May 2026 

This half-term, students have continued to engage positively with a wide range of personal development and safeguarding activities designed to support their wellbeing, resilience, and preparation for life beyond school. 

Through assemblies, form time, PSHE lessons, and targeted drop-down activities, students have explored several important topics linked to safety, healthy relationships, wellbeing, and future aspirations. Key themes this half-term have included; online safety, the risks associated with AI and deepfakes, stereotypes in careers, and awareness around radicalisation and exploitation. 

As part of Sceptre Week, students attended a whole-school assembly focused on knife crime awareness, the impact of serious violence on individuals and communities, and the legal consequences of being convicted through joint enterprise. The assembly encouraged students to reflect on positive choices, personal safety, peer influence, and the importance of seeking support when needed. 

Students across different year groups have also taken part in focused PSHE sessions. Year 8 students explored online safety topics including algorithms, phishing, and hacking, alongside participating in a Careers Fair. Year 9 students learnt about Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines, helping them to recognise risks and understand how to seek support. Year 10 students focused on careers education as well as discussions around toxic online culture and healthy relationships. 

Year 7 students have already completed their PSHE drop-down day, where they explored the world of work and began thinking about their future careers journey. They also took part in sessions focusing on vaping, addiction, wellbeing, and understanding and managing emotions. 

Pupils also visited Burnley FC as part of the Marc Edwards Legacy Project for a careers and aspirations day. Students took part in eight different talks delivered by a range of staff working across the organisation, including roles in education, law, and other professional areas, helping students gain a greater understanding of the wide variety of career pathways available. 

We are also extremely proud of our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh students, who successfully completed their practice expedition this term. Students demonstrated resilience, teamwork, independence, and determination throughout the challenge and are looking forward to completing their final expedition and remaining skills sections next half term. 

As part of our ongoing safeguarding work, students have also received regular reminders about trusted adults, reporting concerns, and accessing support both in and out of school. These conversations continue to play an important role in helping students feel safe, informed, and supported. 

Looking ahead to next term, Year 8 students will take part in mock interviews to further develop their confidence and communication skills. Year 10 students will continue to build on interview techniques and work readiness, alongside learning more about healthy relationships and emotional abuse awareness. 

Year 10 students will also take part in their work experience week, giving them valuable insight into the workplace and helping them develop employability skills for the future. In addition, students will visit colleges to explore further education opportunities and future pathways. 

There are also several exciting enrichment opportunities planned for Year 8 students, including the CyberFirst trip and the Leaders of Industry trip, helping students develop aspirations and gain insight into future careers and industries. 

We will also continue to support seasonal safeguarding initiatives. The Fire Service’s summer water safety and wildfire campaign will be promoted around school and discussed during form time. In addition, assemblies will be delivered to Year 9 and Year 10 students on summer safety, helping to raise awareness of water safety, wildfires, and keeping safe during the holidays. 

We are proud of the maturity and engagement shown by students throughout these sessions and look forward to continuing to support their personal development in the coming term.