Personal Development Overview
The development of our students wider personal skills and character is at the centre of our curriculum, so it helps students improve their academic achievement and be thoughtful citizens that can make informed choices. Opportunities to develop in these areas are threaded throughout the curriculum which includes delivering the PSHE Curriculum, covering the personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) of students. This follows statutory guidance on drugs education, financial & careers guidance (CIAG), sex and relationships education (SRE) and the importance of physical activity and the diet for a healthy lifestyle (healthy Schools).
Included in the curriculum is the spiritual, social, moral and cultural education (SMSC) covering fundamental British Values and the current issues of The Prevent Agenda.
All of the above is embedded into the curriculum and delivered through all subjects, particularly ethics and character lessons. The offer is enhanced through a series of deeper learning days, form time and assemblies
British Values
Here at Carleton High School we recognise the multi-faith and multi-cultural make-up of the United Kingdom, and we believe that it is important that we promote the inclusive values which make Britain great. We welcome all students entitled to education under British law, whatever their faith, ethnicity, political viewpoints, sexuality or gender.
We seek to promote British values at Carleton High School through our curriculum, assemblies, form time and deeper learning days.
Democracy is consistently reinforced. Student focus groups and the student leadership team use democratic processes, to discuss and make decisions on areas such as well-being and charitable giving. Democracy is explored further in subjects including History and Citizenship, as well as in form time, deeper learning days, school displays and assemblies. Student Voice and Headteacher breakfasts also ensure that our students feel part of decisions taken within the school.
We encourage students to become good and valued citizens. We have created an environment where all students feel safe and where choices and freedoms are encouraged within the realms of the school’s expectations. We offer a range of co curricular activities which students have the freedom to choose from, based on their interests, so that individual talents can be built upon. Carleton High School also participates in a number of charity fundraisers each year.
We actively support the view that all students should be protected from radicalisation and extremism. Our approach is in line with the government’s CONTEST (counter-terrorist) and PREVENT (stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism) strategies.
Messages of hate can take many forms and extremist groups use them to recruit young people. Parents can find more information, including advice on protecting their children, by clicking here.
SMSC
Social, Moral, spiritual and cultural knowledge gives students opportunities to reflect on their experiences and how they are developing. It helps them to understand and manage responsibly a range of behaviours as they mature. It also helps them to show respect for the diversity of, and differences between, people.
SMSC is embedded throughout the curriculum in a variety of ways, for example, during form time, assemblies, within lessons, deeper learning days and co-curricular activities.
This relates to the quest for individual identity and the search for meaning and purpose in our existence. It leads towards the understanding of self and others. It has to do with feelings, emotions, attitudes and beliefs. It is not linked solely to a particular doctrine or faith and spiritual development is therefore accessible to everyone.
A student's social development is shown by how they can socialise and fit in a variety of different contexts, situations and environments. They can hold conversations in a classroom, but also at social times such as break and at the dinner table. They will understand a range of different cultural influences that have shaped and developed their own background and respect that of others. They will be confident at expressing opinions and listening to other opinions whether that be about sport, music or politics.
The Carleton High School Identity
Our four values of respect, responsibility, determination and excellence form the core of what we call the Carleton High School Identity, the ‘golden thread’ which binds together all students who walk through our doors. These values reiterate positive attitudes to build character and encompass everything that we try to instil in our students on a daily basis to support them to become the best versions of themselves they can possibly be.
We treat others how we would like to be treated, showing kindness and good manners. We are honest, demonstrate good morals and do the right thing even when no one is watching.
We believe in ourselves to be the best that we can be and do not give up.
At all times we display a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude; we get on, do it and make it happen.
Student Development
The greatest progress is made when students support each other. Often the breakthrough comes when advice is given by a peer or someone who has tackled the challenges previously. To harness this, we have an extensive student support network who, either with a pastoral or academic angle, meet regularly with others to support them to be their best version. Students volunteer to become mentors and are trained to work with and alongside others. Connections are made across year groups and the mentor and mentee relationship can be incredibly empowering for both.
Recognising talent and ability we run a Scholars scheme in Years 7 to 9 where invited students delve deeper into a variety of a topics not covered elsewhere in the taught curriculum. Currently we have students investigating ways to design cities for sustainable living, having online conversations with NASA scientists and analysing the writing of the lesser known Anne Bronte. We have links with the University of Oxford and Worcester College thereby providing our scholars the opportunity to take part in an aspirational visit which includes an introduction to the city and undergraduate life.