Our Personal Development Framework
At St Thomas More, personal development is treated with the same importance as all other curriculum areas, but it also extends beyond formal lessons. Our programme is designed not only to meet statutory requirements but also to respond to the needs and context of our pupils, ensuring that every student can grow academically, socially, morally and spiritually..
The curriculum incorporates key statutory and developmental requirements, including:
- Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural development [SMSC]
- British Values and Citizenship
- Relationships & Sex Education
- Understanding of protected characteristics
- The Character Framework
- Gatsby Benchmarks for careers education
In addition, the programme provides opportunities to develop our Catholic ethos, supporting students to grow as learners and develop key skills such as literacy, critical thinking, and effective revision.
The Personal Development Curriculum is delivered through two key strands: the Pastoral Programme and Wider Curriculum lessons.
The Pastoral Programme
The relationships students build with their pastoral tutors are central to our approach. Each student has a dedicated tutor for the duration of their time at St Thomas More, providing a trusted adult they can confide in and seek guidance from.
Every school day begins with pastoral time, structured around a weekly programme. This consistent approach ensures students engage with a range of topics that support their personal, social, and moral development. Through these daily interactions, students develop resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging within the school community.
A typical week in pastoral time will be structured as follows:
- Monday – News & Notices
- Tuesday – Assembly
- Wednesday – Keeping Safe & Well
- Thursday – Reading
- Friday – Wider Curriculum
The Wider Curriculum
Our Wider Curriculum is the formally taught strand of personal development, designed to equip students for life beyond school and broaden their horizons. Lessons are delivered in pastoral groups, reinforcing the vital student-tutor relationship and providing continuity in support.
The curriculum is carefully sequenced around six key concepts that integrate statutory requirements with the needs and context of our students. This structure supports an interleaved approach, helping students to remember more, for longer, while developing their character, values, and practical skills. Our key concepts include:
Through the combination of Pastoral Programme and Wider Curriculum lessons, our personal development framework ensures that all students are supported to thrive academically, morally, and socially, reflecting the Catholic values at the heart of St Thomas More.
