PD+

We understand that student life is about much more than just academic success. This is why we have developed and implemented the Personal Development Plus (PD+) programme which will give all students the opportunity to experience a wide and diverse selection of extra-curricular options.

Although we are firm of the opinion that school should not be solely about academic success, the impact that an active involvement in enrichment can have on academic attainment should not be underestimated. Many of the skills developed through enrichment activities are directly transferable to the academic arena. These include problem-solving, working as a team and performing under pressure in front of an audience. 

We believe that the PD+ programme is an integral part of the education that our students experience at Rayner Stephens High School and that it is taking part in these activities outside the classroom that allows them to become confident, flexible and resilient young adults, ready to take on future challenges.

All of the activities add value, enrich knowledge and tap into unknown potential - equipping them with the skills and values needed to meet the challenges of a changing society and to provide the best possible educational foundations for life.

How the PD+ Programme Works

We have collated a large and varied range of PD+ groups and clubs and full details of each one can be found inside the booklet below. 

The groups and clubs have then been split out under one of our three values:

All year groups, select as many groups as they would like to try under each value. Students are then given three groups, one from each of the values, that they will experience over the year. The groups will change round at the start of each term so all students will have experienced one PD+ group from each value by the end of the academic year.

Year 9

Year 9 are the exception to this, as we have the opportunity for every student in Year 9 to complete the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award instead, and the PD+ time is used to satisfy the requirements of the DofE Award. This is a unique opportunity for students at RSHS and full details about the DofE can be found inside the booklet.

Year 11

Year 11 take part in PD+ enrichment groups for the first term only. After Christmas the PD+ time turns to an academic focus to support with their preparations for the start of the GCSE exams.