Personal Development 

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." - Maya Angelou

Intent 

Development is central to nurturing confident, responsible and spiritually grounded young people. In line with the Ofsted framework, our aim is to equip every child with the character, knowledge and skills needed to lead healthy, safe and purposeful lives. Our curriculum responds to the needs of our pupils and wider community, ensuring all children feel valued, supported and able to flourish within our Catholic ethos.

Pupils are encouraged to develop strong character — showing resilience, empathy, ambition and respect. Through carefully planned learning and rich experiences, they learn to celebrate diversity, stay safe, build positive relationships and make informed choices. This supports their wellbeing and prepares them for life in modern Britain.

Our provision is inclusive, well-sequenced and enriched with opportunities for leadership, cultural experiences and community involvement, aligning with Ofsted’s emphasis on SMSC, cultural capital and citizenship. A strong focus on language, oracy and moral reasoning enables pupils to discuss complex issues confidently and thoughtfully.

Through this approach, pupils leave St Francis de Sales as principled, socially aware and confident young people — ready for the opportunities, responsibilities and challenges of later life, and committed to making a positive difference to their world.

Implementation 

At St. Francis de Sales Catholic Junior school, we deliver a rich, coherent and ambitious programme that is carefully planned to meet the needs of our pupils, our community and the expectations of the Ofsted Personal Development framework.

Personal Development is embedded across the whole curriculum as well as through dedicated lessons, enrichment opportunities and the wider life of the school. Learning is deliberately sequenced from Year 3 to Year 6, ensuring progression in knowledge, character formation, skills for life, and spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding. Key elements—such as healthy relationships, resilience, safety, diversity, wellbeing and citizenship—are revisited regularly to strengthen long-term understanding.

Our Catholic beliefs and values shape all aspects of Personal Development. Gospel virtues, collective worship, liturgical celebrations and charitable outreach ensure pupils understand their role as children of God who are called to serve others. Pupils learn to treat everyone with dignity and respect, recognising the inherent value of each person.

We provide a wide spectrum of enrichment activities designed to develop pupils’ confidence, character and cultural capital. These include leadership roles (e.g., school councillors, eco leaders, sports ambassadors), after-school clubs, educational visits, community engagement, careers-related learning, and opportunities to experience the arts, music and cultural events. These experiences broaden horizons and support pupils in discovering their interests, strengths and aspirations.

We promote high expectations by celebrating pupils’ achievements in all areas—academic, personal, creative and spiritual. Assemblies, rewards, recognition opportunities and leadership roles are used to reinforce positive behaviour, character strengths and a sense of pride and belonging.ght through a structured curriculum supported by high-quality resources and guidance. Pupils are taught emotional literacy, how to manage risks, build positive relationships, understand diversity and maintain physical and mental health. Teachers create safe, respectful spaces where pupils can discuss sensitive issues confidently and thoughtfully.

Strong pastoral systems ensure pupils feel safe, supported and known. Staff respond to individual and community needs through targeted support, early intervention, nurture provision and close collaboration with families and external agencies when needed. Regular pupil voice opportunities ensure our provision continually adapts to the needs and experiences of our children.

Through this consistent, values-led implementation, Personal Development at St Francis de Sales ensures all pupils grow into confident, resilient and compassionate individuals—fully prepared to navigate the opportunities, responsibilities and challenges of life, both now and in the future.