At Arbour Academy, we do things differently HERE. We are dedicated to the holistic development of every student, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive in all aspects of life. As a specialist school, we take a tailored approach to personal development, ensuring that each student receives the support and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
Our Personal Development programme is shaped by our core values:
🔹 High Expectations – We challenge every student to aim high, work hard, and achieve their full potential.
🔹 Empathy – We cultivate a community built on kindness, understanding, and respect for others.
🔹 Resilience – We help students develop the strength and determination to overcome challenges and persevere.
🔹 Emotional Response – We support students in recognising and managing their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and well-being.
What Personal Development Includes
At Arbour Academy, we provide a comprehensive Personal Development programme that nurtures well-rounded, confident, and prepared individuals. This includes:
✅ Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural (SMSC) Development – Encouraging students to explore values, respect diversity, and develop a strong moral compass.
✅ Behaviour & Wellbeing – Promoting positive behaviour, self-regulation, and emotional resilience to foster a safe and inclusive school environment.
✅ Outdoor Learning & Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) – Providing enriching experiences beyond the classroom to build teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
✅ Careers & Future Pathways – Offering guidance, work experience, and employer engagement to ensure students are well-prepared for their next steps.
✅ Trips & Rewards – Recognising and celebrating achievements through educational visits, enrichment activities, and reward systems that motivate and inspire students.
✅ Student Voice – Empowering students to take an active role in shaping their school experience, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.
Why Personal Development Matters
Personal Development helps students build the skills, knowledge, and attributes needed to live healthy, independent, and responsible lives. It also plays a vital role in preparing them for further education, training, and employment.
At Arbour Academy, we ensure that students:
✔ Uphold high expectations in their learning and conduct.
✔ Develop confidence, resilience, and self-awareness to maintain their mental and physical well-being.
✔ Show empathy and respect, understanding that differences make us stronger.
✔ Are equipped to identify and manage risks both online and offline, with a clear understanding of available support systems.
✔ Receive expert careers guidance, including exposure to local labour market information and employability skills, ensuring a smooth transition to their next phase.
By embedding Personal Development into our school culture and upholding our HERE values, we create an environment where every student can thrive, feel valued, and leave Arbour Academy ready for a successful future.
