Personal Development Intent

At Benjamin Adlard Primary School we live by the motto “Every child, every day, making a difference.”  As a nurturing school with high ambition, our Personal Development vision is to ensure that, by the time pupils move on to their next stage of education, they have not only secured strong academic foundations but have also grown into well-rounded, socially responsible citizens of modern Britain.

• Broadening knowledge and developing skills
  A deliberately sequenced, experience-rich curriculum—driven by language and vocabulary—builds cumulatively from EYFS to Year 6 so that new learning connects meaningfully with what has come before, unlocking future understanding and raising social mobility.
• Supporting mental and physical well-being
  High-quality PE, outdoor learning and evidence-informed well-being programmes foster healthy bodies, positive mind-sets and safe habits, while our caring culture means every child feels known, valued and protected.
• Cultivating aspiration, independence and resilience
  Through leadership roles, guided risk-taking and reflective feedback, children learn to set ambitious goals, persevere through challenge and take responsibility for their own learning journey.
• Whole-child growth—socially, emotionally, morally, culturally and spiritually
  PSHE, RE, assemblies and enrichment weave together to nurture empathy, self-awareness and a strong moral compass, enabling pupils to form healthy relationships and understand their place in a diverse world.
• Celebrating achievement and diversity
  We champion the protective characteristics of every individual, spotlight successes large and small, and cultivate a culture where difference is respected, inclusion is practised and equity is pursued.
• Living British values to become valuable members of modern Britain
  Democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance are explored, modelled and actively practised, preparing pupils to participate confidently and responsibly in society.

These commitments are underpinned by our three key drivers:

1. Language & Vocabulary – empowering communication and deepening understanding
2. Mental Health & Well-being – creating the conditions for everyone to thrive
3. Social Mobility – raising aspiration and opening doors to the future

Guided by the values of Independence, Resilience and Aspiration, we work relentlessly so that every pupil leaves Benjamin Adlard equipped not only with excellent knowledge and skills but also with the character, confidence and compassion to make a positive difference—today and every day ahead.

How do we develop these attributes for every child across the curriculum?

Critical thinking: At Benjamin Adlard, critical thinking is developed through a rich and inclusive curriculum and a supportive school culture that encourages enquiry, discussion, and reflection. The PSHEE/RSHE curriculum, assemblies, and wider opportunities such as Picture News, visits from local services, and diverse books expose pupils to real-life scenarios, multiple perspectives, and challenging topics, fostering debate and evidence-based reasoning. Teachers use strategies like role-play, real-life contexts, and questioning to help pupils analyse, evaluate, and justify ideas. Leadership roles, such as school council and playground leaders, give children chances to listen, weigh options, and make considered decisions. This approach aligns with the Anthem Trust vision of creating discursive, knowledge-rich classrooms where students grow as thoughtful, independent learners, ready to contribute positively to society.

Empathy: At Benjamin Adlard, pupils develop empathy through lessons and experiences that help them understand how others feel and see the world. PSHEE/RSHE lessons, assemblies, and initiatives like Picture News and Dare to be Different expose children to diverse cultures, perspectives, and personal stories. These opportunities encourage pupils to listen, reflect, and imagine how others might experience life, helping them to respond with kindness and understanding.

Equality: The curriculum explicitly teaches the importance of equality and fairness, helping pupils recognise and challenge discrimination and prejudice. Through discussions, real-life examples, and inclusive practices, children learn to value everyone equally, regardless of their background, ability, or beliefs. School-wide events, assemblies, and the use of diverse books support this by showing positive examples of inclusion and respect for difference.

Self-Regulation: Self-regulation is developed through the school’s behaviour policy, restorative practices, and visual prompts that help children manage their emotions and behaviour. Pupils are supported to reflect on their actions, understand the impact on others, and make positive choices. They learn strategies to calm themselves, solve problems, and persevere when faced with challenges, which builds resilience and self-control over time.

Sense of Responsibility: A sense of responsibility is fostered through leadership roles and opportunities to contribute to the school and wider community. Roles such as school council, Reading Warriors, playground leaders, and Timi Champions enable pupils to take ownership, make decisions, and support others. These experiences help them to understand the importance of their actions, take pride in their contributions, and see themselves as active, responsible members of society.