Vision – Personal and Spiritual Development (PSHE)
Our vision of “growing in body, mind and spirit” is at the heart of our Personal and Spiritual Development (PSHE) curriculum. Rooted in our Christian foundation and guided by the Christian values, these lessons support pupils to develop physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Through opportunities for reflection, and discussion, pupils grow as confident, compassionate individuals and responsible citizens. Inspired by the call to live ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10), our Personal and Spiritual Development curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and values they need to flourish, make wise choices and contribute positively to society.
Inspired by our school motto, “Therefore, choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19), Personal and Spiritual Development encourages all pupils to make wise, informed and compassionate choices for themselves and others, now and in the future. Through this curriculum, pupils are equipped to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, resilience, autonomy and integrity, recognising their worth as individuals and their responsibility within a wider community.
Growing in Mind
Personal and Spiritual Development enables pupils to develop understanding, critical thinking and aspiration by helping them to:
- Understand their rights and responsibilities under UK law and within society
- Build factual knowledge about health, wellbeing and risk, including drugs, alcohol and safeguarding
- Learn how and where to access local and national support services
- Understand equality, diversity and protected characteristics, in light of both British values and Christian teaching
- Learn about democracy, the justice system, employment law and financial responsibility, including online
- Develop aspiration, decision-making skills and an awareness of future pathways in education and future careers
- Develop skills to navigate an increasingly complex online world, including AI generated content
Through this, pupils are encouraged to make informed and thoughtful choices, rooted in both knowledge and moral understanding.
Growing in Body
Personal and Spiritual Development supports pupils to respect and care for their bodies as gifts from God, enabling them to:
- Understand physical and emotional changes during puberty and adolescence
- Develop positive body image and resilience to external influences
- Learn how to maintain good physical health and adopt protective behaviours around a healthy lifestyle
- Understand consent, boundaries and respect in relationships
- Recognise their responsibility as stewards of their own bodies and the bodies of others
- Develop practical skills to recognise, manage and respond safely to risk for themselves and others in a range of contexts
Growing in Spirit
Personal and Spiritual Development provides regular opportunities for pupils to reflect on aspects of spirituality, including:
- Their relationship with themselves; considering issues relating to identity, self-worth, emotions and mental wellbeing
- Their relationships with others, promoting empathy, respect, reconciliation, forgiveness
- Their relationship with creation, encouraging care for the environment and a sense of stewardship
- Their relationship with God, offering space for reflection, questioning and spiritual growth by considering their own values in the light of Christian teaching
Through this, pupils foster the ability to form and maintain healthy relationships, and develop an awareness of the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010. In line with our Mission Statement to “celebrate the uniqueness of each individual,” pupils are supported to take their place within a caring and inclusive community, where every person is known and loved by God, valued for their intrinsic worth, and are encouraged to recognise and respect the dignity of all.
Proposed PSHE scheme from 2026-27