| PSHE & Relationships Education | A structured PSHE curriculum is taught, supported by themed assemblies and class discussions. Content is age-appropriate and revisited progressively, including relationships, health, safety and citizenship. | Pupils articulate feelings clearly, understand healthy relationships and demonstrate respectful behaviour. |
| Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing | Wellbeing is proactively supported through trusted adults, regular check-ins, targeted pastoral support and calm spaces. Leaders ensure early identification of need and proportionate intervention. | Pupils feel safe, listened to and supported. They demonstrate resilience and readiness to learn. |
| Physical Health & Active Lifestyles | A high-quality PE curriculum, swimming provision in KS2, and a range of sporting opportunities promote physical health, teamwork and perseverance. | Pupils participate enthusiastically in physical activity and understand the importance of healthy lifestyles. |
| Keeping Safe (including online safety) | Safeguarding education is explicitly taught through PSHE, assemblies and curriculum links. Pupils learn about online safety, personal boundaries and how to seek help. | Pupils know how to keep themselves safe and can confidently identify trusted adults. |
| Equality, Diversity & Inclusion | Teaching promotes respect for difference and understanding of protected characteristics, underpinned by Catholic values of dignity and respect for all. | Pupils demonstrate inclusive attitudes and show respect for others regardless of background or belief. |
| Pupil Leadership & Responsibility | Pupils take on meaningful roles such as Mini Vinnies members, librarians and play leaders, reflecting servant leadership. | Pupils develop confidence, responsibility and leadership skills. |
| Behaviour, Attitudes & Character | Clear expectations, strong relationships and consistent routines promote positive behaviour. Pupils are taught self-regulation and reflection. | Behaviour is calm and purposeful. Pupils show maturity, kindness and self-control. |
| Preparation for Life in Modern Britain | British Values are explicitly taught and lived through school practice, pupil voice and community engagement. | Pupils understand democracy, rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect. |
| Monitoring & Evaluation | Leaders use pupil voice, wellbeing records, parental feedback and staff observations to evaluate impact and adapt provision. Governors provide oversight. | Personal development provision is responsive, inclusive and continuously improving. |
Personal Development
Our Vision for Personal Development
At St Martin's, we are committed to supporting the personal development and well-being of all pupils so that they are fully prepared to participate confidently and responsibly in their local community and the wider world. We recognise that personal development is integral to pupils’ success, enabling them to understand themselves, develop positive relationships, and navigate the moral, social and cultural challenges of growing up in a diverse society.
Our curriculum provides a safe, inclusive environment where pupils are encouraged to express their views, respectfully challenge opinions, and develop confidence in their own values and beliefs. The personal development curriculum is ambitious, broad and balanced, and is carefully designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.
Our Personal Development
Responsibility
Pupils learn to take responsibility for their actions and understand the impact their choices have on others. They develop an awareness of their role within an ever-changing society and are encouraged to contribute positively to their communities.
Relationships
Pupils are taught to recognise what constitutes healthy, respectful relationships and feel confident to seek support or address concerns when needed. They develop the skills to form and sustain positive relationships with a wide range of people they encounter in school and beyond.
Celebrating Difference
Pupils learn to recognise, value and celebrate difference within their school, local community and the wider world.They are encouraged to be inclusive, respectful and empathetic, understanding that diversity enriches society and should never affect how others are treated.Children are nurtured to develop confidence, resilience and independence, alongside a secure understanding of British Values. Through this, they are well prepared for life in modern Britain and as responsible global citizens. Equality and diversity are actively promoted and celebrated across the school, and we are proud of a curriculum that equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to lead happy, safe and healthy lives, pursue their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Key Areas of Personal Development
Our personal development curriculum provides meaningful opportunities for pupils to engage with:
Careers education
British Values
School Values
Wellbeing and mental health
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development (SMSC)
PSHE and RSHE
Enrichment activities and clubs
St Martin’s Catholic Primary School
| Personal Development Area | What this looks like at St Martin’s | Impact on Pupils (Evidence) |
|---|---|---|
| Intent: Personal Development is planned and purposeful | Personal development is intentionally woven through the curriculum, assemblies, collective worship and wider school life, rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and British Values. Leaders prioritise wellbeing, character and preparation for life in modern Britain. | Pupils show confidence, empathy and respect for others. They understand values such as dignity, responsibility and service. |
Wider Curriculum Opportunities
Our curriculum at St Martin’s extends beyond the National Curriculum and includes a wide range of enriching experiences and opportunities both within and after the school day. This includes an extensive programme of after-school clubs that support the core curriculum offer whilst also extending the range of children’s experiences (Cultural Capital). A primary focus of our curriculum is to raise aspirations, encourage a sense of personal pride in achievement, and provide a purpose and relevance for learning.
The school takes pride in providing a highly inclusive environment, where learners are fully engaged, enjoy their learning opportunities and make good progress across the curriculum. Children at all levels are supported to achieve their full potential with those who are most able being challenged at greater depth and those who need more support, encouraged and given targeted help to learn in a style that best suits their individual needs.
Cultural Capital
Cultural Capital is the accumulation of knowledge, behaviours, and skills that a child gains over time through different experiences and opportunities. They draw upon these to demonstrate their cultural awareness, knowledge and competence. It is one of the key ingredients a child will draw upon to be successful in society, their career and the world of work.
Cultural Capital gives a child power. It helps them achieve goals and become successful citizens.
At St Martin’s we recognise that for a child to aspire and be successful academically and in the wider areas of their lives, they need to be given rich and sustained opportunities to develop
Educational Visits and Residential Trips
School trips and visits are an integral part the children’s learning at St Martin’s. We value the opportunities visits offer our pupils and the commitment of the educators undertaking them. Trips include class visits aimed at bringing learning alive and providing first-hand experience; extra-curricular outings such as activities with the school choir, sporting events; and attending or taking part in performances or competitions.
Children in Years 6 take part in residential visits. These are planned to provide new and exciting experiences. Year 6 activity sessions provide opportunities for the children to go beyond perceived limitations, to improve their self-confidence and resilience, and to develop trust and build positive relationships with peers.
Visitors into School and Workshops
Visitors are always welcome and can have a valuable role to play giving talks, workshops and full day activities across a wide range of subjects, allowing pupils to access outside experiences and expertise. Visitors provide a link with the wider community – children have the opportunity to work alongside artists, musicians, authors, health professions and others to get a glimpse of career opportunities that could be open to them in the future. Visitors include local artists and Athletes e.g. Channel Swimmer.
