Personal Development (PD) offers a range of topics whereby students are encouraged to develop and recognise personal skills, qualities, abilities and achievements, so that they are prepared for their next steps in education, work and adult life.

Units of work will be based on learning and demonstrating life-skills such as growing their own produce, calculating the costs of independent living and learning to administer first aid. It will enable students to translate existing knowledge, attitudes and values into actual abilities, generating confidence and a sense of achievement. Additionally, they will develop core skills in teamwork, communication, patience and self-management.  Investigating social and environmental issues will encourage students to develop and express their own opinions, as well as understand their roles and responsibilities as a global citizen. Modules about personal identity and wellbeing will endeavour to motivate and increase confidence, self-esteem and resilience as students will gain an understanding of how to stay physically and emotionally healthy.

A flexible approach is the essence of this course. Activities can be modified, take place in a variety of settings and adapted to the needs of each group so that students are able to accomplish personal goals. Research shows that students who are being catered for through a variety of pathways and personalised learning are far more likely to be engaged, motivated and make progress. PD enables us to engage students by tailoring the course to meet their needs. In turn, students will be able to assess their skills and qualities, consider their aims in life and set goals in order to realise and maximise their potential.