Personal Development
Personal Development at The Westgate School plays a pivotal role in realising our vision and intent. Our personal development curriculum is designed to cultivate character and provide experiences that empower our students for life beyond The Westgate School. We aspire to offer students opportunities for self-reflection and self-discovery while fostering an awareness of their role in the broader world. Throughout their time at The Westgate School, we endeavour to nurture students' character through enriching experiences, encompassing both our curriculum and co-curricular activities. Anchoring all our efforts in Personal Development are our core values of ambition, reflection, and kindness.
PSHE/RSE Curriculum
Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education is delivered through a sequenced, spiral programme that progressively builds upon prior learning as students advance through school. It provides every student at The Westgate School with an equal opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for thriving in both the present and the future.
This encompasses assisting them in addressing critical issues they encounter daily, such as friendships, emotional well-being, and change, while establishing a strong foundation for navigating any challenging opportunities that may arise. Thus, they can confront an uncertain world with optimism.
From making informed decisions about alcohol to succeeding in their first job, PSHE education equips our students to prepare for the full spectrum of opportunities, challenges, life choices, and responsibilities they will encounter. This, in turn, creates a 'virtuous circle' in which students with better health and well-being can achieve greater academic success and overall accomplishment.
Should you wish to discuss the PSHE/RSE policy, curriculum, or resources, please get in touch with our Curriculum Leader of Personal Development:
HWI@westgate.slough.sch.uk
Autumn Term One Theme: Positive Relationships(Click for more)
Our vision for positive relationships within our personal development curriculum is to foster a culture where students understand and prioritise the value of healthy connections. We aim to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to cultivate positive relationships with themselves and others. Through our curriculum, we promote effective communication, empathy, respect, and the ability to navigate challenges in relationships. We strive to create a supportive environment where students feel safe to explore the complexities of friendships, romantic relationships, and diversity. By empowering students to build resilient, respectful, and fulfilling relationships, we aim to nurture their personal well-being, social harmony, and future success. Together, let's create a community that values and celebrates positive relationships.
Autumn Term Two Theme: Staying Safe(Click for more)
We are excited to share with you a dynamic and crucial topic that our students are delving into this term: "Living in the Wider World: Staying Safe." In today's rapidly evolving society, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to navigate potential risks and make informed choices is paramount. This term's personal development/PSHE curriculum encompasses a spectrum of essential life skills, including personal safety, online safety, as well as addressing pressing issues like the dangers of vaping, drugs and knife crime. Our goal is to empower our students with the tools they need to thrive in a changing world while prioritising their safety and well-being. We are committed to providing them with a holistic education that fosters responsible citizenship, critical thinking, and personal growth.
Together, we ensure that our students are prepared to make safe and responsible choices as they venture into the wider world beyond our school gates.
Assembly Schedule
The Assembly Programme at The Westgate School aims to promote:
- Our whole school values
- PSHE themes
- British Values
- Safeguarding
- National news, events and significant dates
- Individual successes and achievements.
Tutor Schedule
"The purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows."
