PDL
Personal Development Learning (PDL) at Shamblehurst Primary School
At Shamblehurst Primary School, Personal Development Learning (PDL) is an important part of our broad and balanced curriculum that includes our values of Pride, Courage Curiosity, and Respect .
PDL is a holistic term that includes:
Personal, Social and Health education, relationships and sex education- ‘SCARF’
‘No Outsiders’ programme of study
Online safety- UK digital citizenship lessons from Common Sense Media.
British Values
PDL helps to develop children’s self-esteem and emotional well-being. It helps them to form and maintain positive relationships with others, based on mutual respect, preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. Through explicit teaching, pastoral support, restorative approaches and everyday classroom practice, pupils develop emotional regulation, resilience, self-awareness, empathy and strategies for maintaining positive mental health. This work equips children with the confidence and coping skills needed to navigate challenges both within and beyond school.
Inclusion, belonging and respect for diversity are promoted through our No Outsiders ethos, which is carefully sequenced across the school. Using high-quality literature and discussion-based learning, pupils explore themes linked to equality, diversity and the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010. Through this work, children develop an understanding that everyone belongs, everyone matters and differences should be respected and celebrated. No Outsiders plays a significant role in fostering a culture where all pupils feel valued, safe and included.
Our Personal Development offer is built upon a strong foundation of SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) development, which permeates everything we teach. Through the wider curriculum, assemblies, enrichment experiences, educational visits, collective reflection and daily interactions, pupils are encouraged to develop a sense of curiosity about the world, understand right and wrong, build positive relationships, appreciate diversity and contribute positively to society. SMSC development is therefore not confined to specific lessons but is intentionally embedded across all subjects and experiences, ensuring that pupils develop both academically and personally.
The promotion of British Values is embedded throughout both the curriculum and the life of the school. Pupils gain a deep understanding of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These values are brought to life through pupil leadership opportunities, democratic processes, classroom discussion, assemblies, community involvement and real-life experiences, enabling pupils to understand their rights, responsibilities and role within society.
Beyond the classroom, our extensive programme of enrichment activities, clubs, leadership opportunities, educational visits, cultural experiences and community partnerships broadens pupils' horizons and enhances their cultural capital. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background, can access meaningful experiences that develop confidence, aspiration and a sense of belonging within the wider world.
Intent:
Educate and empower the whole school community to show tolerance, respect and acceptance to all. To give all stakeholders a complete toolkit including a shared vision and language to enable them to thrive in our diverse and continuously changing world. Our PSHRE is complimented and supported by our ‘No Outsiders’ curriculum which aims to educate children on the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and support them in recognising and challenging prejudicial behaviours.
Implementation:
PDL will be of high priority within the Shamblehurst curriculum. This will be planned and taught weekly by the class teachers, using a variety of high quality, approved, published resources. Teachers have the flexibility to adapt the provision to meet the individual needs of their class. Oracy opportunities are at the heart of our PDL curriculum, although children in EYFS and Year one might record in floor books. From Year 2 onwards children have PSHE books.
Impact:
As a result of our rich and interconnected Personal Development curriculum, pupils leave Shamblehurst Primary School as confident, compassionate and reflective young people. They demonstrate strong moral values, understand and respect difference, care about their own wellbeing and that of others, and are equipped with the knowledge, character and life skills needed to make a positive contribution to their communities and succeed in the next stage of their education and beyond.