Personal Development
Engaging with a wide-range of experiences beyond the academic curriculum is essential to develop character and confidence. Taking full advantage of this requires students to participate beyond the school day. Our co-curricular programme is exceptional. More than 80 clubs and societies cater for interests ranging from the creative arts, competitive sports, STEM and debating. You can access the full menu of co-curricular opportunities by selecting the link to the right.
The Future Skills curriculum is the vehicle through which we deliver high quality careers education, information, advice and guidance, relationships and sex education and personal, social and health education. Together, these are essential to develop the social capital and the moral compass of each Gilberdian. Such is the importance attached to Future Skills, we begin delivery early. From the first term in school, students are taught the soft skills of public speaking, confidence and assertiveness. Over the following 5 years, they will meet the full range of post-16 providers, from colleges and universities to industry representatives. All students undertake a week of formal work experience and links with industry well established. In addition, we recognise that guidance needs to be tailored to the specific demands of each individual. Our independent careers advisor supports all students individually and close association with alumni and universities provide yet more opportunity. Bespoke programmes to support transition range from our Oxbridge/Russell Group coaching programme for the most academic to the Accredited Certificates in Education (ACE) programme for students who will benefit from more practical leadership skills with a focus on developing confidence. Relationships and sex education is delivered by subject experts and through drop-down days with external providers. Each module is carefully designed and delivered at an appropriate stage of our students’ development to ensure that they are equipped to make healthy, wise and moral decisions. You can access the full delivery maps of for careers education, personal, social, health and sex and relationships curriculum by selecting the link to the right.
Service to the community is at the core of our values. All Gilberdians embark upon a leadership career in their first year, working towards Bronze, Silver and Gold Gilberd Way Awards by the third year. These awards recognise not only academic endeavour, but also positive engagement in the school and wider community. They pave the way for leadership opportunities in the upper school including Prefect, Mentor and House/Sports Captains. Each Gilberdian is being nurtured as a future leader, be that in their career or personal life. You can access the full menu of student leadership opportunities by selecting the link to the right.
Strong pastoral care is essential for effective personal development and the development of healthy, resilient minds. To compliment the taught and co-curricular programme, we have an exceptionally well-resource pastoral support system. Each Gilberdian becomes a member of a form group. A community of approximately 27 peers with a dedicated form tutor who remains with the group throughout the 5 years and is the first point of contact for pastoral advice. Each year group is overseen by a Head of Year supported by a full-time non-teaching Assistant Head of Year. Together, the year team maintain standards and identify learning or commitment gaps and intervene. The year teams are led by 2 Assistant Headteachers, the Head of Lower School (Years 7-9) and the Head of Upper School (Years 10 & 11). A Deputy Headteacher oversees the whole pastoral system. Select the link to the right to learn more about our pastoral support staff structure.
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