Personal Development | Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School

With that in mind, the Wiseman Virtues are at the heart of our school. We reflect upon and use these eight pairs of virtues across the school in many ways such as our merit system, rewards events, assemblies, prayer etc.

Here are some ways in which we focus on the personal development of our pupils.

Formation - Takes place every day for all pupils. Formation tutors are there to develop strong working relationships with their tutees as they see them every day. A range of different activities take place during Formation such as assemblies, in the news, and where pupils are taught about PSHE, Citizenship and careers. Formation begins with prayer each day.

Assemblies

Weekly assemblies ensure that pupils are brought together as a year group - to pray together, learn together and grow together. Assemblies are led by a range of leaders and focus on building our culture and sense of belonging. Assemblies may focus on learning about the Liturgical Year, reflecting on our virtues, rewarding our pupils’ success, and informing pupils about personal development opportunities. They may also be seen as an opportunity to address pertinent issues in a particular year group, so that all consider how to respond in certain situations as Jesus taught us.

PSHE

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education is taught two times a week during Formation time. PSHE education gives pupils the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe and to prepare them for life and work in modern Britain. PSHE sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging, promoting discussions around real-life scenarios to ensure students can relate to the material.

“I liked the clarity of the key words and the explanations provided. I also liked the roleplay, it allowed us to get involved with the explanations and also helped us understand different situations for getting involved in different groups.”

“I liked how the exam stress PSHE booklet corresponds perfectly with the period of time year 11's are in”.

“I personally liked the script/roleplay sessions which gave multiple people in my formation the chance to tell a meaningful story”.

Furthermore, we have PSHE drop down sessions throughout the year which enables us to get specialist external companies to deliver sessions to pupils about a range of matters. An example of this is when we have a company called Loudmouth. They educate our pupils through theatre and discussion about a range of themes such as harmful sexual behaviours, sexual harassment, pornography, consent and misogyny.

In the News - throughout the year, pupils learn about a current news story. The news coverage is tracked to ensure that all pupils are equipped to be responsible, respectful, active citizens who contribute positively to society. They also help to develop understanding of the five British Values.

In the sessions, pupils are taught the facts and then are given the opportunity to discuss, debate etc.

CEIAG (Careers, Education, Information, Advice and Guidance)

We teach the pupils to be intentional and prophetic for their futures, and actively plan for their lives beyond Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School. Pupils have to stay in education, employment and / or training until they are 18, and therefore need to plan for what they are going to do immediately post-16, and then with their longer-term future careers. Effective careers education is a key priority for the school; it is an important part of the PSHE curriculum, and promoted via the different subject areas. Careers related workshops, talks, trips and events are a regular part of the school calendar; with particular highlights being the annual trip to Oxford University, Year 10 work experience and the ‘Careers Speed Dating’ extravaganza, where 30-plus employees, employers, alumni and post-16 providers visit the school to engage with the pupils and inspire them for their futures.

“I just wanted to say thank you for having us today at your fabulous event. It's great to see the students getting an insight into the working world at an early age. The students were all very polite and engaging, even though we know it can be daunting talking to adults they don’t know. We had some great questions, which shows they were really interested in finding out about our jobs. We would love to attend again in the future”. Stakeholder Feedback

Up-to-date Labour Market Information is regularly shared, and vocational and technical post-16 routes are actively promoted alongside the more traditional routes, so that the pupils are able to make informed decisions. We fully comply with the requirements of the Provider Access Legislation. Every pupil in Year 10 and 11 has a one-to-one interview with a qualified, impartial careers advisor; with SEND and more vulnerable pupils receiving lots of additional careers input. Unifrog is the platform we use to promote careers with the pupils, parents and staff at every opportunity.

“I receive regular careers newsletters from the school that advise on the events that have been arranged. Planning for work experience placements has already started, at the beginning of the academic year, which provides plenty of notice for students to begin considering their options. My daughter received advice and guidance around the options chosen for GCSEs that fit with her aspirations.”

Parent Feedback.

“Focus on careers helps to make learning more relevant and meaningful to students. My daughter wants to learn because she has an idea of the type of career she wants to have, and therefore understands what she needs to achieve to make that possible”. Parent Feedback.

RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education)

RSHE is taught across all year groups, predominantly in PSHE sessions with pupils’ formation tutors. Throughout all of our RSHE programme our core belief is that every child is created in the image of God and loved by God - and this should be reflected in all of their relationships with others. The intention of RSHE is to give young people the information they need to help them develop healthy, nurturing relationships of all kinds, not just intimate relationships. It should enable them to know what a healthy relationship looks like and what makes a good friend, a good colleague and a successful marriage or other type of committed relationship. RSHE is carefully mapped across all year groups to ensure that it is age-appropriate. A copy of our RSHE policy can be found on our website.

Wider opportunities (Transformation Curriculum, Enrichment and Extra-Curricular)

Transformation Curriculum - allows every child to experience a range of activities beyond the normal curriculum.

This bespoke curriculum enables us to:

broaden our pupils’ horizons with new opportunities and enriching experiences
help pupils find and develop their God-given talents
develop pupils’ character - including their confidence, independence and resilience
prepare pupils to be active citizens who contribute positively to society
strengthen pupils’ sense of belonging within our school community
develop essential skills for life

Some activities on offer are about providing new opportunities for pupils to discover their talents, some are about deepening and enriching their lives whilst other activities lead to qualifications.

For more information about the Transformation Curriculum

“The Transformation Curriculum contributes exceptionally well to pupils’ wider development.” - Ofsted Oct 2021

Enrichment and extra-curricular activities

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that simple word - extra”

At Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School, we have a range of enrichment trips and extra-curricular activities throughout the year.

Enrichment trips include those that are linked to specific subject areas such as Year 7 Geography fieldwork and music trip to Birmingham city centre where pupils get to learn about their city and have the opportunity to see the CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

The CEO of ACE, Tom Haigh, spoke to a range of pupils from Years 7-10, staff and a governor and looked at a range of evidence that shows that we are a school where the Wiseman Virtues and good character are at the heart of all that we do. This prestigious award, which is the top award, clearly shows that as a school we focus on developing well-rounded individuals.

Since receiving this award, we have led training at national conferences to share our excellent practice with other schools and organisations. In our feedback Tom Haight wrote the following:

“The school’s strong focus on moral virtues ensures its character programme develops pupils with a strong moral compass who strive, ‘to do the right thing for the right reason,’ and become ‘good people.”

For more information about our Character education provision

Citizenship

Citizenship topics have been plotted into the Personal Development long-term plan, and each year group spends time having bespoke Citizenship lessons as part of their Formation curriculum. Here they gain a greater understanding of how to play an active role in modern society; they learn about democracy and government, rights and responsibilities, the justice system, active citizenship, diversity and identity, and financial literacy. Much of the Citizenship curriculum is supported by what is taught as part of the PSHE curriculum. Citizenship topics - such as media and information literacy, climate change and sustainability, and the role of the UK in the wider world - are also covered as part of the wider school curriculum. Real and contemporary issues and case studies, set in local and global contexts, are explored, bringing Citizenship teaching to life.

SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural)

Embedding Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development into the curriculum ensures that pupils are supported to grow into well-rounded, responsible, and respectful individuals. Here’s how each aspect of SMSC can be embedded across the curriculum:

Spiritual Development

Reflection: Providing opportunities in lessons such as Religious Education (RE), English, or Art for pupils to explore their own beliefs, the meaning of life, and their sense of identity.

Exploring Awe and Wonder: Activities in subjects like science (e.g., learning about the universe or the natural world) or geography (e.g., studying landscapes and ecosystems) help foster curiosity and appreciation.

Encouraging Expression: Allowing pupils to express themselves creatively through music, drama, and art while respecting and exploring different spiritual perspectives.

Moral Development

Ethical Issues: Discussing moral dilemmas in subjects like PSHE, history, or science (e.g., medical ethics, climate change, or war and peace).

Promoting Fairness and Justice: Exploring historical events, social movements, and current events where moral choices have shaped outcomes.

Values and Responsibility: Encouraging respect for others’ rights and teaching pupils how to make responsible decisions that benefit their community.

Social Development

Teamwork and Collaboration: Providing opportunities in PE, group projects, or extracurricular activities to develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

Community Engagement: Encouraging participation in charity events, volunteering through the Transformation Curriculum and school council to develop a sense of community and citizenship.

Addressing Social Issues: Teaching about topics such as equality, inclusion, and relationships in PSHE and In the News helping pupils understand their role in a diverse society.

Cultural Development

Celebrating Diversity: Incorporating the study of different cultures, traditions, and perspectives into subjects like music, art, literature, and RE.

