Personal Development:
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development
Our personal development is delivered through our Be More Curriculum. This covers extra-curricular opportunities but also includes explicit teaching of the necessary behaviours which enable pupils to be good citizens, focussing on the development of our students’ moral values and skills.
The FFET Be More Curriculum consists of two strands: a taught strand and an experiences strand.
The taught strand is a universal offer for all pupils at every Be More stage. It is delivered through dedicated PSHE and careers education lessons. There is a strong focus on oracy across the curriculum to develop pupils’ confidence, communication skills and ability to articulate their ideas effectively.
At the beginning of each Learning Programme, pupils participate in Ignition activities that introduce key themes and concepts. Each subject area also sets a FFET Challenge every Learning Programme, enabling pupils to deepen their understanding of social justice, character building and the key LORIC skills. During pastoral time, weekly assemblies support the delivery of key PSHE themes and help develop pupils’ understanding of moral values and virtues. Pastoral teams further reinforce these themes by setting a FFET Challenge each Learning Programme, providing opportunities for pupils to apply their learning beyond the classroom and contribute positively to their communities.
The experiences strand provides pupils with a wide range of enrichment opportunities, leadership experiences, competitions, cultural events and educational visits that broaden horizons, raise aspirations and develop social capital. Together, these two strands ensure that all pupils benefit from a coherent programme of personal development that complements the academic curriculum and reflects the Trust’s vision to inspire pupils to “aspire not to have more, but to be more.”
Our Sixth Form Be More Experience is designed to be delivered both inside and outside of the classroom. Our Sixth Form pupils participate in the 5th stage of the FFET Awards: Be More – Graduate (Year 12 and Year 13).
Our Be More Curriculum is designed to be delivered both inside and outside of the classroom. It has five stages. These are:
- Be More Explorers: Reception – Year 2
- Be More – Skill Builders: Year 3-6
- Be More – Foundation: Year 7-8
- Be More – Intermediate: Year 9
- Be More – Master: Year 10-11
- Be More – Graduate: Year 12-13
The Frank Field Awards Scheme recognises the achievements of pupils in each of the stages at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
At the heart of all the stages are our moral values/virtues and the LORIC skills. We believe by educating our pupils about our moral values will allow them to act in an ethical manner and develop the understanding that gaining qualifications, skills and experiences is not just about what pupils get out of it but how it helps them to help others. This is articulated in our Trust motto of “Aspire not to have more but to be More”
Ambition Days
Ambition Days are dedicated ‘drop down’ day designed to inspire pupils to think positively about their future aspirations, careers and personal goals. They can include workshops, guest speakers, employer encounters, higher education activities and skill based challenges. Pupils are encouraged to broaden their horizons, raise aspirations and develop the confidence and knowledge to achieve a choice filled life.
Experience Week
Experience Week takes place for one week at the end of the summer term. Pupils are given opportunities to take part in workshops, trips and visits to develop and demonstrate their understanding what it means to “Be More”. A key element of the “Experience Week” is allocated time for reflection, allowing pupils to not only participate in exciting and inspiring activities, but also consider what they have learned and how it has impacted on them. Normal timetables are collapsed and pupils take part in activities that enable them to develop their own character and understanding of values. For 2027 Experience Week will focus on the work of the United Nations Human Rights.
Dandelion Programme
The programme has two main elements:
1. To provide an immersion connecting with communities in the developing world and experience a different way of life and a different set of values, which places ‘community’ rather than ‘individual’ at its centre.
2. To provide the opportunity to visit places and organisations across Europe, improving cultural understanding, networking and personal development opportunities.