Personal Development at Oxclose Primary Academy

At Oxclose Primary Academy we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes personal development and well-being for all students and place a strong emphasis on developing well-rounded, respectful and responsible pupils. We believe that personal development is a shared responsibility and integrate various aspects of learning and personal growth to prepare students for the challenges of life beyond the classroom developing their character, resilience and understanding of the world around them.  At OPA Personal Development & Well-being is part of the taught curriculum but is also in the wider opportunities and experiences that we offer.  Personal Development is embedded in our curriculum through PSHE, RSE, RE and other cross-curricular opportunities in subjects like English, History and PE. 

 

Leaders use the personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum to provide pupils with a ‘toolkit’ that will prepare them for life.  Pupils learn about a wide range of topics, including healthy relationships and online safety in a carefully planned manner. Staff make sure that pupils with SEND understand these important messages.

                                                                                                                                                            - Ofsted (April 2022)

 

Leaders broaden pupils’ understanding of the world through the stories they choose to share with pupils. They learn about diversity and resilience from stories about inspirational historical figures.

                                                                                                                                                           - Ofsted (April 2022)

 

At Oxlose Primary Academy, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment that prioritises personal development and well-being. Through our comprehensive programmes and initiatives, we aim to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in life.

Personal development is not just an educational goal; it is a shared responsibility that involves the entire school community. Together, we can empower our students to reach their full potential.

Personal Development and Wellbeing is an entitlement for every pupil.

Inclusive Personal Development and Well-being

We recognise the importance of inclusivity in personal development. We ensure that every child feels valued and supported. We aim to create an environment where all students can thrive, regardless of their background, needs or individual circumstances. This commitment is reflected in our tailored support systems, which include Pastoral Care (Nurture Provision and ELSA).  Our Nurture Team provides a range of support for pupils linked to social, emotional and/or mental health needs. Staff within this team are skilled in supporting with a range of issues such as Emotional Based School Avoidance, anxiety, understanding emotions, building friendships and relationships. Staff have received CAMHs and ELSA training and when needed, will lead blocks of intervention with pupils.  Pastoral support is a vital component of our personal development framework. Our dedicated nurture team is available to provide guidance and support to students facing personal challenges. We prioritise mental health and well-being, ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to thrive both academically and personally. Pupils also have access to our recently refurbished wellbeing hub.

Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do at Oxclose Primary Acdemy. We work with a range of agencies to ensure the Social and Emotional needs of children are met, such as CAHMS, CYPS, School Nursing Service (including Emotional Resilience Team), Social Services and Medical Professionals to support pupils social and emotional needs. 

We offer Life Skills Sessions, Multi-Sports, Communication Group, targeted interventions and adaptations for those who may require additional assistance.  We also have specific and tailored interventions in place to support pupils with additional social and emotional needs. The DLL (Discovery Learning League) is an intervention which takes place each morning for pupil, this supports their learning and emotional needs for pupils whom SEMH is a barrier to their learning. We use inclusive teaching strategies to ensure that all pupils, regardless of need, achieve their full potential.

We believe that it is important to provide a positive, supportive and cariPERSONAL-DEVELOPMENT-USEFUL-WEBSITE-LINKS-FOR-PARENTS.pdfng ethos. On a daily basis, class teachers are responsible for the pastoral and social care of every child in their class, therefore this would be the parents’ first point of contact should further advice or support be required.

Pupil Voice

At Oxclose Primary Academy, pupils are provided with frequent opportunities to have their voice heard and because of this; they play an active part in school life. Pupils are able to express their opinions and views through a variety of mediums including worry boxes, located in each classroom, questionnaires, school council discussions, various elections and pupil voice.

Pupil Leadership Opportunities

We believe in empowering our students through leadership opportunities. Our Pupil Leadership programme includes roles such as School Council representatives, Anti-Bullying Team members, and Digital Leaders. These positions allow students to take an active role in shaping their school environment, developing essential leadership and communication skills in the process and fostering responsibility.  We also cover ‘leadership’ and ‘teamwork’ skills as part of our Skills Builder curriculum.  

School Council

The School Council serves as a platform for students to voice their opinions and contribute to decision-making within the school. This initiative fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among students, encouraging them to engage with issues that matter to them. Through the School Council, students learn about democracy, representation, and the importance of collaboration.

Reading Buddies and Library Monitors

Our Reading Buddies initiative promotes a love of reading and literacy among students. This programme encourages students to engage in reading activities with their peers, fostering a supportive community of readers. By prioritising literacy, we aim to enhance students’ communication skills and instil a lifelong love of learning.

Anti-Bullying Team

Our Anti-Bullying Team plays a crucial role in promoting a safe and inclusive school environment. This student-led initiative raises awareness about bullying and implements strategies to prevent it. By empowering students to take a stand against bullying, we cultivate a culture of respect and kindness within our school community. We have a strong anti-bullying culture with clear policies, proactive monitoring, restorative practices to creative a safe environment where pupils can thrive. 

