• Drugs and Festivals – investigating the myths and truths of festival going to prepare students to have safe fun 

• Feminism – what are the roots of modern feminism and what challenges does it face in the 21st century 

• Tolerating intolerance – in the social media age, how can we learn to listen and respond constructively to those with different opinions own views of sex – what is a healthy attitude media and how do these depictions affect our

• Sex and the media – how is sex used in the
  media and how do these depictions affect our
  own views of sex – what is a healthy attitude to sex?

• Misogyny, women in danger – how can young people avoid being drawn in by online influencers pushing dangerous ideas about
  the role of women in society?

• Prevent – how to spot the signs of grooming and radicalisation and what to do if you suspect this happening to yourself or others

• Substance abuse – external speaker discussing the attractions and dangers of substance abuse

• Children in Need – preparations for the school charity day events and activities

• Remembrance – marking Armistice Sunday by thinking about sacrifices people make for each other

• Relaxation – methods and strategies to aid rest and relaxation.

• Coercive and controlling relationships – what are the signs of unhealthy relationships and what could be done about your own orsomeone else’s.

• Critical Thinking Skills – learning to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources of information in the media

• Financial education – learn the difference between interest rates and inflation, credit cards and debit cards and much more.
   

In addition to Personal Development lessons in tutor groups, students and tutors also spend time, once per fortnight, with pairs of students discussing key learning skills and
academic progress. Below are examples of the kinds of topics covered during these sessions. These are based on the ‘VESPA’ VI Form mindset programme.

• Twenty Questions - Asking key questions to help crystalise your ambitions for the future

• The Change Curve - Recognising the changes in motivation are normal and that with commitment can be overcome.

• 1-10 - Learning not to compare yourself to other students but to focus on your own achievements and areas for improvement.

• SMART goals Setting goals for study and life which are achievable and will lead to sustainable success

• Getting dreams done Learning to differentiate between realistic and unrealistic aspirations and putting in place strategies to start achieving.

• Recognising your blockers - Being honest about our levels of application, identifying key obstacles to commitment and planning to overcome procrastination.

• The power of ‘If…then…’ thinking - Acknowledging that academic setbacks will occur and planning mental strategies to overcome disappointment.

• Inner storytelling - Listening to your inner voice and challenging negative messages you tell yourself.

• The vampire test - Reflecting on the benefit of your friendships. Who are the friends who build you up, and which friends suck your energy?

• Snack don’t binge - Developing wisdom in how you approach daunting tasks. Breaking large commitments down into manageable chunks.

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• Professional Applications – Considering the language and structure needed for professional applications and applying this to
  UCAS personal statements and curricula vitae.

• Drugs Awareness – Raising awareness of national and local trends in drug usage and the harms caused to individuals and society.

• Completing application forms – whether for university, apprenticeship or job applications, learning to sell yourself on paper is an important skill to develop.

• Domestic Abuse – Understanding and recognising domestic abuse to help protect ourselves and others.

• Apprenticeships & Employability – External speaker discussing the practicalities of applying for apprenticeships and jobs.

• Breast Cancer Awareness – Using resources from the UK-leading charity coppafeel.org to make sure we all know our boobs and the
  facts about breast cancer.

• Digital Security & Scam – How can we recognise a cyber-attack and what are the best practices for keeping our digital
  information secure?

• Children in Need – preparations for the school charity day events and activities.

• Critical Thinking Skills – learning to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources of information in the media.

• Interview Skills – External speaker from University of Nottingham to deliver vital information about all types of professional
  interview.

• UCAS Ready? – A review of all the key points to remember when completing a UCAS application with the opportunity to work on
  all application types with tutors.

• Eating Disorders – Dispelling some of the myths around eating disorders and raising awareness of how to find support.

• Sex & Relationships – External speaker to run a complete review of all sexual health and relationship knowledge required by young
  adults.