At Upton Hall School FCJ, our mission is to nurture young women of courage, compassion and purpose. Our Flourish curriculum is central to this mission – a carefully sequenced and ambitious personal development programme delivered weekly to all students in Years 7–13. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and aligned with the FCJ values of excellence, dignity, justice, hope, gentleness and companionship, it empowers pupils to grow intellectually, emotionally, socially, morally and spiritually.

Our Vision

We believe education is more than academic success. It is about preparing students for life: equipping them with the knowledge, character and values they need to become active citizens, confident young women and leaders of tomorrow. Flourish provides a space to reflect, question and grow through dialogue, prayer, challenge and support.

Curriculum Intent

The Flourish programme is designed to:

• Build a coherent seven-year journey of personal, social, health and citizenship education.

• Promote the dignity and wellbeing of every student through a Catholic moral framework.

• Develop students’ character, confidence and ability to make informed choices.

• Equip students to engage positively with the modern world, including media, finance, politics and relationships.

• Strengthen community participation and understanding of active citizenship.

• Provide high-quality, age-appropriate RSE, in line with statutory and diocesan expectations.

Curriculum Implementation

Flourish is taught weekly to all students in Years 7 to 13. Each lesson follows a consistent format to ensure structure, reflection and engagement:

1. Starter: Reflective prompt or activity, usually completed in exercise books.

2. Prayer: A quiet moment of connection, rooted in Catholic Social Teaching.

3. Activities: Interactive tasks, discussions, case studies and written work.

4. Plenary: Personal reflection and practical application of learning.

5. Affirmation: A final message that reinforces identity, purpose and hope.

All lessons are age-appropriate, inclusive and sensitive to the needs of our students. Catholic teaching is integrated thoughtfully and respectfully, allowing for open dialogue and personal reflection. Flourish draws on high-quality resources, including Ten:Ten’s Life to the Full and Cinema in Education programmes, as well as bespoke in-house resources tailored to our school’s context.

What Will Pupils Learn in Flourish?

The Flourish programme is delivered weekly in all year groups (7–13) and follows a structured, developmental model. Lessons are classroom-based, written in exercise books and follow a consistent format that combines reflective practice, prayer, interactive discussion and affirmations of personal growth.

Each year is built around key thematic units with increasing complexity and age-appropriate depth.

Each year group follows a structured journey, exploring themes of Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and RSE, Living in the Wider World, and Citizenship.

Year 7: Foundations for Flourishing

• Autumn 1 – Growing Together: Building resilience, relationships and safety

• Autumn 2 – Ten:Ten RSE

• Spring 1 – Respect and Empathy: Building positive relationships in a diverse world

• Spring 2 – Active Citizens: Exploring democracy, careers and future opportunities

• Summer 1 – Exploring Citizenship: Rights, communities and making a difference

• Summer 2 – Smart Choices: Navigating media, money and risks

Year 8: Making Healthy, Responsible Choices

• Autumn 1 – Healthy Choices: Understanding substances, habits and peer influence

• Autumn 2 – Ten:Ten RSE

• Spring 1 – Dove Self-Esteem Project

• Spring 2 – Empowered Futures: Equality, careers and social responsibility

• Summer 1 – Citizenship in Action: Understanding power, media and global challenges

• Summer 2 – Staying Safe Online: Communication, security and responsibility

Year 9: Preparing for Responsibility and Change

• Autumn 1 – Making Informed Choices: Managing risks and influences

• Autumn 2 – Ten:Ten RSE

• Spring 1 – Building Stability: Relationships, conflict and support

• Spring 2 – Shaping Futures: Rights, responsibilities and aspirations

• Summer 1 – Shaping Society: Governance, equality and active citizenship

• Summer 2 – Future Ready: Skills, rights and online awareness

Year 10: Confidence, Values and the World of Work

• Autumn 1 – Navigating Adolescence: Mental health and wellbeing

• Autumn 2 – Ten:Ten RSE

• Spring 1 – Promoting Inclusion: Respect, equality and safe choices

• Spring 2 – Responsible Futures: Accountability, work and growth

• Summer 1 – Understanding Change: Community, justice and power in the UK

• Summer 2 – Financial Literacy: Managing money and minimising risk

Year 11: Transition, Leadership and Life Beyond School

• Autumn 1 – Thriving Through Transitions: Success and wellbeing

• Autumn 2 – Ten:Ten RSE

• Spring 1 – Healthy Boundaries: Communication, safety and support

• Spring 2 – Health Matters: Informed choices for wellbeing

• Summer 1 – Power and Politics: Exploring democracy in the UK

Year 12: Identity, Purpose and Independence

• Autumn 1 – Becoming: Identity, faith and independence

• Autumn 2 – Ten:Ten RSE

• Spring 1 – Living Responsibly: Money, media and influence

• Spring 2 – Careers and Calling: Planning for purposeful futures

• Summer 1 – Citizenship and Conscience

• Summer 2 – Life Skills and Independence

Year 13: Wisdom, Faith and Ethical Leadership

• Autumn 1 – Wisdom and Witness: Living faithfully as young adults

• Autumn 2 – Ten:Ten RSE

• Spring 1 – Digital and Ethical Citizenship

• Spring 2 – Transition and Purpose

• Summer 1 – Global Citizenship and Ethical Leadership

Measuring Impact

We assess the impact of Flourish through a multi-layered approach:

• Pupil Voice: Regular surveys and feedback capture how safe, supported and prepared students feel. This includes deep dives into how pupils experience and apply the content.

• Written Reflection: Pupils’ exercise books provide insight into engagement, understanding and personal growth.

• Formative Assessment: Each unit ends with a structured assessment using a two-part model:

  • Section A: Core Knowledge (Secure) – multiple choice recall

  • Section B: Challenge Questions (Excellent) – application and reasoning

• Behaviour and Wellbeing Data: Analysis of attendance, safeguarding referrals and pastoral interventions helps triangulate curriculum effectiveness.

• Staff Feedback: Tutors contribute to ongoing refinement, highlighting where students require further development or support.

Why Does Flourish Matter?

In a world that can feel complex, pressurised and fast-moving, Flourish gives our pupils time and space to reflect, grow and develop as whole people. It is a deeply rooted expression of our Catholic mission, helping each young woman to discover her voice, stand firm in her values and grow in wisdom and grace.

Flourish isn’t just a curriculum subject. It’s formation.
It’s our commitment to every pupil that she will leave Upton Hall with excellent qualifications, as well as with the confidence, compassion and clarity to make a difference in the world.

For further information, please contact Mr P Jones (Assistant Headteacher)