Digital Leaders

The Digital Leaders programme encourages students to take on leadership roles in promoting digital literacy and online safety. These students act as ambassadors for responsible technology use, helping to educate their peers about the importance of staying safe online. This initiative not only enhances students’ understanding of digital citizenship but also fosters a sense of responsibility and leadership.

Skills Builder and Careers Education

We promote a growth mindset culture and encourage pupils to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and persist in the face of difficulties through targeted activities and staff modelling. We follow the Skills Builder framework which further emphasises both resilience and positivity.   Our Skills Builder partnership focuses on developing 8 essential skills that are crucial for personal and professional success. By prioritising life skills, we aim to prepare students for the challenges they will face in their future endeavours.  As part of our skills builder partnership we also take part in a career insight event. 

Well-planned and Progressive Religious Education Curriculum

Our Religious Education (RE) curriculum is thoughtfully designed to be progressive and inclusive, encouraging students to explore and understand a variety of world religions. We celebrate diversity through our Whole School Celebration Days, which highlight significant cultural and religious events such as Eid, Hanukkah, and Chinese New Year. These occasions provide students with the opportunity to engage with different beliefs and practices, fostering respect and understanding among peers. By promoting awareness of world religions, we aim to cultivate a sense of global citizenship and empathy in our students. 

At Oxclose Primary Academy, the teaching of Religious Education (R.E) is not designed to convert pupils to any one religion or to urge them to hold any particular religious belief. Instead, it plays a pivotal role in contributing to pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, supporting their understanding of the world in which they live and helping children develop their own world view. At our school children develop an understanding of the principal religions represented in the UK; Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism and in addition to this they are taught about non-religious world views like Humanism. We are committed to teaching religious and non-religious worldviews accurately and fairly representing their beliefs, values, and practices. Our vision is that all children have access to inspiring RE lessons that prepare them for life in a diverse society.  We have a dedicated Religious Education page, which can be found here Religious Education at Oxclose Primary Academy

Comprehensive PSHE Curriculum

’Personal, social and health education’ (PSHE) helps to give children and young people the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy and independent lives. It aims to help them understand how they are developing personally and socially, tackling many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. It offers learning opportunities across and beyond the curriculum, in specific lessons as well as in assemblies, circle time, special school projects and other activities that enrich pupils’ experiences.’ 

At Oxclose Primary Academy our intent in teaching PSHE is to enable pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. Our teaching of PSHE helps children and young people to stay healthy and safe, while preparing them to make the most of life and work.  At Oxclose Primary Academy we highly value PSHE as an essential means to support children’s development as human beings, to enable them to understand and respect who they are, to empower them with a voice and ‘knowledge toolkit’ to equip them for life and learning. 

The aims of PSHE are to enable the children to:

• Know and understand what constitutes a healthy lifestyle,
• Be aware of safety issues,
• Understand what makes for good relationships with others,
• Have respect for others regardless of race, gender and mental and physical disability, • Be independent and responsible members of the school community,
• Be positive and active members of a democratic society,
• Develop self-confidence and self-esteem and to make informed choices regarding personal and social issues,
• Develop good relationships with other members of the school and wider community.

These are summarised and taught in three ‘Core Learning Themes’

• Health and Wellbeing
• Relationships
• Living in the Wider World

Our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education curriculum is carefully structured to address the key areas of personal development. This includes Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), which is delivered in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner. Through our PSHE curriculum, students learn essential life skills, including decision-making, emotional literacy, and resilience. We believe that equipping students with these skills is vital for their overall well-being and future success.   In addition, as and when contextual issues arise which are significant to our locality or specific to our children or school we address them with bespoke, tailored lessons.  We have a dedicated PSHE page, which can be found here PSHE at Oxclose Primary Academy

Promoting the nine Protected Characteristics at Oxclose Primary Academy

At our school, we are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for every child and adult. The Equality Act 2010 protects everyone in Britain from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. It identifies nine Protected Characteristics, and we actively teach and promote understanding of these through our curriculum, assemblies, and daily school life.

