Personal Development

Personal development is a golden thread that runs throughout our curriculum. Foundry Lane Primary School is a nurturing learning environment in which every child is encouraged to develop to their full potential, and where their achievements and successes are celebrated and rewarded.

We recognise PSHE as a vital part of a child's learning, helping them develop the skills and understanding they need to live confident, healthy, and independent lives, as well as being effective learners. We believe every child is an individual, and we aim to encourage mutual respect and responsibility, and to foster self-esteem, in a happy and caring atmosphere. These aims are reinforced through our Golden Rules: Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Your Best.

Using the PSHE Association Programme of Study, children develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand relationships, physical and mental wellbeing, online safety, diversity, citizenship, and life in modern Britain. This learning is strengthened through our Collective Worship programme, pupil leadership opportunities, British Values, our Civic Award, and the many enrichment experiences that form part of life at Foundry Lane.

How PSHE Is Taught

Lessons are taught in a safe and supportive environment, with ground rules agreed with the children at the start of each school year. This gives children the confidence to ask questions, challenge opinions, and share their own ideas. PSHE is taught in a positive way, free from guilt or shock value, using a wide variety of age-appropriate and relevant stimuli.

Where issues arise on the playground or in class, outside of planned PSHE learning, teachers use these moments as opportunities to deepen children's understanding, addressing them in a respectful, restorative, and constructive way. All classes take part in circle time each week.

We also hold weekly assemblies celebrating achievements from across the school, often focusing on events marked nationally or globally, such as Anti-Bullying Week or Disability History Month. These assemblies are planned and led by members of the leadership team.

What You'll See in PSHE Lessons

During PSHE learning at Foundry Lane, children are actively engaged through a variety of activities and stimuli that are relevant and age-appropriate. All learning combines knowledge and skills, building year on year. You'll see whole-class and peer discussions, with children sharing and reflecting on their own experiences, carried out through whole-class, small-group, and individual learning.

The classroom is a respectful environment where children feel confident to share their ideas and opinions, and to ask questions. Evidence of PSHE learning is recorded in a variety of ways, whether written, acted out, drawn, reported, or performed.