Personal Development

Personal Development at Slough and Eton

At Slough and Eton, our commitment to student growth is rooted in our Christian vision:

“Living life in all its fullness” (John 10:10).

The curriculum supports the C.H.R.I.S.T. characteristics:

Communication, Honesty, Responsibility, Initiative, Success and Tolerance.

This vision is brought to life through our mantra:

“Work Hard, Be Nice, No Excuses.”

Overview of Personal Development

The Personal Development curriculum encourages students to understand themselves as individuals who are growing and changing. It provides them with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to make informed decisions about all aspects of their lives. Students build self-awareness, develop respect for others, and gain the tools needed to thrive in modern Britain, becoming responsible and productive citizens.

Curriculum Structure

It includes:

  • Equality and Diversity
  • Well-being and Health
  • RSE
  • Careers
  • Cultural Capital
  • Character Education
  • SMSC

Spiritual Development

Students develop spirituality through self-awareness, relationships, curiosity, beliefs, creativity and emotional understanding. Opportunities include reflective questioning, creative arts, physical education, charity work and visits to places of worship.

British Values

Students learn democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, respect and tolerance through PSHE, RE, collective worship and student leadership opportunities.

Behaviour and Pastoral Support

Systems such as Walkabout, Focus Room, Shepherd Centre and pastoral teams ensure positive behaviour and support learning.

At Slough and Eton, all students are supported to flourish and live life in all its fullness, guided by our shared values and expectations.

Promoting British Values 

As a member of staff, you play a vital role in embedding British Values into everyday school life. This is not confined to one lesson or subject; it is reflected in your interactions with students, your classroom practice, and the wider experiences you help to create. Through consistent modelling, clear expectations, and purposeful opportunities, you ensure that students understand their responsibilities as respectful, informed and active members of society. 
 You are expected to actively promote democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. This involves encouraging student voice, maintaining high standards of behaviour, supporting students to make safe and informed choices, modelling positive relationships, and celebrating diversity in all its forms. 
 By consistently reinforcing these values through teaching, pastoral care and wider school activities, you help to create a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where every student feels heard, valued and prepared for life beyond school. 

British Value

What This Means

How This Is Evidenced in School Practice:
 

Democracy

Students are actively encouraged to express their views and contribute to decision-making processes. Staff facilitate opportunities for student voice and ensure all students feel heard and valued.

 

• Election of form and sports captains
• Student leadership and council roles
• Structured discussions in lessons and tutor time
• Student voice activities and surveys

 

Rule of Law

Staff consistently promote high standards of behaviour and ensure students understand the importance of rules, laws and consequences. Behaviour is managed fairly and consistently

Clear school rules and Code of Conduct
• Consistent application of behaviour policies
• Curriculum links laws and society (e.g. PSHE)
• Engagement with external agencies (e.g. police, community representatives

Individual Liberty

Students are supported to make informed choices within a safe and structured environment. Staff promote independence, responsibility and safeguarding awareness.

 

Strong anti-bullying culture
• E-safety and safeguarding education
• Opportunities for choice within learning
• Pastoral support systems and safe spaces

 

 

 

Mutual Respect

Staff model respectful relationships at all times. Students are taught to value others, listen to differing viewpoints, and engage positively within the school community

• Positive classroom climate and respectful interactions
• Fair play and teamwork in PE and wider school life
• Mentoring programmes and peer support
• Consistent staff modelling of respectful behaviour

Tolerance of Faiths and Beliefs

Staff actively promote inclusivity and respect for diversity. Students are taught to appreciate different cultures, religions and beliefs.

 

High-quality Religious Education curriculum
• Celebration of cultural and religious events
• Planned opportunities for intercultural understanding
• Educational visits, exchanges and international links

 

Student Leadership Overview 

The student leadership programme reflects the ethos “Work Hard, Be Nice, No Excuses” and the vision “Live life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). 

Student leadership at Slough & Eton is extensive, inclusive and representative across all year groups. A wide range of roles ensures that students can contribute meaningfully to school life, develop leadership skills and represent the student body. 

  • Sixth Form and Year 11 Prefects – senior student leaders who support the running of the school and act as role models. Event and Ambassador Roles – supporting open evenings, visits and school representation
  • Seniores – an elite Sixth Form leadership group designed to expose students to outstanding leadership role models. 
  • School Council and Slough Council– enabling student voice and contribution to whole-school decision-making. 
  • House and Student Leaders – building identity, teamwork and participation across the house system. 
  • Youth Parliament Member – representing the school at a civic and national level. 
  • International School Council – promoting global awareness and cultural understanding. 

Impact and Outcomes 

·         Model respect and positive relationships across the school community. 

