Personal Development

Personal Development is an intrinsic part of our school life. We recognise that the primary years are a key time for children to develop their own identity and aspirations for the future. Personal development encourages, promotes, adopts and embeds a range of skills that allow children to be life-long learners.

At St Mary Queen of Martyrs, this is modelled and developed with all children through our unique SMQuality. We have 8 qualities rooted in how we want to shape our citizens of the future. Our 8 qualities are:

*Ready

*Respectful

*Safe

*Independent

*Proud

*Loving

*Resilient

*Confident

We further support children to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. As part of a whole-school approach, personal development enhances the qualities and attributes children need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.

Central to the development of personal development is effective relationships between all members of the school community. The promotion of pupils’ personal and social development underpins other learning: contributing to children building their personal identities, developing confidence and self-esteem and understanding what influences their decisions. Developing self-understanding, empathy and the ability to work with others helps our pupils to enjoy healthy and productive relationships in all aspects of their lives.

We aim to ensure that

Children have a variety of experiences and opportunities whilst at St Mary Queen of Martyrs which supports their holistic development
All children develop their ‘cultural capital’
Physical and emotional well-being are prioritised as much as academic achievements
Families are involved wherever possible, to support all areas of their child’s personal development