At Abingdon, Personal Development Education (PDE) is the proactive heartbeat of our pastoral care. Our approach moves beyond simple compliance; we provide a research-led, carefully sequenced journey that equips students with the resilience and agency they need to thrive in a complex, modern world.
Our curriculum is built upon the PERMA model (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement), ensuring that wellbeing is taught as a skill that can be developed over time. By delivering age-appropriate content before students encounter specific risks, we move from a reactive model of support to one of empowered prevention.
PDE is woven into the fabric of school life through dedicated lesson time and specialist events:
- Lower School: students begin with our ‘Be More Griffen’ programme, taught in dedicated fortnightly lessons that focus on character, healthy habits, and social transition.
- Middle School: in the Third and Fourth Year, students engage in fortnightly PSHCE lessons to explore more complex social and personal themes. This is supported by intensive RSE Days in the Third and Fifth Year, which feature workshops with specialist healthcare professionals and immersive Theatre in Education companies.
- Sixth Form: our Sixth Form students follow an advanced PDE programme, alongside a high-level lecture series. This curriculum covers essential transitions to adulthood, including law and ethics, addictive behaviours, communicating consent, and financial management. Supported by specialist Sixth Form tutors, students are encouraged to refine the study skills and wellbeing habits necessary for life beyond school.
In addition to formal lessons, PSHCE themes are integrated into tutor time. These smaller group settings allow for regular reflection on vital topics such as online safety, anti-bullying, mental health awareness and inclusion.
PDE is delivered by a team of skilled staff and external specialists, ensuring that sensitive topics – from digital ethics and AI to healthy relationships – are handled with professional nuance. As Abingdon transitions to a co-educational environment, we constantly refine our teaching based on student feedback and the latest statutory guidance ensuring every student feels represented, safe, and prepared for adult life.
We believe that the most effective education happens when school and home work in harmony. We are committed to complete transparency with our parent community, offering regular webinars and access to our curriculum materials. This partnership ensures that the vital conversations started in our classrooms are supported and continued at home.
For more information, please contact the Head of Wellbeing.
