Overview
“Work to promote pupils’ wider development and prepare them for the next phase of their lives is especially strong.” Ofsted, March 2025
At Harris Academy Falconwood, we believe that education is about far more than examination results alone. Our vision, “Knowledge is Power. We make it stick,” underpins everything we do and shapes not only our ambitious academic curriculum, but also our commitment to developing confident, compassionate and courageous young people who are ready to thrive in the world beyond school.
We want our students to leave Harris Academy Falconwood as happy, successful and articulate young adults who are equipped with the knowledge, character and resilience to flourish in an ever-changing world. We believe that powerful knowledge should not only help students achieve exceptional academic outcomes and ambitious destinations, but also broaden their horizons, awaken curiosity and inspire them to actively engage with society around them.
Our Personal Development and Wellbeing curriculum is designed to ensure every student develops the confidence to lead healthy, fulfilling lives, the resilience to overcome challenge, and the courage to recognise and challenge injustice wherever they encounter it. We are deeply committed to nurturing students who are kind, tolerant and respectful of others, while also encouraging them to think critically, communicate effectively and contribute positively to their communities.
Our approach to personal development is woven throughout every aspect of academy life. It is not confined to a single lesson or programme, but embedded across the curriculum, assemblies, enrichment opportunities, leadership experiences, educational visits, careers education and pastoral support. Through this carefully sequenced approach, students develop the knowledge, habits and experiences that enable them to become active citizens and successful future leaders.
Our Personal Development Strands
At the heart of our Powerful Character curriculum are our six Personal Development strands, inspired by Sean Covey’s ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.’ These strands form the foundation of our wider vision for personal growth, wellbeing and character development.
These strands shape our work across all year groups and ensure students receive a rich and coherent personal development experience that supports them academically, socially, emotionally and morally.
Students engage with a carefully planned programme of Citizenship, RE and PSHCE/RSHE across all key stages, covering areas such as healthy relationships, emotional wellbeing, online safety, equality, diversity, British values, contextual safeguarding and healthy living. Our curriculum reflects the needs of our community and helps students understand both their rights and responsibilities within modern Britain.
We want students to become thoughtful, reflective and courageous individuals who are prepared to stand up for what is right. Through meaningful discussion, debate and exposure to a wide range of perspectives and experiences, students learn to challenge prejudice, celebrate diversity and value the importance of belonging for all.
Reading and oracy are central to this work. Through our Morning Read programme, students encounter ambitious and thought-provoking fiction and non-fiction texts that broaden their understanding of the world, develop empathy and strengthen emotional intelligence. Texts such as Black and British, Brave New World and Noughts and Crosses expose students to experiences and ideas that go beyond their everyday lives, developing cultural capital and encouraging curiosity about the world around them.
We also believe that some of the most transformative learning takes place outside the classroom. Through Imagination Week, enrichment electives, educational visits, guest speakers and extracurricular opportunities, students are encouraged to discover new passions, develop talents and experience joy in learning. Whether participating in Duke of Edinburgh, Choir, American Football, Bake Off, Beats and Bars or visiting museums and universities, students are exposed to experiences that inspire ambition, creativity and curiosity.
Careers education is a vital part of our Powerful Character vision. We are committed to ensuring every student, regardless of background, is empowered to aspire highly and access ambitious destinations. Through meaningful employer encounters, external speakers, bespoke guidance and experiences linked to the Gatsby Benchmarks, students develop the confidence, professionalism and adaptability needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
Ofsted recognised the impact of this work, noting: “The range of activities and experiences is impressive and includes trips to museums, visiting speakers and work on citizenship and healthy relationships. This has a positive impact on pupils’ outcomes and next steps.”
Alongside this, our CARE values — Calm, Accountable, Respectful and Excel — underpin daily life at Harris Academy Falconwood. Through strong pastoral support, recognition of achievement and a culture built on kindness, belonging and aspiration, students are encouraged to become the very best versions of themselves.
Ultimately, Powerful Character is about ensuring every child at Harris Academy Falconwood develops the knowledge, confidence and character to lead a happy and successful life, contribute positively to society and make a meaningful difference in the world around them.