SJBC's Personal Development program aims to support our students to handle everyday challenges and prepare them for adulthood. The study program helps our students to lead healthy, safe and fulfilling lives by developing their confidence, independence and encouraging them to build positive relationships across the school and wider community. The skills acquired enable them to make informed and responsible life choices.
Assembly Weekly assemblies bring students together to reflect on important values, foster a sense of belonging, and build their understanding of key societal and personal themes. Each week’s theme is underpinned by our Character Virtues of Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour. These virtues encourage students to grow into thoughtful, empathetic, and capable individuals.
Character Debate Weekly debates give students the chance to discuss complex and sometimes controversial topics, helping them develop critical thinking, confidence in expressing opinions, and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. An example debate on "Freedom of Speech" allows students to examine the balance between free expression and respect for others, preparing them for nuanced real-world discussions.
Community Activities are designed to build a sense of shared identity and responsibility within the school and beyond. They also encourage students to engage with broader societal issues. For example, during Black History Month in October, students celebrate and learn about the contributions of Black individuals to society, fostering understanding and appreciation of diversity.
Challenge Weekly challenges provide fun and interactive opportunities for students to apply their skills, problem-solve creatively, and work collaboratively. Tutor groups compete against the other houses with points won counting in the interhouse cup.
Tutor reads The Tutor Reads programme is a weekly initiative where form tutors read aloud to their students, creating a shared literary experience that is both engaging and educational. This program is an essential part of fostering a love for reading and improving literacy skills across all year groups.
Hearing a fluent reader brings stories and texts to life, exposing students to rich vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and diverse genres that they might not encounter otherwise. This exposure strengthens their reading comprehension, broadens their cultural awareness, and enhances their ability to articulate ideas in writing and discussion.
