Personal Development at Whitkirk
“A curriculum for you and me, to be the best that we can be”
Personal Development at Whitkirk
At Whitkirk Primary School, we are committed to nurturing the whole child. Our Personal Development offer ensures that every pupil grows into a confident, caring and responsible individual, ready to play an active role in modern society. Below is an overview of the key strands that sit at the heart of personal development at Whitkirk.
Respect, Achievement, Trust, Forgiveness, Safety and Friendship.
There is a relentless drive to consistently promote the personal development of our pupils and provide rich and varied opportunities and experiences.
Our blossoming Tree of Personal Development at Whitkirk
Whitkirk values each, and every child and their journey through education and life.
Diversity and Culture
We celebrate individuality and the rich diversity within our school community. From Reception onwards, children engage with weekly cultural texts, widening their understanding from an early age. This continues through Key Stage 1 Storytime and into Key Stage 2 assemblies, where children explore and reflect on values such as respect, tolerance, democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law.
Our 3D Whitkirk Curriculum supports pupils to develop a strong moral compass that guides them throughout life.
The curriculum in ACTION
"Seeing is Believing”
From the moment you step into Whitkirk, you can see and hear our broad and balanced curriculum in action. Children engage in rich learning experiences across languages, music and the arts, including French, guitar, violin and drums. Our curriculum is enhanced further through opportunities such as Reception pupils learning British Sign Language (BSL) and all children exploring diverse composers and artists from around the world.
Subject leaders work with determination to ensure pupils develop their interests, discover new passions, and aspire to ambitious futures.
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Keeping Safe
Safeguarding is central to our curriculum. Children learn how to keep themselves safe and understand who is there to support them both in school and the wider community.
From EYFS, children form strong relationships with our local PCSOs, who support learning on topics such as making positive choices, fire safety, and community awareness. Our PSHE curriculum, supported by MindMate, teaches pupils about personal, emotional and mental wellbeing in an age-appropriate way.
Children also explore online safety, road safety and first aid. Experiences progress from Teddy Bear Hospital first aid lessons in Reception through to CPR training in Year 6, ensuring essential knowledge is embedded over time.
Community
Community is at the heart of Whitkirk. Relationships begin the moment children join us and are strengthened through Stay and Play sessions, Secret Reader visits and whole-family learning events.
Pupils visit a range of local places of worship, including St Mary’s Church, with whom we work closely. They learn the importance of giving back through charity events, singing for the elderly and participating in community celebrations.
Activities such as reading events at Halton Library and visits to Temple Newsam Estate help pupils develop a sense of belonging and understand the support available within their local community.
Pupil Leadership
We provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills that prepare them for life beyond primary school. Roles such as School Council Representatives, Eco Warriors, Reading Ambassadors, Play Leaders and membership of the RKLT Youth Board help children contribute to school life and develop confidence, responsibility and teamwork.
Spiritual, Moral, Social and cultural Education - SMSC
SMSC runs throughout daily life at Whitkirk. Though not taught as a standalone subject, it is woven through areas such as RE, PE, PSHE and our wider school ethos.
Through SMSC, pupils develop a strong moral understanding, empathy, respect and an appreciation of diverse beliefs and cultures. It supports the development of British Values and helps children grow into thoughtful, responsible and respectful members of society.
