Personal Development at Bower Grove

At our school, we believe that education is about more than academic achievement—it's about helping pupils grow into confident, thoughtful and well-rounded individuals.

Personal Development is at the heart of our school’s mission to nurture confident, compassionate and well-prepared young people.

We deliver Personal Development through our SMSC programme—Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development.

This programme brings together key areas that support pupils in understanding themselves, engaging with others, and preparing for their future. This includes guidance for life after school, opportunities for pupil voice, and a rich careers programme.

SMSC stands for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development. It is a vital part of a child’s education, helping them grow into thoughtful, responsible and well-rounded individuals. At our school, SMSC is embedded across the curriculum and wider school life, encouraging pupils to:

• Reflect on their own beliefs and values (Spiritual)
• Understand right from wrong and make ethical choices (Moral)
• Develop positive relationships and contribute to the community (Social)
• Appreciate diversity and engage with different cultures (Cultural)

To support SMSC development, we offer a range of opportunities and resources:

• Post-16 Support: Guidance on future pathways, choices, and essential information to help students transition confidently into adulthood.
• School Council: A platform for pupil voice, where elected members represent their peers, encourage suggestions, and promote democratic participation.
• Careers Education: A comprehensive programme including information, advice and guidance (IAG), in-house Aspire workshops, and talks from staff and guest speakers to inspire and inform pupils about their future options.

Through these initiatives, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life in modern Britain and beyond.