At Kidsgrove Primary School, Personal Development runs like a golden thread throughout our entire curriculum. We believe that helping children to grow into confident, resilient, respectful and compassionate individuals is just as important as academic success. Our Personal Development curriculum provides a nurturing, inclusive environment where pupils can explore what it means to grow up in today’s world and develop the skills they need to lead happy, healthy and successful lives.
Personal Development plays a vital role in supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing. Through open discussions, reflection and diverse learning experiences, pupils are encouraged to express themselves freely in a safe, caring environment where all opinions and values are respected. Children learn when and how to ask for help and where to access support both in school and beyond.
Our curriculum helps children build independence, resilience and confidence. It teaches them about rights and responsibilities, the importance of respect, and what it means to be part of a diverse community. Children learn how to form positive relationships, make safe and healthy choices, and contribute positively to both school life and the wider world.
How We Teach Personal Development
We follow the Kapow Primary PSHE curriculum, which provides a clear and well-sequenced programme of study from Early Years through to Year 6. This ensures that children build knowledge and skills gradually and meaningfully over time.
Through Kapow, pupils explore key themes such as:
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Health and wellbeing
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Relationships and families
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Growing and changing
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Keeping safe
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Citizenship and community
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Economic wellbeing
Lessons are practical, discussion-based and age-appropriate, allowing children to explore complex ideas in a supportive space. Vocabulary is introduced clearly so that pupils can communicate their thoughts with confidence and understanding.
Personal Development extends far beyond discrete lessons. It is woven into assemblies, behaviour expectations, enrichment experiences, extra-curricular clubs, pupil leadership, online safety, safeguarding practices and all aspects of school life.
Developing the Whole Child
Our Personal Development curriculum helps children:
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Build resilience and cope positively with challenges
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Develop confidence in who they are and what they can achieve
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Form healthy relationships and work effectively with others
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Understand diversity and show respect for different beliefs, cultures and backgrounds
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Become responsible citizens who contribute positively to society
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Make safe and informed choices in an ever-changing world
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Strengthen their emotional literacy and mental health awareness
Through our work in school and across the wider community, children learn to recognise their own self-worth and understand the positive impact they can have on others.
Rewards and Celebrating Success
At Kidsgrove, we are proud to recognise and celebrate children who demonstrate our school values and strive to be their best. From Reception to Year 6, we use the Trackit reward system to motivate and acknowledge positive attitudes, effort and achievements. This supports our commitment to nurturing children who are respectful, resilient, responsible and ready to learn.