Personal and Social Development

The PSD programme aims to enable pupils to make informed choices about all aspects of their lives, through both the development of decision-making skills and the provision of accurate, up-to-date and relevant information. PSD also promotes a sense of responsibility in respect of the individual, family and community health. Ethical issues are also discussed.

With an emphasis on these principles, PSD covers a wide range of topics including smoking, alcohol, drugs, HIV/Aids and diet. Social Education deals with issues such as bullying, self-esteem, relationships, families, equal opportunities, discrimination. internet safety and personal safety. Careers Education includes subject choice information and enterprise activities as well as careers-related information.

Within PSD, careful consideration is given to the range of teaching methods and approaches used, and activities include discussion groups, brainstorming and small group work. There is an emphasis on discussion to promote listening skills, tolerance and reasoned argument.

The teaching team has been trained to deliver ‘SHARE’ (Sexual Health and Relationships Education), a course which places emphasis on personal responsibility and assertiveness skills.