At Saint Mary’s, we recognise that the primary years are a key time for children to develop their own identity and aspirations for the future. As well as academic development, it is essential that children are given opportunities, through the curriculum and beyond, for Personal, Social Development (PSD). We understand the crucial role we can play in helping children to prepare for their adult lives, so they can go on to engage positively in society. The opportunities we can offer them while at Saint Mary’s will impact upon their future, helping them to develop the core values we hold at the school. Through Personal, Social Development we support them in building resilience, and nurtures mental and physical health.
Here at Saint Mary’s we use the Ten, Ten, PSHE Matters, Live life to the full and a journey in love teaching materials to aim in delivering our PSD teaching. These scheme offers a mindful approach to the teaching of PHSE through quality teaching, refection and discussion with the children. PSD gives children specific opportunities to explore the range of attitudes and values in society, school values and to consider the kind of society they want to live in.
Personal, Social Development at Saint Mary’s includes the following topics:
Healthy Lifestyles, Nutrition & Food, Hygiene, Emotions Keeping Safe, Similarities, Communication
Healthy Relationships, Bullying, Diversity, Fairness, Discrimination ,Family & Friend, Rules & Responsibilities and Communities.
Children at Saint Mary’s have access to a range of opportunities to develop their PSD including:
- Breakfast Club
- Lunchtime Clubs, including sports
- After school Clubs, including sports, craft and religious activities
- Sporting Events
Roles & Responsibilities
Our children at Saint Mary’s have a variety of roles and responsibilities throughout school. The concept of monitors is introduced to the children when they are in reception with small tasks of responsibility. Within the school we have the following roles with responsibilities for the children. These role and responsibilities that children are involved in are opportunities which promote their PSD skills such as:
- House Captains & Vice House Captains
- Library monitors
- Presentation monitors
- Liturgical Team
- Break Buddies
- Ambassadors
- School Council
- Eco Warriors
- House Captain
The curriculum and the wider work of Saint Mary’s supports pupils to be confident, resilient and independent. There is high-quality pastoral support within the school and pupils are prepared for life in modern Britain, and understand how to be responsible, active citizens that contribute positively to society.
