At Whitehall Primary School, we are proud to support all our children to be curious, independent and have high aspirations. Through our Personal Development Curriculum, we aim to provide children with a range of opportunities to learn new skills, make informed choices, increase their confidence and self-esteem. Personal Development is at the heart of our school’s learning journey as it is woven into everything we do; in lessons, during assemblies, special events, trips out of school and through extra-curricular activities which can help to improve their character development.

As part of a whole-school approach, we are committed to teaching our children the knowledge, understanding and skills they will need to manage their lives, now and in the future. Promoting Personal Development develops the qualities and attributes that children will need to thrive as individuals and members of society. We aim to prepare our children to be able to manage conflict, be resilient, face challenges and uphold responsibilities that they will face when growing up in such a rapidly changing world.

Our school supports children to develop critical skills, empathy and the ability to work with others which will enable them to enjoy safe, healthy and positive relationships in all aspects of their lives, both offline and online. Personal Development helps children to connect and apply the knowledge and understanding they learn in all subjects to practical, real-life situations while helping them thrive in modern Britain, as well as support their transition to secondary school.

In line with Ofsted’s recommendations, there are 6 areas of Personal Development that we aim to promote:

· developing responsible, respectful and active citizens;

· promoting equality of opportunity;

· promoting an inclusive environment;

· developing pupils’ character, giving them qualities they need to flourish in society;

· developing pupils’ confidence and resilience so that they can keep themselves mentally healthy;

· preparing pupils for the next phase of education.

Personal Development begins as soon as the school day starts and at Whitehall Primary School, it is promoted in various different ways:

· by following the Code of Conduct and Behaviour Policy;

· learning about a wide range of topics and current affairs across all subjects,

· weekly and special assemblies;

· lunchtime and afterschool clubs;

· competitions;

· trips and workshops;

· rewards and certificates;

· religious celebrations;

· charity events;

· setting goals and targets;

· school jobs, roles and responsibilities (e.g. school council reps, eco-warriors, well-being champions, playground leaders, house point captains and reading champions);

· practising mindfulness and caring about our mental and physical well-being;

· understanding online safety;

· recognising safe and unsafe situations (online and in person).

Please click on the tabs below to learn more about how Personal Development is woven into different curriculum areas in our school.

Personal Development Policy

[pdf 630KB]