Intent
At Egerton Primary School, our Personal Development (PD) curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils become respectful, resilient, and reflective citizens, fully prepared for life in modern Britain. We aim to promote the personal growth and wellbeing of every child, equipping them with the character, knowledge, and values they need to thrive socially, emotionally, morally, and culturally—both now and in the future.
Our intent is to:
- Deliver a cohesive and progressive PD curriculum that supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development from EYFS to Year 6.
- Promote British Values and an understanding of protected characteristics, ensuring children celebrate diversity, equity, and fairness.
- Foster emotional wellbeing and resilience, supporting pupils in managing their emotions, relationships, and challenges.
- Promote pupils’ understanding of safeguarding, including online safety, to empower them to protect themselves and seek help when needed.
- Provide rich enrichment opportunities—including assemblies, workshops, themed days, trips, and leadership roles—that develop life skills and character.
- Provide broad cultural capital experiences through visits, visitors, arts, sports, and extracurricular activities to broaden pupils’ horizons and aspirations.
- Embed sustainability and environmental responsibility across school life, empowering pupils to understand global challenges and take meaningful local action.
- Celebrate a wide range of cultures, faiths, and identities, ensuring all pupils feel seen, heard, and valued.
- Foster a sense of responsibility and active citizenship by building links with the local community and promoting global awareness through partnerships and projects.
- Equip children with the life skills, financial literacy, and career awareness needed to make informed and aspirational choices.
- Develop confident, kind, and active citizens, capable of making positive contributions to their communities and understanding their rights and responsibilities.
By the time they leave Egerton, pupils will have developed a strong sense of identity, empathy for others, and the values needed to lead healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives.
Implementation
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 delivered explicitly through Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education (PSHCE), including a comprehensive programme of Relationships and Health Education (RHE), as well as through science, computing (particularly online safety), and PE lessons.
Other elements of PD are delivered through a rich and varied enrichment programme designed to develop character, cultural capital, and life skills. This includes:
- Educational trips (day visits and residentials)
- Visiting speakers and workshop facilitators
- Weekly assemblies linked to British Values, cultural celebrations, and current events
- Sports clubs and competitions
- Performing arts opportunities (music, drama, dance)
- Gardening and Forest School sessions promoting outdoor learning and sustainability
- Music performances and school events
- After school clubs and subject-specific learning clubs
- Mentoring programmes such as Year 6 and EYFS Reading Buddies
- Leadership opportunities including School Council, Climate Champions, and Wellbeing Leaders
- Celebrations of religious and cultural festivals, alongside whole-school special events
Vulnerable and Disadvantaged Pupils at Egerton Primary School
At Egerton Primary, we recognise that vulnerability and disadvantage are complex and not solely determined by financial circumstances or parental academic background. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils who are at risk of underachievement receive the full range of personal development opportunities outlined in this document, enabling them to thrive and be well-prepared for their next stage of education.
To guarantee equal access and opportunities for every child, vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils may be identified by class teachers, the SENDCo, members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and parents/carers, using the following criteria as guidance:
- Pupils whose attainment is below that of their peers and national expectations
- Pupils from financially secure families where barriers such as parental workload, mental health challenges, caring responsibilities, or other factors limit access to enriching experiences
- Pupils experiencing poor mental health, low self-esteem, or low confidence
- Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium funding
- Pupils who demonstrate potential to achieve at higher levels but need additional support
We take careful steps to remove barriers to participation by:
- Considering practical factors such as cost, timing, location, transport, confidence levels, and parental support needs
- Promoting a school culture and ethos that clearly communicates every pupil, regardless of background, is valued and belongs fully within our community
- Providing tailored support that meets the individual needs of our pupils while also offering appropriate challenges to stretch their learning and development
Identified pupils will be offered targeted support to ensure they benefit not only from core enrichment activities but also from additional extracurricular opportunities. These experiences are designed to inspire awe, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning, helping every child to broaden their horizons and realise their full potential.
