At The Abbey School, our Personal Development (PD) programme helps students be the best they can be. It equips our pupils with the knowledge, skills and values to thrive academically, socially and personally – now and in the future.

Our approach is guided by the Abbey Attitudes – Aspiration, Community and Curiosity – and underpinned by the Abbey Values of Integrity, Persistence, Altruism, Responsibility, Creativity, Resourcefulness and Reflection.

Through PSHE, RSE, Careers Education, House events, trips, extra-curricular experiences and leadership opportunities, students learn to manage relationships, navigate challenges and contribute positively to their school and wider community.

An integral part of our approach is the Personal Development Backpack – a metaphorical backpack that students carry throughout their Abbey journey. Each time they learn something new about themselves, others or the world, they are encouraged to put it into their backpack – keeping the knowledge, skills and experiences they can draw upon in the next stage of their education and life.

We aim to nurture resilient, respectful and compassionate young people who are confident, capable and ready to make a positive impact in the world.

Personal Development Curriculum

The Personal Development (PD) curriculum at The Abbey School helps students in Years 7–13 develop the knowledge, skills and values they need to manage their lives now and in the future. It supports health, wellbeing and safety while preparing students to make the most of life and work.

All students take part in PSHE, covering Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World, alongside Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, British Values, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Careers Education.

Students in Years 9–11 continue Religious Education, while those in Years 12–13 extend their PD journey through sixth form Core sessions focused on life skills, post-18 pathways, employability and personal wellbeing.

Across all year groups, students engage in House events, enrichment activities and leadership opportunities, with individual achievements recognised through our Rewards system.

PD supports students through each stage of their school life – from transition into Year 7, through adolescence and sixth form, and onwards to adulthood. It builds resilience, respect and compassion, helping them navigate relationships, online life and real-world challenges.

Our goal is to prepare students for independent, happy and successful lives, equipping them with the skills, confidence and moral compass to thrive beyond The Abbey School.

🎒 What’s in Your PD Backpack?

Every Abbey student builds their own PD Backpack during their time with us.
It’s a collection of experiences, lessons and values that they take forward into the next stage of their journey.

Wherever our students go next, they carry their Abbey PD Backpack with them – filled with the skills, values and memories that help them be the best they can be.

Our Learning Journey PD

In addition to the PD curriculum, all students in Years 7–10 take part in a weekly tutor reading session dedicated to literacy and personal development.

They engage with age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction texts chosen to build reading skills and stimulate discussion around health and wellbeing, relationships, and living in the wider world, guided by their tutor.