How We Teach and Promote Them

We weave these principles into everything we do, ensuring pupils learn about equality, respect, and fairness in age-appropriate ways:

1. Age - We teach pupils to respect people of all ages and challenge stereotypes about young and older people through stories, discussions, and community projects.
2. Disability - We promote understanding of different abilities and needs, encouraging empathy and inclusion. Pupils learn that everyone can achieve and contribute in different ways.
3. Gender Reassignment - We teach respect for all individuals and challenge gender-based stereotypes. Pupils learn that everyone has the right to be themselves.
4. Race - Through our curriculum, we celebrate diversity and teach about different cultures and histories. We challenge racism and promote equality for all ethnic groups.
5. Religion or Belief - We teach about different faiths and beliefs, encouraging respect and understanding. Pupils learn that everyone has the right to their own beliefs.
6. Marriage and Civil Partnership - We promote respect for different family structures and relationships, helping pupils understand that families can look different, but all deserve respect.
7. Sex - We challenge gender stereotypes and promote equality between boys and girls in all aspects of school life.
8. Sexual Orientation - We teach that everyone should be treated with respect regardless of who they love. We promote kindness and challenge prejudice.
9. Pregnancy and Maternity - We help pupils understand and respect the changes and responsibilities that come with pregnancy and caring for a baby.

Our Approach

• Curriculum Links: PSHE, RSE, RE and assemblies include lessons on diversity, equality, and respect.
• School Values: Our values underpin everything we do, promoting kindness, fairness, and inclusion.
• Celebrating Diversity: We mark events such as Religious Celebration Days, Holocaust Memorial Day, International Women’s Day, and Disability Awareness Week.
• Role Models: We share stories of inspiring people from all backgrounds to challenge stereotypes.

Fundamental British Values

Our school actively promotes the Fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. These values are embedded in our curriculum and school culture, encouraging students to become responsible citizens who contribute positively to society. We engage students in discussions and activities that reinforce these principles, helping them to understand their role within a democratic society.

Pupils learn about democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect through specific lessons, assemblies, and practical experiences such as school council elections and school.

What are British Values?

Fundamental British values are defined by the DfE as:

• Democracy: Respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process
• The rule of law: Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England
• Individual liberty: Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law
• Mutual respect and tolerance: Support for equality of opportunity for all and respect and tolerance of different faiths and religious and other beliefs.

How Fundamental British Values are promoted at Oxclose Primary Academy:

Across the entire curriculum, both academic and pastoral, and through extra-curricular activities, fundamental British Values are actively promoted. The examples below describe some of the ways in which Oxclose Primary Academy works to promote Fundamental British Values through the ethos and life of the school, for example through a broad and balanced curriculum, and through social, moral, cultural and spiritual development.

We believe in treating everyone as individuals. We value the diverse ethnic backgrounds of all pupils and families and celebrate this through various events during the year such as themed assemblies and special days such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Kings Coronation.

Democracy

• Pupils study democracy in subjects such as History and PSHE.
• Pupils are involved in Democratic processes e.g., school council elections which teach children how they can influence decision-making through a democratic process.
• Pupil surveys about issues such as bullying encourage them to share their views and opinions with the confidence that they will be listened to
• Pupils vote on key issues through the School Council
• We ensure all pupils are given opportunities to make choices about the things that they believe are important.

Rule of Law

• We have a clearly structured behaviour policy which all pupils understand and follow
• Assemblies/talks are delivered with a focus on the law e.g. Internet safety talks – with sessions for students of different age ranges
• We teach about the UK legal system, public services (police, fire service), and accountability. Including visits from the police in the curriculum

• We ensure school rules and expectations are clear and fair, helping pupils to distinguish right from wrong.
• Helping pupils to understand that living under the rule of law protects individuals
• We discuss consequences of breaking rules and taking responsibility. 

Individual Liberty

• Pupils have key roles and responsibilities in school including Playground Buddies. School Councillors, Antibullying team and Reading Buddies
• We provide a safe environment for pupils to make choices and develop confidence.
• Encourage independence, self-esteem, and taking responsibility for actions.
• We support participation in fundraising and community activities.

Mutual respect

• Our PSHE curriculum embodies values of mutual respect through multiple units of learning such as relationships and being a responsible citizen
• Respect is embedded within our whole School Rules
• Teach about different faiths, races, and cultures through curriculum and resources.
• Discuss differing views respectfully and understand everyone is subject to UK law.
• Use assemblies, PSHE, and history to explore diverse perspectives and celebrate differences.

Tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs

• Pupils are encouraged to respect each other's diverse backgrounds
• Our RE curriculum provides a broad and balanced education on a range of faiths, religions and cultures
• Through a rich and challenging humanities curriculum, and through a focus on key events in British History – students are encouraged to reflect upon their role in a diverse, multicultural and multi faith society
• Our school council and Anti Bullying Team exist to provide students with a forum through which they can explore and discuss cultural, social and moral issues in a structured way
• Assemblies and other whole school activities are carefully mapped out and reflect a range of faiths and beliefs across the year
• Many of our reading books reflect a range of beliefs and cultures
• Our integration of Little People Big Dreams books which features a diverse range of inspiring characters from different backgrounds

At Oxclose Primary Academy we work closely with parents/ carers and other professionals to ensure that our pupils are happy, well cared for and are equipped with the skills they need to live a fulfilling life as part of their community.

