All about Personal Development at St Mary’s
At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we deliver a holistic curriculum for life. Our Personal Development Curriculum supports pupils to become responsible, confident, healthy and tolerant young people who are prepared for life in an ever-changing world. Personal development underpins all aspects of school life and helps pupils grow socially, morally, spiritually and culturally
Our aims
To help pupils become responsible, confident, healthy and tolerant
To prepare pupils for life beyond primary school
To develop pupils socially, morally, spiritually and culturally
To promote wellbeing, equality, diversity and British Values
To build character, resilience and independence
How personal development is taught
Our Personal Development Curriculum is ambitious, sequential and age-appropriate. It is built around three core themes: living in the wider world, health and wellbeing, and relationships. Personal development is taught through weekly PSHE lessons, Ten:Ten Relationships and Sex Education, assemblies, liturgies, themed days, visitors and the wider curriculum.
Character and resilience
St Mary’s places a strong emphasis on character development. Each class works on key characteristics linked to Gospel virtues, and pupils are recognised through the school’s personal development award scheme. The school has achieved the Route to Resilience Award, helping pupils to build confidence, resilience and positive attitudes to learning and life.
Mental health and wellbeing
The school places a high priority on mental health and emotional wellbeing. Two trained mental health leads support this work, and a dedicated mental health area is available in school with resources for pupils. Our curriculum and whole-school ethos help to promote positive mental health for children, families and staff.
What pupils experience at St Mary’s
Pupils explore faith, values and belief through RE, weekly themed liturgies, assemblies, other faiths work and visits to places of worship.
Pupils learn right from wrong, reflect on choices and understand consequences through PSHE, assemblies, CAFOD work, Fairtrade activities and pupil leadership opportunities such as School Council and Eco Warriors.
Pupils develop teamwork, communication and leadership through restorative practice, chaplaincy, anti-bullying roles, Year 6 responsibilities, sports awards, family activities and careers-related experiences.
Pupils learn to appreciate diversity and celebrate difference through Black History, Autism Week, Cultural Diversity Week, learning about world faiths, visits, visitors, music, drama, art and performances.
Developing the Whole Child
Click on the images below to learn more about how we support personal development at St Mary’s
