What is personal development?

Personal development is both a subject and a school ethos. It is reflected in our school values where we believe every child can and must succeed. We want each child to leave the school feeling confident, unique and proud.

Our aim is to teach children how to navigate through life safely, happily and healthily. Children are growing up in a world that is constantly changing and it is the duty of all the staff at school in partnership with the parents teach the children transferable life skills. We teach children about the world around them, relationships, emotions, reproduction and health, as well as transferable skills to help with life. We consistently promote the British values and our school values.

OFSTED's link to the PD expectations for a school.

How do we teach Personal Development at Exeter Road?

We teach personal development in a wide range of ways throughout the children’s school lives. For example:

• • It is taught in discrete lessons (specifically PSHE)
  • 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)
  • Our personal development journey
  • Specialist staff working with individuals and groups
  • E-Safety lessons in computing and assembly
  • Celebrating positive learning attributes with weekly certificates
  • Our after-school clubs
  • Well thought through transitions throughout the school and beyond
  • Focusing on mental and physical health (E.g. in our assemblies, PSHE lessons and in specific days and activities like Children's Mental Health Week, Wear Yellow for Mental Health and Walk to School week)
  • Community links, taking part in activities within our town
  • Fundraising and supporting charities like comic relief, our local food bank and more
  • Working alongside our PTFA to support the school 
  • Team Captains
  • Buddy system
  • School Librarians
  • Celebrating different languages, cultures and religions
  • Outdoor education sessions
  • Residential visits