The Personal Development Scheme provides students with an opportunity for self-discovery and personal development. The scheme consists of extracurricular experiences that help develop the confidence and social skills that will serve our students well in later life and enrich their university applications.

The scheme also aims to help students discover potential careers and university degrees. The Personal Development Scheme (PDS) is mandatory both for Fifth and Sixth Form students.

For Fifth Form students the Personal Development Scheme includes activities such as:

• workshops on various topics (i.e. wellbeing and developing resilience, public speaking and academic skills)
• lectures on project management with experts
• graded group projects chosen by students

Sixth Form students have to complete two individual projects from 3 types of extracurricular activities:

• academic (i.e. academic summer schools, internships in scientific institutions, conferences)
• professional (i.e. internships in companies, summer work experiences)
• charity (i.e. voluntary work, organising charity events)