Personal Development

Personal Development

Personal development is both a subject and a school ethos. It is reflected in our school motto of 'Inspiring Excellence' and in our school values. We want each child to leave the school feeling confident, unique and proud. 

Our aim is to teach children how to navigate through life safely, happily and healthily. Children are growing up in a world that is constantly changing and it is the duty of all the staff at school in partnership with the parents to teach the children transferable life skills. We teach children about the world around them, relationships, emotions, reproduction and health, as well as transferable skills to help with life. We consistently promote British values, the First Federation Trust values and our school values. Gatehouse Primary Academy teaches personal development in a wide range of ways throughout the children’s school lives. For example: 

• It is taught in discrete lessons (please see the curriculum map below) 

• It is taught with cross-curricular links in other lessons, such as DT, physical education, religious education and science 

• Staff members consistently model how to be a good citizen who uphold the school values 

• Assemblies (whole school and special visitors) 

• Annual visits from the fire service, the RLNI, the police and water safety 

• Citizenship scheme in KS2 (new Autumn 2021)

• Specialist staff working with individuals and groups 

• Online safety in computing, assembly and across the wider curriculum 

• Celebrating positive learning attributes with a weekly celebration assembly, termly ‘Gold Award’ 

• Lunchtime and after school clubs 

• Well thought through transitions throughout the school and beyond 

• Focusing on mental and physical health 

• Pupil voice through the e.g school council, eco and ethos groups 

• Celebrating different languages, cultures and religions 

• Outdoor activity trips