Personal Development (PD) is at the heart of our school learning journey. It encourages, promotes and develops a range of skills and attributes that allow children to be life-long learners, in line with our trust vision of ‘Inspiring the individuals of today, for a better society tomorrow’.

We support children to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. As part of a whole-school approach, our PD curriculum develops the qualities and attributes children need to thrive as individuals, family members and active members of their communities in modern Britain. PD prepares pupils to manage many of the most critical opportunities, challenges and responsibilities they will face growing up in such rapidly changing and challenging times. It also helps them to connect and apply the knowledge and understanding they learn in all subjects to practical, real-life situations while helping them to feel safe and secure to fulfil their academic potential.

Our whole school approach promotes effective relationships between all members of the school community. Our PD curriculum assists children and young people in building their personal identities, confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to understand what influences their decisions. Developing self-understanding, empathy and the ability to work with others helps our pupils to enjoy healthy and productive relationships in all aspects of their lives.

Our personal development curriculum is delivered through teaching in PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education), SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development), RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) and RE (Religious Education). However, it is also implicit and woven into everything we do from citizenship to our school values.

At Rydon, we use the Life Lessons resource across the whole school. This curriculum supports children to develop the knowledge, skills and values they need to thrive in school and beyond. It brings together PSHE, RSHE, SMSC and RE, helping pupils understand themselves, build positive relationships and become confident, respectful and responsible members of society.

Lessons are taught in an age-appropriate, inclusive and supportive way, creating a safe space for discussion, reflection and questions. The curriculum is carefully sequenced so learning builds over time, supporting pupils’ personal development from Early Years through to Year 6.

Our Life Lessons curriculum plays a vital role in supporting pupils’ wellbeing, safeguarding and personal growth, ensuring they leave primary school with the confidence, empathy and skills needed for the next stage of their education and life beyond school.

Units are mapped out as followed across the school:

During the year we supplement the scheme with cross curricular activities making sure that children learn about how to keep safe: Safety around Fireworks, Road Safety, Safety in the home, Sun Safety, On-line Safety, Water safety etc. Living in Teignbridge, we want to ensure our children are supported within our local context: Ï Predominantly a white-British community Ï County lines Ï Mental health and suicide rates. Ï Nutrition Rydon will adapt our personal development curriculum for the needs of the children in our school.