Personal Development and Wellbeing

“Let all that we do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14

Our Personal Development curriculum is rooted in our Christian vision and values. We aim to ensure that over time, at Stoborough CE Primary School, learners receive a personal development curriculum that gives them the knowledge they need to make informed decisions, to be resilient and to develop their character and personality. We provide these rich experiences in a coherently planned way, through our curriculum that extends far beyond the academic and through extracurricular activities. Through this carefully planned and inclusive curriculum, pupils flourish personally, build positive relationships and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Our curriculum prepares pupils not only for the next stage of education, but for life; nurturing compassionate, confident individuals who act with love for themselves, for others and for the world. We believe it is our responsibility to show children that there is a world of possibility awaiting them, outside the school gates. We also strive to encourage a love of learning, and a metacognitive understanding of how we can best learn and self-regulate, that will continue into secondary school and beyond.

Our curriculum is therefore structured around three interconnected strands:

Love for Ourselves- Confidence

Love for Each other – Compassion

Love for the World- Curiosity

Love for Ourselves

We want pupils to develop a secure, positive sense of self, grounded in confidence, wellbeing and self-worth. Children are taught that they are valued, unique and deserving of care, and that looking after themselves is essential to living well.

Through this strand, pupils learn to:

Be happy, proud and confident in who they are
Express themselves authentically and with self-respect
Understand how to keep themselves physically, emotionally and mentally safe
Develop resilience, independence and healthy coping strategies
Make informed choices that support their wellbeing

Pupils are empowered to recognise their own needs, to seek help when necessary, and to understand that self-care is a foundation for positive relationships, learning and future success.

Love for Each Other

We aim to develop pupils who treat others with kindness, respect and empathy, recognising that strong communities are built on fairness, trust and mutual respect. Rooted in our theological call to act in love, pupils learn to build relationships that value the dignity and worth of every individual.

Pupils are taught to:

Build safe, healthy and respectful relationships
Show compassion, forgiveness and understanding
Respect differences and celebrate diversity
Understand boundaries, consent and responsibility
Resolve conflict peacefully and communicate effectively

This strand also helps pupils develop a strong moral compass. They learn about protected characteristics, equality, and British Values, enabling them to recognise injustice, challenge stereotypes and stand up for what is right.

Together, these skills support pupils to contribute to a school community where everyone feels safe, valued and included.

Love for the World

We want pupils to develop a deep appreciation of the world they live in - beginning with their local area of the Purbecks, which they are encouraged to respect, enjoy and care for as part of God’s beautiful creation.

Through this strand, pupils learn to:

Appreciate and protect their local environment
Understand the importance of stewardship and sustainability
Recognise the roles people play in contributing to society
Explore different cultures, faiths and global issues
Develop as responsible, active citizens

Strong links within the local community enrich this work. They are given meaningful opportunities to learn about careers and jobs within the local area, including conservation work with organisations such as the National Trust and Purbeck Goes Wild. They understand that art, music and creativity are valued and purposeful forms of work. These encounters help pupils understand that work, creativity and service all have value and purpose.

Curiosity is a key driver within this strand. Pupils are encouraged to explore diverse perspectives, ask thoughtful questions and reflect on the wider world, developing a sense of global citizenship and their place within a diverse and interconnected society.

Importantly, pupils learn that they can make a difference, even as children. Pupil leadership is a real strength at Stoborough, and pupils are given purposeful opportunities to:

Take on leadership roles
Share their voice and influence decisions
Serve others within school and the wider community

Through these rich, meaningful experiences, pupils grow as confident, compassionate and curious citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities and who believe they have the power to contribute positively to the world.