Personal Development aims to deliver the vital knowledge and skills our young people need at Formby High School and beyond. It is an inclusive programme that extends beyond the academic and enables all of our students to become healthy, independent and responsible members of society. At its heart, Personal Development promotes the growth of positive character traits and virtues that enable students to behave with integrity, reflect wisely and cooperate well with others. Students are encouraged to engage with views, beliefs and opinions that are different from their own, show respect to all and not tolerate discrimination.

The age-appropriate curriculum covers all statutory requirements in areas such as drug education, financial education and sex and relationships education. It aims to help students understand how they are developing personally and socially, and tackles many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. The curriculum is flexible and responsive to deal efficiently with school and wider issues as they arise and provides a safe and supportive environment to discuss complex, sensitive and current topics. It plays a key role in the safeguarding of our students by adopting a preventative approach and signposts them to people and organisations who can offer support. Students are prepared for life in modern Britain by learning about fundamental British Values. Furthermore, they are provided with a comprehensive Careers Education, Information and Guidance programme that prepares them for future success in education, employment or training.

All students in Year 7 to 13 receive timetabled Personal Development lessons that are delivered fortnightly.  Alongside these lessons, the curriculum is also delivered through visiting speakers, trips, assemblies, careers interviews and whole school events such as the annual Careers Fair.  Tutor time is also utilised to support national events such as International Women’s day, Anti-Bullying Week and Black History Month.  Personal Development is further enriched by our extensive extra-curricular offer which aims to nurture, develop and stretch students’ talents and interests.  There are a vast array of opportunities available such as debate club, pride club and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to name but a few.

Our Personal Development curriculum is reinforced during tutor time each day. ​Led by their tutors, students complete a series of activities throughout the week that develop their character, improve their knowledge of potential careers and safeguard them against challenges that they may face.

One day a week is reserved for our ‘Spotlight On’ session which is useful in highlighting current issues and safeguarding concerns. It also allows attention to be drawn to awareness events such as National Apprenticeship Week, Mental Health Awareness Week and International Women’s Day.​

To further enhance our Personal Development Curriculum, visiting speakers from a range of organisations come in to deliver assemblies and workshops to our students. Some of these organisations include: