Personal Development

Here at St George’s we see Personal Development as the central part of our children’s learning journey – it underpins everything we do. If children understand their feelings; have an excellent sense of self-worth; have the ability to make decisions; have a deep-rooted sense of respect for all; and act with kindness and integrity then they develop in confidence and character as they grow.

We love to see children flourish both socially and emotionally and know that what we teach during their primary years can shape the person that they become in the future.

A child is like a butterfly in the wind,

Some can fly higher than others,

But each one can fly the best it can.

Why compare one against the other?

Each one is different.

Each one is special.

Each one is beautiful.

What is Personal Development?

'Encouraging each child to become personally, emotionally, socially and physically effective, to lead healthy, safe and fulfilled lives; To become confident, independent and responsible citizens, making informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives’

Taking this definition, it means more than the continuum of life skills. It is a process that involves the entire world of the young person, of which school can play a significant part. Personal development involves knowledge, attitudes, skills, relationships and behaviour that can be utilised in and outside the classroom. This involves thinking processes, managing emotions, values and relationships along with a range of life skills that assist young people is coping with the challenges of every day living. This is inclusive of their present needs and helping them in their development toward adulthood.

Our Statement of Intent

“The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences.” Loris Malaguzzi

Our intent is to nurture happy, healthy young people who have the knowledge, academic achievement and strength of character to lead safe and successful lives in modern Britain, preparing them for their next steps in education or employment with a thirst for lifelong learning.

We ensure that every member of our school community knows that we are committed to supporting their physical health, safety, and emotional wellbeing throughout their journey with us. At St George’s we promote personal wellbeing and development through a comprehensive programme of Character Education and PSHE/RSHE. PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education is the curriculum subject that gives young people the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live safe, healthy, productive lives and meet their full potential. Character Education is a wider umbrella term which helps students build Character, the knowledge here is underpinned by our core Christian and school values and virtues include thankfulness, hope, forgiveness, peace, friendship and trust. Through weekly dedicated PSHE lessons, and curriculum enhancement days our children take part in a well-planned and sequenced programme to ensure they are committing age appropriate knowledge to memory. Children at St George’s are encouraged to develop their individual character, learn how to stay safe and healthy and develop knowledge to ensure they are well equipped for the future.

At St George’s Church of England Academy, we promote Personal Development as a whole-school approach to underpin children’s holistic development and self-growth. There are many avenues throughout the school which drive our personal development forward:

Relationship education, Health education, Sex education
British Values
SMSC(Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural)
Our Christian Ethos and Values
Religious Education & Physical Education
Interactions with our pastoral team.
Character Education
Health Education
Celebratory Days and Events
Extended Learning Curriculum
Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being for all the school community
Cultural Capital

Implementation of Personal Development

Personal development is at the heart of our whole school ethos. We ensure each area of the personal development curriculum delivers all aspects of the statutory guidance and reflects our specific needs of our children and the wider school community. We have dedicated leaders for each of the key areas of the personal development curriculum; SMSC and British Values, PSHE and RSE, Emotional Health and Wellbeing, and Living in the Wider World. The curriculum leads ensure that planning is engaging and well sequenced as part of the holistic personal development curriculum and provide training for non-specialist members of staff to ensure that all our children get the very best we have to offer.

The curriculum is delivered through every aspect of school life; every interaction with another child or an adult in school is a learning experience. It includes activities and experiences that improve awareness and identity, develop talents and potential, build character and cultural capital, enhance children’s quality of life and encourage aspiration.

Curriculum breadth shaped by our curriculum drivers – Creativity, Equity, Possibilities and Sustainability, derived from an exploration of the backgrounds of our children, our Christian values (including the British Values) and our commitment to delivering high quality education.

All aspects of the curriculum are mapped out in the overview of our whole school approach to personal development. Some are taught, some delivered through PSHE Curriculum and Character Education other experiences may happen less frequently e.g. visits and visitors.

It includes activities and experiences that improve awareness and identity, develop talents and potential, build character and cultural capital, enhance children’s quality of life and encourage aspiration.

How do we teach Personal Development at St George's?

St George's teaches personal development in a wide range of ways throughout the children’s school lives.

For example:

It is taught in discrete lessons.
It is taught with cross-curricular links in other lessons, such as English, physical education and religious education
Staff members consistently model how to be a good citizen who uphold the school values.
Assemblies (whole school and special visitors.
Learning basic first aid.
Specialist staff working with individuals and groups
E-Safety lessons in computing and assembly
Celebrating positive learning attributes.
A wide range of after school clubs
Well thought through transitions throughout the school and beyond
Focusing on mental and physical health
Eco-warriors’ group
Opportunities for children to develop leadership skills through the Faith Team and Well-Being Council and Pupil Council.
Celebrating different languages, cultures and religions
Outdoor activity trips

An Overview of Personal Development at St George's

Coming Soon