Personal Development

Our school ethos sits at the heart of our personal development curriculum.

It is covered through 5 strands: PSHCE; our Pastoral Curriculum; our Careers provision; our Student Council; and our Co-Curriculum.

1. PSHCE 

Our PSHCE Curriculum at Haverstock School provides students with the knowledge, skills and attributes to become empowered in their life both inside and outside of school.

PSHCE is covered through a broad and rich curriculum which includes (but is not limited to) Personal Social Health Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Citizenship.

The curriculum has been planned in line with Statutory Guidance, and is informed by the needs of the young people of Camden. The intent of the curriculum enables students to build on knowledge each year and to develop their understanding of the world around them. Through providing students with a rich knowledge of these diverse topics, PSHCE enables our students to lead healthy and safe lives both now and in the future.

Through delivering 8 Key Strands (Personal, Economic, Social, Health, Relationship, British Values, Citizenship, and RSE) we support students to see the 'golden threads' of the curriculum, whilst also understanding the value of each lesson and how their learning can be applied to their school lives and beyond. 

Students have the opportunity to participate in workshops run by external organisations, and to engage in discussions and debate on topics that are relevant to their lives. For example, topics might include:

• Mental wellbeing 

• First aid 

• British values 

• Personal hygiene 

• Online safety 

• Personal finance 

You can view our PSHCE Intent and Curriculum intent on the link here.

2. Our Pastoral Curriculum

In addition to PSHCE, we deliver our school ethos and fundamental British Values through daily tutor time and weekly assemblies to all our tutor groups.

In these sessions, we cover a range of current topics such as Black History Month, Anti Bullying week, LQBTQ+, Sexism and raising digital awareness.

All students are given the opportunity to take learning beyond the curriculum through supporting our community in a range of activities including participating in our Hamper Project which provides food and items to vulnerable local families. Our Pastoral curriculum fosters positive character building of students through the compass of the schools ethos, Aim High, Step Forward, Be Kind and Always Learning.

3. Careers Provision

Our first-class careers programme is streamlined, memorable, and responsive to student and labour market information. It maximises the unparalleled opportunities on our doorstep in Camden and the resources and expertise of our neighbours in the business community.

Our provision follows a holistic approach that includes partnership work with key stakeholders: parents, colleagues, governors, and corporate partners. It is defined by an inclusive and tailored approach, combining breadth of opportunity with depth of quality. The programme weaves careers seamlessly into classroom learning, and embeds soft skills throughout school life. Students should be fully aware of the entire range of aspirational opportunities awaiting them after compulsory education. 

None of this is ‘box ticking;’ rather, the memorability of the programme signifies its impact. The programme is streamlined, considered, well-coordinated, and well-executed. Finally, our Careers delivery builds sequentially, so that by sixth form, all students can access work experience successfully and know what their next-steps are.

You can find more details on our careers provision on the link here.

4. Our Co-Curriculum

Our co-curricular provision gives students the opportunity to step forward and learn lots of new skills outside of lesson time.

We have a range of clubs that run before school, during lunch and after school including Anime club, Board Game club, Jewellery Making club, Choir and a vast array of sports clubs. They provide a safe space for students to socialise, make friends and try out new experiences. 

We believe that the co-curriculum is essential to student success, and as such it is a core part of our ethos. Students who attend clubs receive achievement points and are celebrated in tutor time and assemblies for stepping forward.

You can view our latest co-curriculum on the link here. 

5. Student Council

Student Voice is a key activity at Haverstock School.

Our students complete regular surveys to support the running of the school and examples of this include capturing feedback on the structure of the school’s week, uniform changes and improving school catering.

Our Student Council is an active body of the school’s community. Each tutor group in Year 7 to 10 have democratically elected two representatives who meet regularly with the Head of School. These forums are used to gain feedback on strategic plans, improve the environment for students at Haverstock and determine community action projects such as charity work.

The elected representatives are supported by Sixth Form students who have been selected by the Sixth Form Leadership team. These students are pivotal in that they support younger members of the Student Council body in collating feedback, presenting their reflections and chairing Student Council meetings.