality 
• Staying safe online and offline 
• Health and Wellbeing 
• Rights Responsibilities and British Values 
• Relationships and Sex Education