Personal Development

The Buchan School aims to assist all pupils to become well rounded individuals. 

The following are a few ways in which we encourage children to develop physically, socially, intellectually and morally:

Form 4 pupils work towards attaining The Buchan Badge, which was set up in 1996 as an introduction to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Buchan pupils are required to complete a number of tasks during the year which test their ability to work individually or as part of a team.

They include:

Physical activities, such as achieving a recognised standard in three sports and taking part in a cycling proficiency programme; (7 of our pupils who took their Cycling Proficiency course this year, gained 100% in both their theory and practical exams –well above the National Average.)

Personal achievements – by taking grades in public speaking, drama or music, as well as completing a First Aid course with the British Heart Foundation;

Service to the community, by being involved with the Form 4 Charity fair to raise funds for a worthwhile cause;

Heritage and Project Work, by visiting & studying a number of historical sites on the IOM and to undertake a local project and present this to Parents & invited guests;

And lastly, the very popular Outdoor Pursuits section at the Venture Centre, where pupils take part in a number of outdoor activities. You can download information about the Annual Venture Centre Outdoor Trip here.

To view the photographs from the Venture Centre, please click here.

First Aid Training
All the Prep Children follow the BHF Heart Start Course and Form 4 pupils undertake a 2 hour practical session on Emergency First Aid with outside examiners.

Fund Raising
Every term we undertake to support a number of Charities, both local and National. Currently, we support 12 Charities in total.  These include:

  • Macmillan Cancer – coffee morning;
  • Pink Day for Break through Breast Cancer;
  • Samaritan’s Purse – Shoebox Appeal;
  • UNICEF;
  • Action Aid;
  • Water Aid and the Rotary Shelter box scheme.
  • We also encourage Form 4 pupils to sponsor a child from Chernobyl through “Friends of Chernobyl Children, IOM” with their Children's Charity Fair.

In addition to this, we are a registered recycling centre for Help the Aged and send out clothes and second hand uniforms to Nigeria, to the Queens and Kings School, which is part of the Mustard Seed Trust.

PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education)
This subject teaches children how to explore their own and other’s feelings and behaviour and to take increasing responsibility for themselves.

It lends itself to input from other professionals and we get visits from a number of professional bodies throughout the year – such as the Police, Fire Service, Road Safety Unit, Coast Guard and we also have the Life Education Bus on site for a week for all pupils and Parents to visit.