Personal Development

At St Michael’s, personal development is at the heart of our curriculum and wider school experience. We want every child to leave us as a confident, compassionate and responsible young person, equipped with the knowledge, experiences and values they need to thrive in modern Britain and the wider world.

Our approach goes beyond academic achievement. Through the taught curriculum, enrichment opportunities and everyday life at St Michael’s, pupils are supported to develop their character, confidence, resilience, independence and sense of responsibility.

Preparing pupils for life beyond St Michael’s

We provide a wide range of experiences that enable pupils to:

• develop positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging;
• understand their rights, responsibilities and the importance of respecting others;
• develop confidence, independence, resilience and leadership skills;
• experience opportunities beyond those they may encounter in everyday life;
• contribute positively to their school, local community and wider world;
• develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding;
• understand and respect different backgrounds, cultures, beliefs and identities;
• recognise their own strengths, interests and talents;
• develop high aspirations for their future.

Our St Michael’s values and ethos underpin this work, helping pupils to understand not only what they can achieve, but the kind of people they can become.

A whole-school approach

Personal development is woven throughout school life. It is developed through our curriculum, collective worship, relationships and behaviour, enrichment, pupil leadership, trips and visits, clubs, community links and the many opportunities pupils have to take responsibility and make a difference.

We carefully consider the needs of our pupils and our community when planning these opportunities, ensuring that all children, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND, can participate fully in the wider life of the school.

Explore Personal Development at St Michael’s

Use the pages within this section to find out more about the different elements of our personal development offer.