Embracing Cultural Diversity

We celebrate cultural diversity through various initiatives, including themed events and also through a diversity rich text selection.

By exposing students to different perspectives and traditions, we foster an appreciation for diversity and encourage inclusivity. This approach not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares students to thrive in an increasingly globalised world.

To complement our PSHE curriculum each year group has designated aspirational influencers to learn about each term, based around the Little People, Big Dreams biographies.  Staff have a designated aspirational influencer to discuss each term.  This is to inspire our young people in their future dreams and aspirations and to broaden the children’s knowledge of cultural diversity. 

Assemblies

Class Assemblies and whole school assemblies celebrate cultural diversity also cover school rules, safety, SMSC, British values, protected characteristics, Oxclose Super Seven (School Values), Online Safety, Health and Wellbeing, Stories from all religions and different cultures, current affairs.

Online Safety

In today’s digital age, online safety is paramount. We educate our students on the importance of safe and responsible internet use through dedicated sessions on digital literacy and online safety. Our curriculum addresses issues such as cyberbullying, privacy, and the responsible use of social media. By instilling a strong understanding of online safety, we aim to protect our students and prepare them for the challenges of the digital world.

Each term all year groups use Project EVOLVE to deliver online safety messages which are appropriate, meaningful and encourage reflection. The whole school also takes part in Safer Internet Day.

Safer Internet Day 2026

Safer Internet Day 2026 will take place on the 10th of February 2026, with learning based around the theme ‘Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI’.

Everyone’s talking about AI, and with many children and young people hearing about and using AI online, it’s important they have the skills and confidence to make safe choices when they are using smart technology. This Safer Internet Day we are exploring the impact of AI on all of our lives, looking at how AI can be used for good, and giving advice and guidance that empowers people to use AI safely and responsibly.

Useful Websites

https://www.betterinternetforkids.eu/

 https://www.childnet.com/ 

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/4_7/

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_13/

https://www.internetmatters.org/schools-esafety/primary/ Play Interland - Be Internet Legends (beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com)

Extra-Curricular Clubs

We offer a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities that cater to diverse interests and talents. These clubs provide students with opportunities to develop new skills, build friendships, and enhance their personal development. All clubs have a focus on physical or mental health and wellbeing. 

All of our extra-curricular activities and school visits are available to all pupils, including our before and after-school clubs.  No pupil is ever excluded from taking part in these activities because of their SEN or disability and we make whatever reasonable adjustments are needed to make sure that they can be included.

Visits and Visitors

We believe that learning is enhanced through real-world experiences. Our school regularly organises visits to local attractions, museums, and cultural events, as well as inviting guest speakers to share their knowledge with students. These interactions provide valuable insights and inspire students to engage with the world around them, broaden pupils’ horizons and build cultural capital.  We carefully map these out each year, linking them to the curriculum. 

The 11 by 11 Offer

Our ’11 by 11’ offer ensures that every student has access to a minimum of eleven enriching experiences throughout their time at our school. These experiences may include residential trips, cultural visits, local attractions or provide our pupils with experiences that they may not normally have access to. By providing these opportunities, we aim to broaden students’ horizons and encourage them to step outside their comfort zones, fostering personal growth and resilience.  We want every pupil to leave with unforgettable memories and a sense of adventure!  See the poster below for more information about our 11 by 11 offer.

11-by-11 Offer Poster

Extraordinary Opportunities

Our ‘Extraordinary Opportunities’ initiative includes workshops, trips, and events that extend learning beyond the classroom, allowing students to explore their passions and interests in a supportive environment such as the Cross-Trust Oracy Event, Cross-Trust Extraordinary Us Event, and Skills Builder Career Insight Event. 

We also offer planned enrichment themes days and weeks across the school calendar e.g. health and happiness week, anti-bullying week, religious festival celebrations, mental health awareness day, and internet safety day.

Residential Opportunities

Residential trips are an integral part of our personal development programme. These experiences allow students to develop independence, teamwork, and leadership skills in a supportive environment. Our residential trip to Derwent Hill provides students with the chance to forge lasting memories and friendships.

Walkwise and Bikeability

Our Walkwise and Bikeability programmes aim to promote safe and sustainable travel options for our students. Through these initiatives, we teach students about road safety, the benefits of walking and cycling, and the importance of being environmentally conscious. By encouraging active travel, we support students in developing healthy habits while fostering a sense of responsibility towards their community.

NSPCC

We also work alongside the NSPCC who deliver assemblies and workshops focused on emotional resilience and safeguarding.

 

Please find below a document with links to a number of websites to support parents/carers - this includes links to areas such as Healthy Lifestyles, Emotional Well-being and Mental Health, Financial Capability, Career Advice and many more

PERSONAL-DEVELOPMENT-USEFUL-WEBSITE-LINKS-FOR-PARENTS.pdf