At Jessie Younghusband Primary School, we believe that education is about far more than academic success. We are committed to developing confident, respectful, resilient and responsible young people who are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Our vision is to inspire and nurture the individuality of every member of our school community. Through our values of Aspire, Respect and Enjoy, we support children to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and character needed to thrive both now and in the future. This commitment to personal development runs through every aspect of school life and is an important part of our curriculum. 

Personal Development at JYS

Personal development is woven throughout our curriculum, assemblies, enrichment opportunities, pupil leadership roles, educational visits, wider experiences and everyday interactions.

We want our pupils to:

• Develop confidence and self-belief.
• Build positive relationships and friendships.
• Understand how to stay physically and mentally healthy.
• Become responsible and active citizens.
• Value diversity and respect others.
• Contribute positively to their community.
• Develop resilience, independence and ambition.
• Understand their role in both the local community and the wider world.

Through a carefully planned curriculum, children are encouraged to think deeply, discuss ideas respectfully and develop the skills needed to become successful lifelong learners.

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)

Our PSHE curriculum provides children with the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives now and in the future.

We follow the Cambridgeshire Personal Development Programme (PDP) through a structured two-year cycle which ensures full curriculum coverage and progression across the school. Topics include: 

• Mental wellbeing.
• Physical health and healthy lifestyles.
• Keeping safe.
• Online safety and digital lifestyles.
• Relationships and friendships.
• Respect and diversity.
• Rights, responsibilities and citizenship.
• Financial education.
• Personal safety.
• Communities and belonging.
• Managing change and transition.

Children are encouraged to discuss their views, reflect on experiences and develop the skills needed to make informed decisions throughout their lives. 

Relationships, Health and Sex Education (RHSE)

Relationships and Health Education is a statutory part of the primary curriculum and forms an important element of our wider personal development programme.

At JYS, we believe that Relationships Education begins long before children enter school and develops throughout their lives. We teach age-appropriate learning that helps children understand:

• Families and people who care for them.
• Friendships and positive relationships.
• Respectful relationships.
• Online relationships.
• Keeping safe.
• Physical and emotional health.
• Growing up and changing.

Our curriculum is delivered sensitively and progressively to ensure that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their development. 

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC)

SMSC development is at the heart of our curriculum and school ethos.

We believe that children should be given opportunities to explore ideas, develop their own beliefs and values, understand right and wrong, build positive relationships and appreciate the rich diversity of modern society.

At JYS, SMSC is promoted through:

• The curriculum.
• Assemblies and collective worship.
• Educational visits and visitors.
• Pupil leadership opportunities.
• Enrichment activities.
• Community involvement.
• Charity work and fundraising.
• Everyday interactions across the school.

These experiences help children develop confidence, empathy, respect and an understanding of the world around them.

British Values

The promotion of Fundamental British Values is a key part of life at Jessie Younghusband Primary School.

We actively promote:

Democracy

Children learn that everyone has a voice and that opinions matter. This is developed through classroom discussions, pupil leadership opportunities, voting activities and pupil voice initiatives.

Rule of Law

Children learn the importance of rules, responsibilities and fairness. Clear expectations, restorative approaches and positive behaviour systems help pupils understand how rules support a safe and successful community.

Individual Liberty

Children are encouraged to make choices, express their views and take responsibility for their actions. We help pupils develop confidence, independence and self-belief within a safe and supportive environment.

Mutual Respect

Respect is one of our core school values. Children learn to treat others with kindness, consideration and understanding, even when opinions differ.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Through our curriculum, assemblies, RE lessons and wider experiences, we help children understand, appreciate and celebrate the diversity of modern Britain and the wider world.

PiXL and Personal Development

As a proud member of PiXL, we benefit from access to national expertise, training, assessment and personal development resources.

Our work with PiXL supports both academic achievement and wider personal development. Through this partnership, we continually strengthen our curriculum, develop staff expertise and ensure that all children receive the support and opportunities they need to flourish.

Our engagement with PiXL reflects our commitment to high expectations, continuous improvement and ensuring that every child is able to achieve their full potential.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Personal development does not happen solely within lessons.

Children at JYS benefit from a wide range of opportunities including:

• Sporting events and competitions.
• Educational visits and residentials.
• Performing arts activities.
• Community projects.
• Leadership roles.
• Eco initiatives.
• Clubs and enrichment opportunities.
• Charity events and fundraising.

These experiences help children develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, leadership and a strong sense of belonging.

Aspire • Respect • Enjoy

At Jessie Younghusband Primary School, personal development sits at the heart of our vision. We are committed to developing well-rounded young people who are confident, respectful, ambitious and prepared for the opportunities and challenges of life in modern Britain.

Please see the documents below for further information about our PSHE curriculum, Relationships and Health Education curriculum and wider personal development provision.