All about Personal Development at St Francis
At St Francis, personal development is woven through our Catholic life, curriculum and daily experiences. We want every pupil to grow in knowledge, confidence and character, so they can make healthy and safe choices, build positive relationships and make a difference in the world.
Our Catholic faith is not only taught but lived. Through worship, learning and service, we encourage pupils to become compassionate young people who respect different cultures, beliefs and ways of life. Catholic virtues sit alongside British Values, including democracy and respect for others.
Our curriculum is planned across the year groups, helping pupils build their understanding and skills as they grow. It includes PSHE, RSHE and safeguarding learning, alongside RE and the many experiences that make up school life.
Our aims
To help pupils become responsible, confident, healthy and tolerant
To prepare pupils for life beyond primary school
To develop pupils socially, morally, spiritually and culturally
To promote wellbeing, equality, diversity and British Values
To build character, resilience and independence
How personal development is taught
Our Personal Development Curriculum is ambitious, sequential and age-appropriate. It is built around three core themes: living in the wider world, health and wellbeing, and relationships.
Pupils develop through planned lessons, RE, worship, assemblies and liturgies, as well as themed days, visitors, clubs, trips and leadership opportunities. Personal development is also part of the wider curriculum and the way we learn and care for one another each day.
How pupils benefit from Personal Development
Personal Development helps pupils grow in confidence, resilience and independence, understand how to look after their wellbeing, build respectful relationships and prepare for the next stage of their lives.
Pupils put these skills into practice through opportunities such as School Parliament, House Families, pupil leadership, the Eco Team, clubs, visits, sport and class fundraising. These experiences help pupils develop responsibility, teamwork, healthy habits and a sense of service to others.
Personal Development is an entitlement for every pupil. We aim to make sure all pupils can take part in lessons, clubs, visits and leadership opportunities. This includes pupils with SEND and pupils who are disadvantaged. We make reasonable adjustments and provide support where needed, and review participation to help identify and reduce barriers.
Character and resilience
We help pupils grow in confidence, resilience and responsibility through our Catholic virtues, pupil leadership and opportunities to work together. School Parliament, House Families, chaplaincy and the Eco Team give pupils ways to share their views, take responsibility and contribute to the life of the school.
Mental health and wellbeing
Pupils learn to understand and express their feelings, develop positive relationships and make healthy choices. Through lessons and the wider life of the school, we help them build the knowledge and confidence to seek support and look after their wellbeing.
How we review our provision
We listen to pupils through opportunities such as School Parliament, House Families and pupil leadership. We review pupils’ participation and experiences across lessons and wider opportunities, and use what we learn to consider whether further support or adaptations are needed so that every pupil can benefit.
What pupils experience at St Francis
Pupils grow in faith through RE, prayer, weekly Mass in the chapel, liturgies and the Church’s year. They also take part in experiences such as Adoration, reconciliation, First Holy Communion, the May Procession and Leavers’ Mass.
Pupils learn to reflect on their choices and consider how their actions affect others. Democracy, British Values, class fundraising, weekly mission and care for creation help them understand how they can contribute to their community and the wider world.
Pupils build teamwork, communication and leadership through School Parliament, House Families, chaplaincy, the Eco Team, clubs, sport and shared activities. These experiences help them form positive relationships and take responsibility.
Pupils encounter different cultures, beliefs and stories through RE, heritage learning, visits and visitors. Music, art, drama and performances, including the music showcase, nativities, Easter play and Summer Soirée, give them opportunities to express themselves and appreciate others’ contributions.
