At Manuden Primary School, we want children to grow into confident, respectful and thoughtful young people who are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Personal development is woven throughout school life rather than being taught as a standalone subject. It is developed through our curriculum, PSHE and RSHE, Religious Education, assemblies, relationships and behaviour, trips and residentials, enrichment opportunities and the everyday experiences children have as members of our school community.

Our approach reflects our school vision:

Growing Hearts. Growing Minds. Growing Dreams.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

Spiritual Development

We give children opportunities to develop curiosity, imagination and a sense of wonder about themselves and the world around them.

Children are encouraged to:

• reflect on their own experiences, feelings and beliefs;
• learn about different faiths, beliefs and worldviews;
• ask thoughtful questions and explore ideas;
• appreciate creativity, nature and the wider world;
• develop confidence in expressing their own views while listening respectfully to others.

Spiritual development is supported particularly through Religious Education, PSHE, assemblies, literature, the arts and wider curriculum experiences.

Moral Development

We help children develop a clear understanding of right and wrong and recognise that their choices have consequences.

Children learn to:

• understand and follow our school expectations;
• consider how their actions affect other people;
• recognise fairness and injustice;
• discuss moral and ethical questions;
• take responsibility when things go wrong;
• demonstrate honesty, kindness and integrity.

Our behaviour culture supports children to understand that high expectations, respect and responsibility apply to everyone within our school community.

Social Development

We teach children how to build positive relationships and participate successfully in school and wider community life.

Children have opportunities to:

• work collaboratively with others;
• develop friendships and resolve disagreements appropriately;
• contribute to their class, house and wider school community;
• take responsibility and make positive choices;
• participate in clubs, trips, residential experiences and school events;
• understand that successful communities depend upon cooperation and respect.

As a small village school, relationships and community are an important part of life at Manuden.

Cultural Development

We want children to understand and appreciate both their own heritage and the richness and diversity of the wider world.

Through our curriculum and wider experiences, children encounter:

• different cultures, traditions and ways of life;
• different religions and worldviews;
• art, music, literature and history from a range of communities;
• different perspectives and experiences;
• the diversity of modern Britain and the wider world.

Children are taught to approach difference with curiosity, respect and openness.

British Values at Manuden

We actively promote the fundamental British values of:

Democracy
The Rule of Law
Individual Liberty
Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

These values are developed throughout school life and across the curriculum.

Democracy

Children learn that their views matter and that decisions can be made through discussion, representation and fair processes.

At Manuden, this includes opportunities for children to:

• express their opinions and listen to those of others;
• contribute to decisions affecting their class and school;
• take part in pupil voice activities;
• understand how democracy works within Britain;
• discuss current and historical examples of democratic decision-making.

The Rule of Law

Children learn why communities need rules and laws and understand that these help to keep people safe and ensure fairness.

This is reinforced through:

• clear school expectations;
• our behaviour policy;
• classroom routines;
• discussions about rights and responsibilities;
• curriculum learning about laws, justice and society.

Children are helped to understand the difference between rules within school and laws within wider society.

Individual Liberty

We encourage children to make informed choices within a safe and supportive environment.

Children learn to:

• develop their own interests and opinions;
• make responsible choices;
• understand their rights and responsibilities;
• recognise when a choice may affect somebody else;
• seek help when they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Our safeguarding, PSHE and online safety education all contribute to children's understanding of how to exercise their freedoms safely and responsibly.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Respect is central to life at Manuden.

Children are taught that people may have different backgrounds, beliefs, families, cultures and experiences and that these differences should be understood and respected.

Through PSHE, Religious Education, assemblies, the wider curriculum and everyday school life, children learn to:

• listen respectfully to different viewpoints;
• challenge prejudice and discrimination;
• understand different religions and worldviews;
• recognise that everyone deserves dignity and respect;
• value inclusion and difference.

What Personal Development Looks Like at Manuden

Children's personal development is supported through a wide range of experiences, including:

• PSHE and RSHE through our Kapow curriculum;
• Religious Education and the study of different religions and worldviews;
• whole-school and class assemblies;
• our behaviour expectations and school values;
• the house system;
• educational visits and visitors;
• residential experiences;
• sport and physical activity;
• clubs and enrichment;
• opportunities to participate in the life of our village and wider community;
• safeguarding and online safety education;
• curriculum opportunities to explore different cultures, beliefs, historical experiences and perspectives.

Our aim is that children leave Manuden not only having achieved academically, but also having developed the character, confidence, understanding and values they need for the next stage of their lives.

 

PSHE & RSHE | Religious Education | Safeguarding