Our Personal Development Curriculum
Independence • Integrity • Resilience | Make a Difference
At Harris Academy Wimbledon, Personal Development is a defining strength of our academy and is underpinned by our core values of Independence, Integrity and Resilience. Guided by our motto, “Make a Difference,” we ensure that every student is supported to develop the character, confidence and understanding needed to thrive in modern Britain and beyond.
Our Personal Development provision is ambitious, inclusive and coherent, with Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development acting as a golden thread running through all aspects of academy life.
Intent, Implementation and Impact
Our Personal Development curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced, ensuring all students benefit from a broad and rich range of experiences. Provision is adapted to meet the needs of all learners, including disadvantaged and vulnerable students, ensuring equity and high expectations for all.
As a result, students:
- Develop independence, self-awareness and confidence
- Demonstrate integrity, respect and strong moral values
- Build resilience and effective strategies to manage challenge
- Are well prepared for future education, employment and adult life
- Actively contribute to the academy and wider community
A Coherent and Exceptional Personal Development Offer
Human and Life Skills
The Human and Life Skills curriculum develops students’ understanding of contemporary social, moral and ethical issues. Through discussion, debate and reflection, students strengthen their SMSC development, learn to articulate their views respectfully and engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives.
Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSE)
RSE is a core component of our curriculum and makes a significant contribution to students’ moral and social development. Students learn about healthy relationships, consent, online safety and personal responsibility, enabling them to act with integrity and make informed, respectful choices.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Promoting positive mental health is embedded across academy life. Students are supported to become independent self-managers of their wellbeing, developing emotional literacy and resilience. A strong culture of care ensures that students know how and where to access additional support when needed.
British Values and SMSC
British Values are explicitly taught and consistently reinforced through the curriculum, enrichment, assemblies and daily interactions. SMSC development is woven through all areas of provision, enabling students to develop empathy, respect for others, cultural awareness and an understanding of democracy and the rule of law.
Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)
Our CEIAG programme supports students’ social and cultural development by raising aspirations and broadening horizons. Through impartial guidance and meaningful encounters with employers and education providers, students develop the knowledge, skills and resilience required for successful next steps.
Enrichment, Leadership and Student Voice
Enrichment is a compulsory part of academy life and plays a vital role in students’ personal, social and cultural development. Leadership opportunities, student voice and democratic processes empower students to contribute meaningfully to academy life and practise the values needed to make a difference.
Students leave Harris Academy Wimbledon as independent, resilient and principled young people, equipped with the skills, values and understanding to lead healthy, responsible and fulfilling lives — and to make a difference.