Personal Development
Our Vision
As a Catholic college, we believe we are all made in God’s image and our lives are guided by His love. It is with this intention that we approach our Personal Development and “Together for Good” curriculum with a focus on dignity and compassion for those around us.
At BTHCC, our Personal Development is a multi-facetted, spiral curriculum. Our curriculum design is bespoke to the wants and needs of our students as we study our core concepts of “Life Beyond College”, “Health and Wellbeing”, “Relationships and Sex Education”, “Staying Safe Online and Offline”, “Celebrating Diversity and Equality” and “Rights and Responsibilities”.
Every academic year, students explore new age appropriate knowledge in the above areas whilst making connections and remembering relevant prior knowledge from earlier study. Every lesson begins with a clear outline of the topic and the setting of participation expectations, ensuring every student feels safe and respected when discussing often sensitive issues.
Firstly, our focus on “Life Beyond College” explores our students’ personal growth and aspirations whilst educating them on academic and professional stages in their lives, career paths, social media, financial education, rights and employability skills. Our focus for these units are creating confident future leaders who are ready for success in our diverse modern world.
Secondly, when exploring “Health and Wellbeing”, students are afforded the opportunity to build an understanding of their own physical and mental health, including how to seek support and guidance in times of poor health. A common understanding of the mental health spectrum is gained in addition to learning about specific issues that may arise with our physical and mental health.
Our “Relationships and Sex Education” programme is delivered through the Ten Ten “Life to the Full” resources. We teach all statutory Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) requirements, within the context of a Christian understanding of human sexuality rooted in the beauty and the wisdom of the Catholic Church.
“Celebrating Diversity and Equality” is rooted in mutual respect and acceptance throughout each lesson. We give students a greater understanding of a wider range of perspectives that they may not have the opportunity to experience first or second hand. We actively challenge prejudice and discrimination in their many forms whilst educating that difference is something that should be celebrated and relished in today's world.
Finally, our “Rights Responsibilities and British Values” allows students to consider their place in modern Britain and how the UK functions politically, legally and as a monarchy. Students are given a greater understanding of their value as citizens and the role they play in our society.
It is through each of these areas that our students become champions of solidarity, peace and mutual respect who are well-informed, healthy and accepting members of 21st century Britain.
Our “Together for Good” curriculum includes a daily activity for Form Time, ensuring all students begin their day with a collaborative opportunity to build meaningful relationships with their tutor and their peers. Activities include “Read to Succeed”, where students read and develop an understanding of future career choices; “Celebration of the Word” where whole year groups gather to reflect and be inspired; “Wednesday Word”, where students and staff explore, scriptures and their relevance to modern day life; “Personal Development Be Your Best” where students are given an insight into the following week’s Personal Development topics to discuss and debate and finally “BTH Reads” where every child spends one morning of the week reading for pleasure.