RESPECT
Curriculum Rationale
At John Kyrle High School, we believe that education extends beyond academic achievement. While examination success remains important, we recognise that young people also require the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to lead safe, healthy, respectful, and fulfilling lives.
The RESPECT Personal Development Curriculum has been designed to ensure that every student develops the confidence, resilience and understanding needed to navigate the opportunities and challenges of modern society. Through a carefully sequenced programme of learning, students are encouraged to become informed, responsible and compassionate individuals who are equipped to contribute positively to their communities and wider society.
The curriculum reflects the school's commitment to developing well-rounded young people who demonstrate respect for themselves and others, understand the importance of positive relationships, value diversity and inclusion, and are prepared for the responsibilities of adulthood.
RESPECT seeks to create a culture in which students feel safe, supported and empowered to make informed decisions about their lives, relationships, health and future aspirations.
The curriculum is underpinned by the school's values and contributes directly to the development of students who are:
- Respectful of themselves and others
- Responsible for their actions and decisions
- Resilient in the face of challenge and adversity
- Informed about the world around them
- Compassionate towards others
- Prepared for adulthood and future success
Curriculum Intent
The RESPECT curriculum is designed to provide students with a planned, progressive and age-appropriate programme of learning from Years 7 to 11.
The curriculum aims to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to:
Maintain Positive Physical and Mental Wellbeing
Students learn about the factors that influence physical and mental health and develop strategies to maintain their wellbeing. The curriculum promotes resilience, self-awareness and healthy lifestyle choices whilst ensuring students understand how and where to access support when required.
Develop Healthy Relationships
Students learn how to establish and maintain healthy relationships built upon trust, respect, communication and consent. They explore friendships, families, romantic relationships and the qualities that contribute to positive and respectful interactions.
Stay Safe Online and Offline
Students develop an understanding of potential risks within both the physical and digital world. They learn how to recognise unsafe situations, manage risk, protect themselves and seek support when needed.
Understand Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Students explore identity, protected characteristics, discrimination and prejudice. They develop an appreciation of diversity within modern Britain and learn the importance of mutual respect, tolerance and inclusion.
Make Informed Decisions
Students are supported to think critically, evaluate information, consider consequences and make informed decisions regarding their health, relationships, finances and future aspirations.
Prepare for Adulthood
Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for successful transition into further education, employment and adult life. Topics such as budgeting, careers, relationships, health and citizenship contribute to students' readiness for adulthood.
Support Safeguarding Through Education
The curriculum plays a vital role in safeguarding by ensuring students understand issues such as consent, exploitation, abuse, online harms, substance misuse and personal safety. Students learn how to identify concerns and access support for themselves and others
Useful link: RESPECT roadmaps
