Personal Development, RSHE and British Values
At Tuxford Academy, personal development is at the heart of our curriculum. We aim to help students become individuals of strong character who feel supported, value others, and grow in confidence. Our values and ethos promote social and moral responsibility, reinforced through pastoral time, the curriculum, and opportunities beyond the classroom.
Through the personal development curriculum we foster a sense of belonging where students are valued and celebrated. Students feel supported to develop their character skills and are encouraged to contribute positively to the academy and the wider community. The curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills to remain safe and healthy, to interact with others with empathy, respect and kindness and to make informed and aspirational choices about their future. We celebrate the diversity of our students, recognising and valuing their unique ambitions and experiences. By doing so, we ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to flourish, achieve success, and contribute to the world around them.
Character and Personal Development
Students’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural awareness (SMSC) is woven throughout the curriculum, alongside character attributes such as conscientiousness, open-mindedness, resilience, and engagement with others. High-quality relationships between staff and students underpin everything we do, helping students feel supported, valued, and confident to take risks in their learning.
Personal development is further supported through:
- Weekly Global Awareness lessons at Key Stage 3, allowing reflection on values
- Philosophy and Ethics lessons to explore moral and ethical questions
- Form Time, which supports wellbeing, personal growth, and character development daily
- Enrichment opportunities such as sports fixtures, drama productions, STEM clubs, and leadership roles, helping students broaden horizons, develop curiosity, and strengthen character
- Recognition of achievement through our Tuxford Awards
British Values
We actively promote the British Values of:
- Democracy – students have a voice through the student council, charity committee, and other forums
- Rule of Law – understanding rules, responsibilities, and consequences, reinforced through behaviour expectations, tutorials, assemblies, & lessons
- Individual Liberty – students are encouraged to make positive choices and understand their rights safely, including online
- Mutual Respect and Tolerance – we foster respect for all, celebrating diversity through assemblies, curriculum activities, and trips
Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)
RSHE helps students develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to lead healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives. Students learn about values and attitudes, build self-esteem and personal responsibility, and develop the skills to form respectful and caring relationships. The programme also explores the responsibilities of family life and promotes empathy, mutual respect, and understanding of diversity.
Students learn about developing healthy relationships of all kinds, including intimate relationships; safety in forming and maintaining relationships, managing peer influence, families (and how they differ), marriage, the role of parents, stereotypes around gender and sexuality, LGBTQ+ and the equalities act, rights and responsibilities online, being safe online and in real life, and reproductive health and wellbeing.
RSHE is delivered through Global Awareness, Philosophy and Ethics lessons, timetabled lessons, form time, and assemblies. The wider ethos of the academy reinforces this learning by providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Students are regularly reminded of confidential support and sexual health services available to them.
Further Information
Our RSHE programme follows the Department for Education statutory guidance. Parents can access more details via our Global Awareness curriculum page and Philosophy and Ethics page and by contacting the academy.
