Personal Development 

Social action is vital for empowering citizens, improving community outcomes, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable society. Our students complete social action projects including community litter picks, collecting donations for Christmas hampers for disadvantaged families, bag packing in our local supermarket and working together with nearby residential homes to provide activities, greetings cards and handmade gifts.

Benefits for Individuals and Communities:

• Empowerment and Participation:
  Social action encourages individuals to take ownership of their communities and actively participate in shaping their future. 

• Improved Outcomes:
  By addressing local issues and needs, social action can lead to tangible improvements in people's lives, whether it's through better access to resources, services, or opportunities. 

• Stronger Communities:
  Social action fosters collaboration, builds relationships, and strengthens social cohesion, leading to more resilient and vibrant communities. 

• Skill Development:
  Participating in social action provides opportunities to learn new skills, gain experience, and develop leadership abilities.

• Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment:
  Engaging in activities that benefit others can provide individuals with a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and satisfaction.

• Addressing Complex Challenges:

Social action can play a crucial role in addressing complex societal challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental issues. 

Basic life skills are crucial for personal growth, success, and well-being, empowering individuals to navigate daily life, build confidence, and contribute positively to society. Our students are taught Basic Life Skills as part of their Personal Development curriculum.

Enhanced Independence:
Basic skills like cooking, cleaning, budgeting, ironing, sewing and basic First Aid enable individuals to become self-sufficient and take care of their own needs. 

Improved Problem-Solving:
Life skills training helps individuals learn how to prioritise tasks, set goals, and manage their time wisely, leading to increased efficiency and overall satisfaction. 

Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem:
Developing these skills fosters a sense of competence and accomplishment, leading to increased self-confidence and self-esteem. 

Better Mental Well-being:
Life skills contribute to our perceptions of self-efficacy, self-confidence, and self-esteem, which are important for mental well-being. 

Stronger Relationships:
Effective communication, empathy, and social skills are crucial for building and maintaining healthy relationships. 

Improved Decision-Making:
Life skills training helps individuals analyse options, make decisions, and understand why they make certain choices. 

Resilience:
Learning to cope with challenges and setbacks is a vital life skill that builds resilience and helps individuals navigate difficult situations. 

Adaptability:
In a constantly changing world, adaptable individuals with strong life skills are better equipped to thrive. 

Financial Literacy:
Understanding basic financial concepts, budgeting, and saving money are essential for long-term financial stability. 

For Society:

A More Competent Workforce:
A skilled workforce is vital for economic growth and prosperity. 

Stronger Communities:
Individuals with strong life skills are more likely to be engaged and contribute positively to their communities. 

Reduced Social Problems:
Developing life skills can help prevent issues like poverty, crime, and substance abuse. 

Improved Public Health:
Basic health and hygiene skills are essential for preventing illness and promoting well-being. 

Empowerment:

Life skills training empowers individuals to take control of their lives and make positive choices. 

All students receive Basic First Aid training including CPR/ Defibrillator and ‘Stop the Bleed’. Accidents happen – which is why the ability to think fast, stay calm and act in an emergency is an invaluable skill. According to the British Red Cross, 85% of adults in the UK lack the knowledge and confidence to act and administer first aid. It’s a staggering figure, but being able to take action means that our students could help to save someone’s life. This is why first aid is such an important element of Personal Development. Our students develop the skills to not only know how to remain calm in an emergency situation but assess what measures they need to take.

Appropriate first aid could mean the difference between life and death, so by undertaking first aid training our students will be able to do their bit to help others in an emergency situation.

At Unity City, we love a competition and when it provides educational opportunities, our Personal Development Groups are definitely in it to win it. Each week our Year 7 and 8 students compete in a series of team building activities which challenge their skills and attributes, from problem solving to leadership and from listening skills to dexterity there is more to each challenge than meets the eye. At the end of each half term, the team at the top of the league win an epic experience in our very own VIP Area, which have included to date;  Krispy Kreme doughnut parties, Icecream Factory and giant Millies cookies with milkshakes. 

The Equality Act 2010 is the principle anti-discrimination law in the UK. The law defines the “Protected Characteristics” or the equality groups which are protected in law, and how each of these is defined. Students are taught about the Protected Characteristics and anti-discrimination laws within their Personal Development and PSHE curriculum. 

The 9 protected characteristics are:

To help deliver and reinforce key messages and provide enriching experiences in different, engaging and interactive ways, we work directly with many different high-quality external providers including: