Personal Growth & Wellbeing
A Pearson BTEC in personal development and wellbeing, at Level 1 and Level 2 and worth up to two GCSEs. There is no exam — learners are assessed on the workbooks they complete in class.
What it is
BTEC Personal Growth and Wellbeing is a Pearson qualification at Level 1 and Level 2. Sweet writes and delivers the resources; Pearson awards the qualification.
It comes in two formats — a set of eight printed workbooks, or e-Sweet, the same eight units online — in two languages, Welsh and English, at both levels.
The resources can be used by all Level 1 and Level 2 learners, whatever their background, circumstances or type of provision — mainstream secondary schools, special schools, colleges, pupil referral units and other alternative provision — and learning outcomes can be evidenced in alternative formats.
What will learners study?
Fitter, Healthier, Happier
Physical health, nutrition, body shaming and body positivity, the importance of sleep, alcohol, drugs and dealing with medical emergencies.
I've Got A Feeling
Mental health, wellbeing and the impact of social media (including discussions around photo editing and apps such as Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok).
Skills For Social Success
Peer pressure, bullying, online relationships, protected characteristics, discrimination and hate crime (including discussions around gender, sexuality, age, race and ethnicity).
Let's Talk About...
Sexual health, consent, exploitation, victim blaming, contraception, STIs, pregnancy, LGBT+ issues and violence against women (including an in-depth look into the Sarah Everard case and the 2021 Ofsted review of sexual harassment in schools).
This Is Me!
How our personal identity is shaped and influenced, what makes us unique, how to increase self-esteem, attitudes, beliefs, values and learning how to empathise with others.
Our World, Our Future
Climate change, biodiversity, pollution, carbon footprints, environmental organisations and campaigns, recycling and going plastic free.
Making Money Work for Me!
Financial education, saving money, paying bills, managing a budget, reading payslips, understanding deductions and the dangers of gambling.
Future Roles and Setting Goals
Progression plans, careers, short and long-term goals, SWOT analysis, job applications, CVs, personal statements and interviews.
Where does PGW fit in your curriculum?
The resources are mapped against both the Welsh and English curricula, and are delivered through allocated PS(H)E time, through core subjects including Maths and Science, or in option blocks.
The qualification can be delivered at different levels and sizes. Centres choose the size and level that fits the time they have and the ability of their learners.
Qualification sizes, codes and curriculum links differ by country — choose yours.
Using Personal Growth & Wellbeing in Wales
In Wales, the resources meet all strands of the Health and Wellbeing AoLE, as well as the PSE and RSE specifications. They also support transition to the upcoming 2027 Skills Suite.
| Resource | Qualification | Units to complete | GCSE equivalency | Qualification code | Performance Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | L2: Extended Certificate | 8 units (192 GLH) | 2 GCSEs A*–C | C00/4130/2 | 92 |
| L2: Certificate | 5 units (120 GLH) | 1 GCSE A*–C | C00/4130/1 | 46 | |
| L2: Award | 3 units (72 GLH) | 0.5 GCSE A*–C | C00/4705/7 | 23 | |
| L2: Subsidiary Award | 1 unit (24 GLH) | 0.25 GCSE A*–C | C00/4129/9 | 11.5 | |
| Level 1 | L1: Extended Certificate | 7 units (210 GLH) | 2 GCSEs D–G | C00/4177/8 | 50 |
| L1: Certificate | 4 units (120 GLH) | 1 GCSE D–G | C00/4177/7 | 25 | |
| L1: Award | 2 units (60 GLH) | 0.5 GCSE D–G | C00/4177/6 | 12.5 | |
| L1: Subsidiary Award | 1 unit (30 GLH) | 0.25 GCSE D–G | C00/4177/5 | 6.25 |
Using Personal Growth & Wellbeing in England
An inclusive curriculum should create meaningful opportunities for different learners to develop, achieve and prepare for what comes next.
Personal Growth & Wellbeing can give schools an additional accredited pathway through which learners can develop knowledge and skills across areas of personal development and wellbeing.
Schools may consider PGW as part of their wider approach to SEND and inclusive curriculum planning, PSHE and personal development, preparation for adulthood, confidence and independence, wider skills development and curriculum enrichment.
PGW does not replace a school’s statutory responsibilities or SEND provision. It can form part of a broader curriculum offer designed around the needs, strengths and next steps of different learners.
In England, the resources cover the entire PSHE and RSE specifications.
| Resource | Qualification | Units to complete | GCSE equivalency | Qualification code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | L2: Extended Certificate | 8 units (192 GLH) | 2 GCSEs 9–4 | 603/6005/7 |
| L2: Certificate | 5 units (120 GLH) | 1 GCSE 9–4 | 603/6004/5 | |
| L2: Award | 2 units (48 GLH) | 0.5 GCSE 9–4 | 603/6003/3 | |
| L2: Subsidiary Award | 1 unit (24 GLH) | 0.25 GCSE 9–4 | 603/6002/1 | |
| Level 1 | L1: Extended Certificate | 7 units (210 GLH) | 2 GCSEs 3–1 | 603/6127/X |
| L1: Certificate | 4 units (120 GLH) | 1 GCSE 3–1 | 603/6126/8 | |
| L1: Award | 2 units (60 GLH) | 0.5 GCSE 3–1 | 603/6125/6 | |
| L1: Subsidiary Award | 1 unit (30 GLH) | 0.25 GCSE 3–1 | 603/6124/4 |
Four steps to running PGW
It’s easy to come on board. Here is what happens, from first conversation to registered learners.
Pricing
Prices may be subject to VAT and postage costs.
Resource
Workbooks will be subject to postage costs which are calculated at checkout.
Qualification
Sweet offers a fully managed service, which includes all administration, registration, verification, accreditation and certification responsibilities, Internal Quality Assurance meetings, ongoing online, email and telephone support, and two centre visits.
Training
Training covers your centre, not a single course — a centre running both PGW and WorkSkills does not pay for it twice.
Questions about PGW
The things centres ask us most often. If yours is not here, get in touch and we will answer it.
Is there an exam?
No. Students work through the resources in class and the qualification is assessed on their completed work — there is no exam.
Who is it for?
Learners working at Level 1 or Level 2, in mainstream secondary schools, special schools, colleges, pupil referral units and other alternative provision. Schools may consider it as part of a wider approach to SEND and inclusive curriculum planning in England, or additional learning needs in Wales, alongside PSHE, personal development and preparation for adulthood. It does not replace a school’s statutory responsibilities or SEND provision.
What levels is it available at?
Level 1 and Level 2, in four sizes each: Subsidiary Award, Award, Certificate and Extended Certificate. The size you choose depends on the time you have and the ability of your learners.
How much curriculum time does it take?
From 24 guided learning hours for a Level 2 Subsidiary Award up to 210 for a Level 1 Extended Certificate. The full breakdown is in the qualification size table for your country, above.
Is it available in Welsh?
Yes. The PGW resources are available in both Welsh and English, at both levels, as printed workbooks or as the online e-Sweet course.
Do we have to do training?
Training is compulsory for new centres, so you understand how to deliver and assess the PGW. It is a 2–3 hour session over Microsoft Teams.
Where does it fit in the timetable?
Centres deliver it through allocated PS(H)E time, through core subjects including Maths and Science, or in option blocks.
Got more questions?