Curriculum Leader:
Miss E. Gilhooley (egilhooley@stmichaels.bhcet.org.uk)
At St Michael’s Catholic Academy, we believe education goes beyond the classroom. Holistic Development (HD) is a vital part of our curriculum because it equips students with the knowledge, understanding and emotional literacy they need to flourish both as individuals and as members of society.
Our carefully designed, five-year HD curriculum covers:
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British Values
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Technology and digital awareness
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Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
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Mental Health and Wellbeing
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Financial Education
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Physical Wellbeing
This spiralised approach means key knowledge is revisited and deepened each year, supporting long-term learning. It builds resilience, character and ethical awareness, while also strengthening essential skills such as self-regulation, empathy and effective communication.
How is our curriculum shaped?
Our HD programme is firmly aligned with national expectations and guidance, including:
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Statutory RSHE and Careers Guidance (DfE, 2025)
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Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework, with its focus on personal development and safeguarding
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The National Curriculum, which promotes spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development
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British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, respect and tolerance (Prevent Duty Guidance, 2023)
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EEF recommendations, highlighting the importance of metacognition, resilience and wellbeing for lifelong learning
How is Holistic Development delivered?
Holistic Development is taught through a carefully structured model that prepares students for life beyond the classroom. Pupils receive a dedicated one-hour HD lesson each week, delivered on a rolling timetable to ensure balance across all subjects. In addition, one tutor time session per week is devoted to HD, often linked to national awareness events and supported by resources from recognised charities and organisations. These sessions encourage reflection, discussion and a deeper understanding of current issues.
Lessons are delivered by Form Tutors, who know their pupils well and can create a supportive environment, alongside our Pastoral Team, who bring expertise in wellbeing and safeguarding.
Our spiralised curriculum ensures that key themes — including RSE, British Values, Mental Health, Financial Education and Online Safety — are revisited and developed as students progress. Content is drawn from trusted providers such as TenTen, UniFrog and Pol-Ed, ensuring lessons are accurate, age-appropriate and engaging
Parental Right of Withdrawal
Parents have the legal right to withdraw their child from aspects of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), except for those elements which form part of the National Curriculum.
If you wish to exercise this right, we ask that you contact Claire Carey, Deputy Headteacher to discuss your request. The school will provide guidance and resources to support parents in delivering this learning at home, ensuring that children continue to receive age-appropriate information to support their personal development.