·         Demonstrate resilience and accountability in line with high expectations. 

·         Engage actively in school and wider community life through student voice. 

·         Build confidence, aspiration and readiness for future success. 

·         Promote inclusivity, diversity and global awareness. 

·          Develop responsibility and independence through meaningful leadership roles

ENRICHMENT AT SLOUGH & ETON 

 At Slough & Eton, enrichment is not an addition to education—it is an essential part of ensuring every student can flourish, achieve and succeed. Our enrichment programme is rooted in our Christian vision: “Living life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). Our aim is that every student participates in meaningful enrichment experiences across the five core areas during their time at Slough & Eton. We monitor participation carefully to ensure opportunities are inclusive, accessible and equitable for all students.

Through enrichment, students can discover new interests, develop their talents, build confidence and resilience, and gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in modern Britain and beyond. We are committed to ensuring that every student has opportunities to participate, contribute and succeed.

Our Enrichment Offer

Our programme is built around five key areas:

Civic Engagement

Students are encouraged to make a positive contribution to school and society through leadership opportunities, student voice, debating, volunteering, fundraising and community engagement projects.

Arts and Culture

Students can participate in music, drama, dance and the arts, whilst also experiencing live cultural events, performances, museums, galleries and other creative opportunities.

Nature, Outdoors and Adventure

Through outdoor learning, sustainability projects, environmental activities, educational visits and residential experiences, students develop confidence, responsibility and an appreciation of the natural world.

Sport and Physical Activity

A broad range of team and individual sports, fitness activities, competitions and recreational opportunities promote physical wellbeing, teamwork and personal achievement.

Wider Life and Future Skills

Students develop essential skills for life through STEM activities, enterprise projects, digital and financial literacy, careers education, public speaking, cooking and other practical life experiences.

 

Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award – Bronze & Silver 

Overview 

The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award is a nationally recognised programme that supports students’ personal development, resilience and independence through a structured set of challenges outside the classroom. Bronze and Silver Awards form a key part of the school’s enrichment offer. 

Aims 

  • Develop well-rounded, confident and responsible young people 
  • Encourage commitment, perseverance and self-motivation 
  • Promote physical health, community engagement and outdoor learning 
  • Build key life skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving 

 Structure 

Both Bronze and Silver awards require students to complete the following sections: 

  • Volunteering – contributing to the community 
  • Physical – improving fitness and wellbeing 
  • Skills – developing personal interests or new abilities 
  • Expedition – planning and completing a team-based outdoor journey 

Silver requires greater commitment, longer durations, and an additional challenge for Direct Entrants. 

Outcomes for Students 

  • Increased confidence, resilience and independence 
  • Stronger teamwork and leadership skills 
  • Improved organisation, time management and perseverance 
  • Enhanced awareness of community and social responsibility 
  • Greater readiness for post-16 pathways, employment and higher education 

 

                              Sixth Form

Sixth form (Post-16) provision, Ofsted's 2026 there is a significant emphasis on enrichment, wider opportunities and preparation for adulthood, not just examination outcomes

 

Sixth Form Enrichment provision

Wider opportunities

  • Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE)
  • Volunteering opportunities
  • Citizenship activities
  • Leadership experiences
  • A varied programme of non-qualification activities that develops confidence and prepares students for adult life
  • Opportunities that are relevant, purposeful and accessed by students from all backgrounds
  • Regular evaluation of the impact of enrichment activities and refinement of the offer over time.

Careers and Employability

Our students:

  • Receive high-quality careers education and guidance
  • Access meaningful work experience or work-related learning
  • Engage with employers
  • Understand local and national employment trends
  • Are prepared for higher education, apprenticeships and employment
  • Are supported to make informed decisions about next steps

 Enrichment supports students to: 

- Discover talents and interests 

- Build resilience and teamwork 

- Develop leadership and responsibility 

- Engage with the wider community 

- Prepare for life beyond school 

 

Enrichment Offer 

The programme includes: 

- Clubs and societies 

- Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) 

- Student leadership opportunities 

- Trips and visits 

- Volunteering and service 

- Careers and aspiration events 

Staff Responsibilities 

Staff are expected to: 

- Support or lead activities 

- Encourage participation 

- Ensure inclusion 

- Maintain safeguarding standards 

 

Student Participation 

Students are expected to: 

- Attend regularly 

- Show commitment 

- Demonstrate positive behaviour 

 

 

Leadership and Student Voice 

Students can: 

- Take on leadership roles 

- Mentor peers 

- Lead initiatives 

Equality and Inclusion 

We ensure all students can access enrichment through inclusive design and support. 

 Monitoring and Evaluation 

The programme is reviewed through participation data and feedback. 

 

Spirituality Policy

Personal Development Curriculum