Personal Development:
Building Character for the Future
At Princes Risborough School, we strive to prepare every student for their future as responsible citizens who make a Positive contribution to society, appreciate diversity, and uphold Fundamental British Values.
Personal Development at PRS is more than a series of lessons; it is the "Golden Thread" that runs through our entire 11-18 journey. Through our curriculum and extensive co-curricular programme, we ensure students develop the talents, interests, and cultural capital needed to Aspire and Achieve.
The PRS Character: Positive, Responsible, and Successful
Our bespoke character programme focuses on developing the virtues that guide our students long after they leave the school gates:
- Positive: Developing resilience, optimism, and the "can-do" attitude seen in our relentlessly positive staff and student role models.
- Responsible: Taking ownership of actions, showing respect for diversity, and engaging as active citizens in our local and global communities.
- Successful: Building the skills of leadership, organisation, and communication required to secure ambitious destinations and professional excellence.
The Four Pillars of Personal Development
| The Four Pillars of Personal Development | |||
| 1. Social, Moral, Spiritual, and Cultural (SMSC) Education | 2. Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) & RSE | 3. Fundamental British Values | 4. Careers and Future Ambitions (Gatsby Benchmarks) |
| We provide a rich and diverse experience that expands students' understanding of the world. From house assemblies to international trips, we inspire students to embrace ideas, art, and culture beyond the classroom. | Our PSHE curriculum enables pupils to gain the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe. We place a high priority on mental and physical wellbeing, teaching students how to foster a culture of respect and how to make wise decisions regarding their future. | Democracy, individual liberty, the rule of law, and mutual respect are not just concepts at PRS; they guide our daily interactions. We prepare our students for life in modern Britain by ensuring they are alert to current affairs and diligent in their appetite for challenge. | Our careers provision is meticulously resourced to ensure students have a clear idea of their future goals. Whether aiming for Russell Group universities, Oxbridge, or elite apprenticeships, our students receive high-quality, unbiased guidance and frequent encounters with the world of work. |
Extracurricular Excellence & Leadership
We believe that participation is key to personal growth. Every student at PRS is encouraged to engage in at least one extra-curricular activity, drawing on our noted strengths in:
- Sporting Leadership: Utilising our elite facilities, including the state-of-the-art 3G Pitch and MUGA (Summer 2026).
- Performing Arts: Building confidence through creative expression and public performance.
- Outdoor Education: Developing grit and teamwork through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
