Ashmole Academy is delighted to announce we are committed to attainting accreditation in the Excellence in Pupil Development Award in partnership with Award Place.

Why we want to be part of the award programme

The need for teachers and parents/carers to develop children’s personal skills to live in a rapidly changing world has been recognised in educational research. It forms the basis of UNESCO’s drive to teach global citizenship skills to children and young people starting with early years education. It argues that education today requires a specific focus on education which can develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, values and attitudes learners need for securing a world which is more just, peaceful, tolerant, inclusive, secure and sustainable. There is therefore a growing awareness in education that the development of pupils’ personal development skills has significant long-term impact on academic outcomes, long-term success and happiness. 

While academic success is an important aim of schools, preparing young people for life in an increasingly complex world, so that they can manage their lives, understand their responsibilities towards themselves and others and make a positive contribution to society are key aims which will sustain them in the long term. Actively developing pupils’ life skills so that they can be critical thinkers, creative, tolerant and empathetic people are necessary characteristics for citizens of our modern society. Employers recognise that developed personal skills are sometimes sorely lacking amongst young people, hindering their chances of employment and progress. This award is more than an approach to developing citizens of the 21st century, it is a way to ensure young people are equipped with the personal skills and knowledge which will help them manage risk and setbacks in their lives, as well as enhancing their wellbeing, giving our students the best possible chance of success for life.

Whilst we were graded as Outstanding for Personal Development in our latest Ofsted Inspection we are committed to continuous improvement to secure the best academic and non-academic outcomes for our students; working towards accreditation in the Excellence in Pupil Development Award provides us with the perfect platform to recognise our current success and implement further recommendations for enhancing our personal development provision.

If you would like to find out more information on the framework please visit:   https://www.awardplace.co.uk/award/epda

If you are able to contribute a personal development opportunity for our students please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Brown via the school office to discuss.