At St. Ambrose Catholic Primary School, Personal Development is at the heart of our mission to nurture the whole child. Rooted in our Catholic faith and Gospel values, we aim to develop happy, healthy, confident and compassionate individuals who recognise their own worth, respect others and are equipped to flourish in an ever-changing world.

We believe that every child is unique, created in the image and likeness of God, and blessed with their own gifts, talents and potential. Personal Development extends beyond academic achievement, supporting pupils' spiritual, moral, social, cultural, physical and emotional growth. Through our curriculum, Catholic life, enrichment opportunities and wider school experiences, we encourage children to develop resilience, independence, self-belief and a strong sense of responsibility towards others.

Our Personal Development curriculum is organised into six key areas, which are woven throughout school life and provide meaningful opportunities for every child to grow, contribute and thrive.

1. Dream Big – Vocations

Who am I called to be? How can I serve?

We encourage pupils to recognise their God-given gifts and talents, develop high aspirations and explore how they can use their abilities to make a positive difference. Through Vocations Week, career encounters, reflection days, learning about the lives of saints and charitable enterprise projects, children discover that vocation is not simply about choosing a career, but also about how they live and serve others.

2. Keeping Ourselves Safe – Body, Mind, Heart, Online

How can I keep myself safe, healthy and happy?

We equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence to keep themselves physically, mentally and emotionally safe, as well as being safe online. Through safeguarding education, online safety lessons, the NSPCC Speak Out Stay Safe programme, first aid, anti-bullying initiatives and mental health activities, children learn to recognise risks, establish healthy boundaries and seek help from trusted adults. We promote emotional literacy, resilience and positive wellbeing, ensuring every child knows that their safety and feelings matter.

3. Pupil Leadership – Voice, Responsibility and Service

How can I use my voice to make a difference?

We believe every child has the potential to be a leader. Through roles such as Prayer Leaders, House Captains, Sports Captains, Mini Vinnies, Live Simply Ambassadors and Reading Ambassadors, pupils develop confidence, teamwork and responsibility. They have meaningful opportunities to influence decisions, lead Celebration of the Word, support their peers and contribute to charitable and community projects. We encourage children to lead through service, following the example of Jesus.

4. I Can Do It! – Independence, Resilience and Readiness for Life

How can I become confident, independent and resilient?

We help pupils develop the practical skills, positive attitudes and self-belief needed to navigate life's opportunities and challenges. Through money management, enterprise, cooking and food hygiene, first aid, road safety, problem-solving and life skills workshops, children learn to take responsibility and make informed decisions. We promote a growth mindset, encouraging pupils to persevere, learn from mistakes and embrace new challenges. In Year 6, transition activities help prepare pupils for the next stage of their education.

5. Let Me Shine – Every Child Has a Gift

What are my gifts and talents?

We celebrate the individuality of every child and provide opportunities for pupils to discover and develop their interests and abilities. Through enrichment clubs, including sport, music, drama, art, STEM, coding, gardening, languages and mindfulness, children can explore new experiences and build confidence. Talent assemblies, creative displays and performance opportunities celebrate effort, achievement and personal growth. We are committed to inclusive participation, providing support and opportunities so that every child can experience success and recognise their own potential.

6. We Are One Family – Global, Cultural, Social, Moral and Spiritual Development

How can we live together as one family and make the world a better place?

Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, we encourage pupils to show compassion, promote justice and recognise their responsibilities towards others and our common home. Through daily prayer, Celebration of the Word, Mass, pupil-led worship, inter-faith learning, CAFOD partnerships, Fairtrade projects, cultural celebrations and charitable initiatives, children develop an understanding of faith, diversity and global citizenship. They learn about human dignity, solidarity, forgiveness, reconciliation and stewardship, discovering how they can contribute to a fairer, kinder and more peaceful world.

Personal Development at St. Ambrose prepares pupils to become responsible, respectful and active citizens. We promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Through pupil leadership, discussions, assemblies and everyday school life, children learn about fairness, individual responsibility, freedom of choice and respect for different perspectives.

We are committed to creating an inclusive community in which every child and family feels valued and respected. We promote equality, celebrate diversity and challenge prejudice, stereotypes, discrimination and bullying. Through age-appropriate teaching and wider school experiences, pupils develop an understanding of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

In keeping with our Catholic ethos, we emphasise the dignity and worth of every person and encourage children to treat everyone with kindness, fairness and compassion.

We recognise the importance of helping children develop healthy relationships, understand their emotions and make safe, informed choices. Our Personal Development provision includes Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and Relationships and Health Education, supporting pupils' physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.

We use the Ten:Ten Life to the Full programme to deliver our Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) within our Catholic context. Through age-appropriate, progressive teaching, pupils explore their uniqueness and dignity as children of God, family life, friendships, positive relationships, personal boundaries, changes as they grow and how to keep themselves safe. We work in partnership with parents and carers to support children's understanding and development.

Safeguarding underpins all aspects of our provision. We want every child to feel safe, listened to and supported, knowing who to turn to when they need help.

Personal Development is an integral part of everyday life at St. Ambrose. Through pupil leadership, enrichment, charitable work, community involvement, spiritual development and practical learning, we provide opportunities for children to discover who they are, understand their responsibilities and recognise the difference they can make.

Our aim is for every pupil to leave St. Ambrose as a confident, resilient and compassionate young person who:

• Recognises their own worth and celebrates the gifts and talents of others.
• Lives out our Catholic and Gospel values through their words and actions.
• Understands British Values and respects diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Builds healthy relationships and knows how to keep themselves and others safe.
• Develops independence, resilience and the confidence to embrace new challenges.
• Takes responsibility, contributes positively and uses their voice to influence change.
• Understands their role in caring for their community and our common home.
• Is prepared for the next stage of education and the opportunities and responsibilities of adult life.

At St. Ambrose, we nurture the whole child, helping every pupil to grow in faith, flourish in their gifts, serve others with compassion and let their light shine.