Wider Curriculum

Personal Development and the Wider Curriculum at Sir John Thursby Community College

Developing the Whole Child. Preparing Young People for Life.

At Sir John Thursby Community College our ambition is to provider a wide offer beyond the taught curriculum. Alongside academic success we are equally committed to developing confident, resilient, compassionate and ambitious young people who are ready to thrive in modern society. Our Personal Development and Wider Curriculum (PDAWC) is designed to ensure every pupil leaves us not only with excellent qualifications, but with the character, experiences, knowledge and skills needed to lead fulfilling and successful lives.

Our provision is built around our core values of Ambition, Respect and Belonging, ensuring that every child feels supported, challenged and inspired throughout their journey at SJT. The programme is designed specifically to meet the needs of our pupils, helping them to overcome barriers, broaden their horizons and develop into outstanding citizens of the future.

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What does our Provision look like.

Our Personal Development and Wider Curriculum is not an add-on. It is a carefully planned and fully integrated programme that runs throughout a pupil's five years at SJT. It combines:

Personal Development Lessons
Careers Education
Life, Health and Family Education
Form Time Curriculum
Asssemblies
Pupil Leadership Opportunities
Enrichment Activities
Educational Visits
Clubs and Societies
Cultural Experiences
Nationally Recognised Awards and Qualifications
Community and Charity Work

Together these experiences create a rich and ambitious education that develops the whole child.

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Our Core Values in Action

Ambition

We want every pupil to aim high and believe in their potential. Pupils develop ambition through:

Careers education and guidance from Year 7 onwards
Work experience placements
Employer encounters and industry links
STRETCH independent project programme
CREST and Arts Awards
Duke of Edinburgh Award
SJT50 Award: challenges and experiences
University and College pathways information
Leadership opportunities and student voice activities

These experiences encourage pupils to set goals, overcome challenges and develop a growth mindset.

Respect

Respect is at the heart of our community. Students learn to:

Value diversity and equality
Understand British and universal values and human rights
Build healthy relationships
Contribute positively to society
Support charitable causes
Develop empathy and kindness
Respect themselves and others online and offline

Through assemblies, form time curriculum, picture news, PHSE and leadership opportunities, pupils learn how to become thoughtful and responsible citizens.

Belonging

Every child should feel valued and connected. Our wider curriculum provides opportunities for students to:

Join an extensive list of clubs and teams
Participate in trips and visits
Become mentors, prefects or ambassadors
Take part in enrichment activities
Develop strong relationships with staff and peers
Represent the school and help organise events such as Culture Week

Our structured form time programme, leadership opportunities and extensive extracurricular offer ensure every pupil can find their place within our community.

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Personal Development

Our Personal Development curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge and understanding they need to stay safe, healthy and successful. Pupils learn about:

Relationships and Family Life

Healthy relationships
Respect and consent
Online safety
Personal boundaries

Health and Wellbeing

Physical health
Mental health
Emotional wellbeing
Resilience and self-esteem

Safety

Staying safe online
Drugs, alcohol and vaping awareness
Risk management
Understanding the law

Citizenship

British/universal values
Human rights
Equality and diversity
Community responsibility

Employability and Careers

Career planning
Interview preparation
Workplace expectations
Further education pathways

This curriculum helps pupils become informed, responsible and confident young adults ready for the opportunities and challenges of modern life.

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Our Ambitious Programme

Our form time programme is deliberately designed to maximise pupil development and wellbeing. Every morning pupils benefit from:

A daily check-in with a consistent adult
Pastoral support
Literacy development
Numeracy practice
Careers education
Current affairs discussions
LORIC character development activities

Our LORIC framework develops:

Leadership - taking responsibility and inspiring others

Organisation - managing time, priorities and commitments effectively

Resilience - persevering through challenges and setbacks

Initiative - showing independence and problem-solving skills

Communication - expressing ideas confidently and effectively

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Enrichment That Broadens Horizons

We strongly believe that some of the most memorable learning experiences happen beyond the classroom. Pupils have access to:

Educational visits
Residential experiences
Theatre trips
Museum visits
Fieldwork opportunities
Guest speakers
Science Week
World Book Day
Activities Week
Cultural experiences

These opportunities develop cultural capital and expose students to experiences they may not otherwise encounter. They help level the playing field and ensure every child has access to a rich and varied education.

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Pupil Leadership Opportunities

At SJT pupil voice matters. Pupils can develop leadership skills through:

Student Council
Prefect Team
Head Pupils
Transition Buddies
Mental Health Ambassadors
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors
Sports Leaders
Charity and Community Projects especially EDUKID

These roles help pupils develop confidence, resilience, communication skills and a sense of responsibility for others.

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Award-Winning Opportunities and Qualifications

Pupils can gain nationally recognised qualifications and awards including:

Duke of Edinburgh Award - developing independence, teamwork and perseverance

CREST Award - recognising excellence in STEM-based projects

ASDAN Peer Mentoring - completed by Prefects and pupil leaders

Sports Leadership - supporting younger pupils and learning activities

STRETCH programme - a unique programme where students undertake independent projects across multiple faculties, developing research, presentation and oracy skills.

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The SJT50 Challenge

One of the most exciting aspects of our wider curriculum is the SJT50 programme.

Pupils are encouraged and rewarded for completing a wide range of enriching experiences throughout their school career. These experiences are carefully chosen to develop:

Leadership
Organisation
Resilience
Initiative
Communication
Cultural Capital
Character

Pupils work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold recognition, celebrating their achievements and encouraging them to seize every opportunity available.

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A Wide Range of Clubs and Activities

Our extracurricular offer provides something for everyone. Pupils can currently access activities such as:

Art and Photography
Sewing Club
Chess Club
Minecraft Club
Young Enterprise
Table Tennis
Fitness Clubs
Football
Futsal
Dodgeball
Cricket
Homework Club
Music Lessons
Library Activities

Alongside many seasonal, subject-specific and enrichment clubs throughout the year.

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Fair Access for Every Child

We are committed to ensuring all pupils can benefit from our outstanding provision.

Participation is carefully monitored to ensure opportunities are accessible to all pupils regardless of background, gender, disability, SEND status, ethnicity or socio-economic circumstances. We believe every child deserves access to the experiences that help them flourish and succeed.

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The SJT Promise

When parents choose Sir John Thursby Community College, they are choosing far more than an academic education.

They are choosing a school that develops:

Confident communicators
Ambitious learners
Resilient young people
Responsible citizens
Effective leaders
Caring community members
Independent thinkers
Lifelong learners

Our Personal Development and Wider Curriculum ensure that every pupil leaves SJT not only with the qualifications they need, but with the character, experiences and aspirations required to succeed in life.

At Sir John Thursby Community College, we don't simply educate pupils. We help them become the very best version of themselves.