Learning from History: Teaching about cultural contributions and historical contexts, including the impact of colonisation, migration, and cultural exchanges.

Global Awareness: Geography, modern foreign languages, and global studies help pupils understand their place in an interconnected world and appreciate cultural diversity.

Whole-School Approaches

Assemblies and Events: Marking key cultural and moral events (e.g., Remembrance Day, Diwali, Black History Month) to encourage reflection and celebration.

Modelling Values: Embedding respect, fairness, and kindness into school behaviour policies and daily practices.

Extra-Curricular Activities: Clubs, trips, and experiences that expose pupils to new cultures, ideas, and perspectives.

By embedding SMSC in the curriculum and wider school life, pupils develop a strong moral compass, cultural appreciation, and the social skills needed to thrive as responsible members of society.

RRSA (Rights Respecting School Award) – we have achieved the silver award. As part of this award, we deliver sessions throughout the year. The Unicef UK Rights Respecting Schools Award supports schools across the UK to embed children’s human rights in their ethos and culture. The Award recognises achievement in putting the UN Convention on the Right of the Child (CRC) at the heart of a school’s practice to improve wellbeing and help all children and young people realise their potential.

Skills

In the summer of 2024, the school was recognised for all that we do to promote essential skills with the pupils by being awarded the Skills Builder Silver Award, putting us in a select group of schools and colleges across the UK who have received such recognition. Essential skills are the fundamental abilities that everyone needs to succeed in school, work, and daily life; they help the pupils to build a strong foundation for their future careers because they are transferable to nearly any job or industry. We give the pupils lots of opportunities to develop the 8 essential skills outlined below in school - from the Transformation curriculum, to speech giving day, from the work of the chaplaincy team to the extra-curricular activities which take place after-school.

“We gained the Skills Builder Silver Award last academic year. We have focussed, particularly through our Transformation Curriculum, on the development of skills - how wonderful it is to see the pupils developing problem solving skills in chess, teamwork in electrics and speaking and listening in BSL. We also provide enrichment trips to develop these skills such as taking pupils to Conkers and getting the Problem Solving Company to come to school to work with our children”. Staff Feedback.

Protected Characteristics

Protected Characteristics are important to know as it applies to every single person. They protect anyone and everyone no matter who you are. They help one build their self esteem and help one to realise the importance of one's self. Student Feedback

Embedding protected characteristics into the curriculum ensures that diversity, equality, and inclusion are actively promoted, helping students develop understanding, empathy, and respect for others. Protected characteristics, as defined under the Equality Act 2010, include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Here’s how these are incorporated into our curriculum:

Subject-Specific Approaches

Some examples of the Protected characteristics within our curriculum areas are:

History: Teaching about civil rights movements, struggles for equality (e.g., women’s suffrage, LGBTQ+ rights, anti-racism movements), and the contributions of diverse groups.

English: Including texts/poems from authors of different races, genders, religions, and orientations. For example, studying works by Maya Angelou, Malorie Blackman, Imtiaz Dharker or Benjamin Zephaniah to explore themes of race and gender.

Science: Highlighting contributions from diverse scientists, such as Rosalind Franklin (gender equality), Alan Turing (LGBTQ+ history), or modern figures with disabilities in STEM.

Religious Education (RE): Exploring a range of beliefs and practices from multiple religions and non-religious

Our Whole-School Approach

Celebrating Diversity: Schools often mark events such as Black History Month, Pride Month, or International Women’s Day to educate students about different communities and their histories.

Policies: Ensuring anti-discrimination policies are modeled in school behaviour and disciplinary policies, with lessons reflecting these values.

Charity: We as a school work with local and national charities to ensure that we are giving back to the community we live in. Many of the charity days, such as Show Racism the Red Card, focus on supporting injustices to the protected characteristics.

Cross-Curricular Themes

Cultural Awareness: Integrating diverse cultural practices and traditions into art, music, and drama.

Global Citizenship: Geography lessons about migration, human rights, and international development provide opportunities to discuss race, religion, and other protected characteristics.

Promoting Respect and Understanding

Anti-Bullying Programs: Focused on preventing bullying related to protected characteristics.

Student Voice: Encouraging diverse perspectives through student councils or debate clubs.

Embedding these principles, and teaching them explicitly, ensures students not only comply with legal obligations but also grow up to be inclusive, informed, and respectful individuals.