24/08/2023Personal Development and Wider Curriculum
Leaders' work to promote pupils' wider development is a strength of the school. Leaders have created a highly effective programme that equips pupils with the knowledge and skills needed for their future- Ofsted 2023
We at Waingels are committed to helping our students to develop into well-rounded individuals who are Kind, Proud, Resilient and Respectful. Through the formal and pastoral curriculum, we seek to help students to develop key knowledge and skills that will help them to aim high, to reach their aspirations and to become positive members of society.
The pastoral curriculum supports pupils in their personal development through engaging tutorial activities and assemblies linked to our core school values, raising awareness of local, national and international events, developing key learning and life skills, and giving studdents an opportunity to raise their voice. Resources are presented by a number of staff around the school, students will be able to gain a greater understanding of the importance of their formal curriculum in the wider world. Our pastoral curriculum shares and celebrates diversity, promoting multiculturalism and equality through assemblies and linked tutorial sessions. All students at Waingels are encouraged to participate in building our pastoral curriculum, whether as part of the School Council or on a matter of personal interest, and we are very proud of the student-led assemblies we have had on Black History Month, Remembrance Day, and Kindness and Anti-Bullying Awareness. By linking with the work of our Careers & Enterprise Lead and our Lead Practitioners for Literacy, Numeracy and STEM, the pastoral curriculum connects the work done in most lessons with the future aims and aspirations of our students. We at Waingels are very aware of the importance of student wellbeing and students are supported in making good choices and making healthy relationships through the pastoral curriculum, with relevant resources being shared by staff responsible for PSHE, Citizenship, Student Wellbeing and Mental Health.
During the course of their academic career at Waingels, students will also receive year-group specific tutorials and assemblies that reflect upcoming priorities and events linked to their key stage and their stage in life. The Heads of Year are vital in providing year-group specific support: Year 7 receive support in settling into life at Waingels, aiding their transition from primary to secondary school, and Years 8, 9 and 11 receive advice and help with their option choices as they move through the school.
From the start of Year 7 to the end of their studies at Waingels, students will have the opportunity to participate in a number of extra-curricular, super-curricular and enrichment opportunities. Although there have been setbacks due to lockdown, we are always looking for opportunities to support students in their personal development through our wider curriculum.
We at Waingels encourage our students to share their voice and our School Council is central to our community. Not only do the School Council play a major role in the development of our pastoral curriculum, but they share their own ideas and resources that are beneficial to students through twitter - @VoiceWaingels. The Head Team and the School Council will be sharing the team’s ideas to support student wellbeing and personal development through lockdown through the school newsletter and their twitter page.
Follow @pdwcWaingels on Twitter for regular updates and ideas to help students with their personal development and wider curriculum.
