At St. Gabriel’s, we are committed to developing the whole child. Our Personal Development provision ensures that pupils grow into confident, resilient and responsible individuals who are well prepared for life in modern Britain.

Our approach is carefully planned to support pupils’ character development, wellbeing, safety, leadership, and understanding of the wider world. Through a rich curriculum, enrichment opportunities and meaningful experiences, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to thrive both in school and beyond.

 

Wellbeing, Emotional Development and Resilience

Supporting pupils’ emotional wellbeing is central to our ethos. We provide structured opportunities for children to understand their emotions, develop resilience and build positive relationships.

Specialist workshops include:

• Inside Out – Emotional Resilience workshops (Year 3)

• Inside Out – Emotional Regulation workshops (Year 6)

• Inside Out – Anger and Emotional Regulation workshop (Year 2)

These sessions support pupils in developing strategies for managing emotions, building self-awareness and maintaining positive mental wellbeing.

 

Staying Safe in the Modern World

We ensure that pupils understand how to keep themselves safe both in the real world and online. Through assemblies, workshops and curriculum learning, pupils explore topics such as online safety, personal safety and responsible decision-making.

Workshops and assemblies include:

• Parentzone – Be Internet Legends Assembly with Anna Turley MP (whole school)

• Cleveland Police – Cyber Prevent Awareness workshops (Year 5 and Year 6)

• Bigfoot Arts Education – Knife crime awareness workshops (Year 5 and Year 6)

• Cleveland Fire Brigade – Road Safety workshops (Reception to Year 6)

These experiences help pupils understand risks and empower them to make safe and responsible choices.

 

Careers and Aspirations

We are committed to raising aspirations and helping pupils understand the opportunities available to them in the future. Through engagement with professionals and organisations, pupils gain insight into different careers and develop ambition for their futures.

Opportunities include:

• RCDVA – Careers workshops (Years 4 and 5)

• North East Air Ambulance – KS1 and KS2 assemblies

• Boulby Underground Laboratory – Year 4 workshop

Meeting professionals and hearing about their work inspires pupils and broadens their understanding of the world of work.

 

Creativity and Cultural Experiences

Creative and cultural opportunities are an important part of pupils’ development. These experiences nurture imagination, confidence and enjoyment of learning.

Examples include:

• Earthbeat Centre – Creative workshops (Years 4, 5 and 6)

• Jamie Knight Freestyle Football – Whole-school freestyle football assembly and workshops

These activities encourage pupils to explore their talents and develop confidence in expressing themselves.

 

Physical Health and Active Lifestyles

Promoting healthy lifestyles is an important part of our Personal Development provision. Pupils learn about the importance of physical activity, teamwork and perseverance.

Opportunities include:

• Redcar & Cleveland Sports Partnership – Bikeability sessions (Year 5)

• MFC Foundation – Joy of Movement workshops (Year 5)

Early Years Enrichment

Our youngest pupils benefit from specialist music and creative experiences that support early communication, confidence and social development.

Workshops include:

• Moo Music – Music workshops (2-Year-Old Provision and Nursery)

• Mini Melodies – Music workshops (2-Year-Old Provision and Nursery)

Developing Confident, Responsible Citizens

Through assemblies, curriculum learning and enrichment opportunities, pupils at St. Gabriel’s develop:

• confidence and self-belief

• resilience and emotional awareness

• respect for others

• an understanding of how to stay safe

• aspirations for their future

Our Personal Development programme ensures that pupils leave St. Gabriel’s as well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the next stage of their education and life in modern society.

 

British Values

At St. Gabriel’s, we actively promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These values are embedded throughout our curriculum, assemblies and wider school life.

Democracy
Pupils are encouraged to have a voice and understand that their opinions matter. Opportunities such as voting for School Council representatives allow pupils to experience democratic processes and learn how decisions can be made fairly.

The Rule of Law
Pupils develop an understanding of rules, responsibilities and the importance of laws in keeping people safe. Through our behaviour expectations, restorative conversations and visits from organisations such as the police and fire service, pupils learn why rules and laws are important in school and wider society.

Individual Liberty
We encourage pupils to make choices and take responsibility for their actions. Pupils are supported to express their views respectfully, develop independence and understand their rights while recognising the importance of making safe and responsible decisions.

Mutual Respect
Respect is a core value at St. Gabriel’s. Pupils are taught to value each other’s opinions, celebrate differences and work collaboratively. Our school ethos promotes kindness, empathy and positive relationships.

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Through our curriculum, assemblies and celebration of cultural events, pupils develop an understanding of different religions, cultures and beliefs. This helps them develop respect for diversity and prepares them for life in a multicultural society.

 

Pupil Leadership and Responsibilities

At St. Gabriel’s we believe that giving pupils leadership opportunities helps them develop confidence, responsibility and a sense of pride in their school community.

Pupils are encouraged to contribute to school life and take on roles that help them develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills. Opportunities for pupil leadership include:

School Council
School Council representatives are elected by their peers and meet regularly to discuss ideas, share pupil views and contribute to school improvement. This allows pupils to develop leadership skills and understand how their voices can make a positive difference.

Playground Leaders and Sports Leaders
Older pupils support younger children during playtimes by organising games and encouraging active play. This promotes teamwork, responsibility and positive role modelling.

Classroom Responsibilities
Pupils take on a variety of roles within their classes, such as equipment monitors, eco representatives and helpers. These responsibilities help pupils develop independence and pride in contributing to the school community.

Supporting the School Community
Pupils are also encouraged to take part in charity events, community projects and school initiatives, helping them understand the importance of contributing positively to society.

 

Through these opportunities, pupils at St. Gabriel’s develop leadership skills, confidence and a strong sense of responsibility, preparing them to be active and positive members of their community.