Personal Development

What is personal development at our school?

Personal Development (PD) focusses on “preparing pupils for their adult lives, teaching them to understand how to engage with society and providing them with plentiful opportunities to do so.” (Ofsted Inspection Handbook July 2022 paragraph 292)

Personal Development at Christ Church CE Primary School is focussed on developing the whole child in order that they reach their full potential academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. We aim for all pupils to grow into well- educated, respectful, responsible adults who are:

• Comfortable with who they are and have a deep sense of belonging
• Respectful of others and see difference as positive and not a threat
• Able to make a positive contribution to school life, the wider community and society in general
• Happy, safe, confident and resilient
• Financially secure
• Model citizens prepared for life in modern Britain

Personal Development underpins all areas of the curriculum and is therefore taught daily through a variety of lessons and Circle Time sessions. Some aspects are taught in personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE), a comprehensive programme of Relationship and Health Education (RHE), science, computing (online safety) and PE.

Other aspects are delivered through a comprehensive enrichment programme including:

• Trips (day and residential),
• Visiting speakers
• Assemblies/Collective Worship
• Sports clubs
• Performing arts
• Natural Thinkers and use of the Nature Area
• Music performances and events
• After school clubs
• Mentoring programmes (Playground Buddies)
• Leadership programmes e.g. School Council
• Immersive Learning Days
• Special Events: religious and cultural

A child's minimum entitlement

Personal Development Beyond the Classroom

COMING SOON

Vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils

Although strong indicators, we are fully aware that advantage, disadvantage and vulnerability to underachievement are not entirely linked to finances or parental academic ability. We believe that pupils who are vulnerable to underachievement must have the opportunities outlined in this document to ensure their personal development and prepares them for the next stage in their education.

To ensure all pupils have equal access and opportunities, disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils may be identified by the class teacher, SENDco, members of SLT and parents based on the following criteria:

• Pupil is falling behind their peers and performing below the national average
• Pupil is from a financially secure background but family members do not have the capacity to provide deemed experiences due to e.g. workload, mental health issues, caring for an elderly relative or other viable reasons.
• Pupil has poor mental health, low self-esteem or low confidence
• Pupil Premium Student
• Pupil is capable of achieving more

Careful consideration will be given to ensuring barriers to participation are removed by:

• Considering e.g. cost, timing, location, logistics, confidence, parental support
• Communicating message through ethos and practice that all pupils from all backgrounds belong and are valued
• Providing a provision that is appropriately tailored both to suit and to challenge the pupils we serve

Identified pupils will be targeted to ensure that in addition to the expected enrichment, they will have access to extra-curricular activities that will open them up to a world of awe and wonder and make them lifelong learners.