Personal Development

Personal Development Curriculum Overview

(King's Trust Achieve Programme – Personal Development and Employability Skills) 

At Salmons Brook School, Personal Development is offered as an option subject at Key Stage 4, delivered through the King's Trust Achieve Programme. This course provides students with a highly accessible, practical, and life-focused curriculum that promotes personal growth, social confidence, and employability. Students work towards the Personal Development and Employability Skills (PDE) qualification, which is available at Entry Levels 1-3, Level 1, or Level 2, allowing full access and progression regardless of starting point. This subject plays a central role in supporting our students’ wellbeing, aspirations, and preparation for adulthood. 

Intent 

Our Personal Development curriculum aims to: 

  • Equip students with essential personal and employability skills, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and goal setting. 

  • Foster self-confidence, resilience, and motivation through experiential learning and reflective practice. 

  • Provide a flexible and engaging programme that adapts to individual interests and needs, enabling students to feel ownership over their learning. 

  • Offer clear accreditation through the King's Trust PDE Award or Certificate, supporting successful transition into post-16 education, training, or employment. 

  • Encourage reflection and responsibility for personal actions, aspirations, and next steps. 

Implementation 

Students studying Personal Development at KS4 follow a bespoke programme using modules from the King's Trust PDE framework. The course is portfolio-based and delivered through project work, group activities, and individual tasks. Key components include: 

  • Core Units: 

  • Personal Development: Assessing strengths and weaknesses, setting achievable goals, and developing action plans. 

  • Interpersonal and Self-Management Skills: Enhancing communication, teamwork, and self-awareness. 

  • Preparation for Work: Exploring career options, developing CVs, and practicing interview techniques.  

  • Optional Units: 

  • Community Project: Planning and delivering a project that benefits the local community. 

  • Enterprise Project: Developing and implementing a small business idea or fundraising activity. 

  • Wellbeing: Understanding the importance of physical and mental health, and strategies to maintain them. 

  • Students complete all work in a structured portfolio of evidence, including practical observations, self-reflections, peer feedback, and records of outcomes. 

  • Learning takes place in a supportive and inclusive environment, where students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and development. 

  • CREATE values are embedded throughout: Community through collaboration; Relationships through respectful communication; Enrichment through exposure to vocational pathways; Aspirations through qualification-based progression; Trust through developing responsibility; and Education through purposeful, accredited learning. 

Impact 

Through the Personal Development programme, students: 

  • Gain recognised vocational qualifications through the King's Trust at Entry Level 3, Level 1, or Level 2, tailored to their individual pathways. 

  • Build the confidence and competence to move on to supported internships, college courses, or employment in various sectors. 

  • Develop technical and social skills that enhance self-esteem, independence, and employability. 

  • Improve personal presentation, communication, and organisational habits that prepare them for life and work. 

  • Take ownership of their learning through reflective practice and build a portfolio they can be proud of. 

Impact is measured through qualification outcomes, portfolio completion, student voice, and progression routes. Above all, Personal Development provides our learners with a meaningful, enriching pathway to a confident future. 

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