Personal development is at the heart of all that we do. We develop outward looking pupils who have the tools to communicate effectively and have a strong understanding of themselves, the wider community and the wider world. A range of additional planned opportunities enrich learning taught from Early Years and through to year 6. We help pupils develop their own character, to know that individual differences should be valued, to be resilient, reflective, to have empathy and respect for one another.
Our personal development curriculum supports pupils to be ready for their next stage in education, it weaves its way through every part of what we do.
At Sharow CE Primary School, we believe it is our responsibility to develop and prepare children for the wider world and the ever-changing challenges that they will encounter. Our commitment to personal development has led to planned provision which intertwines PSHE, Relationship and Health Education, SMSC and British Values.
Curriculum
Through our taught curriculum for Relationships, Sex and Health Education, we teach pupils to recognise and manage online and offline risks. We teach them about healthy relationships and that sexual harassment of any kind is not tolerated.
The computing curriculum has a strong focus on online safety which further equips children with the knowledge to keep themselves safe.
Collective Worship Programme
Children experience a programme of assemblies and collective worship based on our values-based ethos to help promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and provide clear guidance for pupils on how to grow to flourish. Every week children take part in a:
- Picture News Collective Worship: This is the focus of our weekly current affairs which are linked to our British Values teaching and learning.
- Singing Collective Worship: Through singing in collective worship children experience togetherness, belonging, celebration, worship and mindfulness.
- Celebration Assembly: Each week celebration assembly gives us a chance to celebrate achievements together.
In addition to this, pupils also take part in safeguarding and e-safety/ safety assemblies. Some of these are specific to our children’s PSHE needs. For example, as we live very close to a river, we feel it’s important that we talk about and teach water safety.
Visitors are invited to deliver assemblies to provide a personal element to the messages shared. A recent visitor was Bart Gee who spoke to the children about achieving things that others told him were not possible. Motivational Speaker | Disability | Breaking Limits – Bart Gee
Class names
This year all the classes have been named after inspirational sports personalities. This theme was chosen by the School Council and the children have been learning more about their celebrity. This has provided an opportunity for much discussion and appreciation for protected characteristics and possible discrimination.
Early Year Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Since the Picture News linked to the Paralympics the other week, our class have been fascinated with Paralympians. We researched and looked at a few but we weren’t taken by any of their surnames for being our Class name. Seth asked- “Who is the best Paralympians? because we are the best class” which made me smile!
Swimmer Trischa Zorn is the most successful athlete in the history of the Paralympic Games by some distance, having won 55 medals, including 41 gold medals, over seven Paralympics.
The American Para swimmer, who has been blind since birth, was inducted into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2022.
It brought about a lovely discussion about not all disabilities are seen/obvious as many thought she needed to have an arm or a leg missing to be in the Paralympics.
The children all loved the name and thought it made us all sound like superhumans (like in the 2016 ‘We’re the Superhumans advert).
Year 1 and 2
Eleanor (Ellie) Simmonds
Record-breaking Paralympian Who Won Two Gold Medals at the Age of 13, Appointed MBE and OBE for Services to Sport and Charity Work
- At age 13 she won 2 gold medals at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing
- Awarded BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year award in 2008
- Became the youngest person ever to be appointed MBE in 2009
- Appointed OBE in 2012
- Patron of the Dwarf Sports Association UK
Inspirational quotes:
‘You only live once and you need to enjoy life, to go out and achieve whatever you want to.’
‘I love who I am and I am glad that I have dwarfism because I think my body is strong and beautiful.’
“I’m just small. I can do everything everyone else can do.’
Year 3 and 4
Christopher Kamara is a former professional footballer (and manager) and has been a football analysist at Sky Sports. This job allowing him to be very much in the limelight.
Later in his career he struggled with speech problems and was diagnosed with speech apraxia. This meant he was unable to continue his career as a presenter as his speech is significantly delayed. He struggled mentally with this and became reclusive, refraining from speaking. Not only did he battle with his severe speech problems, but he also struggled mentally as a result.
He is now beginning to rebuild his career and talk more openly, discussing his struggles and his journey, in hope to support others to never give up.
Year 5 and 6
Our champion is Nicola Adams. She’s a Yorkshire woman, was the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal for boxing and has overcome many obstacles along the way in a male dominated sport.
She is also a huge advocate for equality and inclusion, a champion for women’s and LGBQT+ rights and is an all round good egg!
We love her quote – ‘Believe in yourself and you’ll be unstoppable’ and really looking forward to being able to refer to ourselves as ‘The Adams Family’!
Trips, visits and visitors
| Year B (2023-2024) | Each year | Year A (2024-2025) | Each year | |
| Whole School |
Dogs Trust PCSO – water safety NSPCC – Clever Never Goes |
Ripon Band Remembrance |
Fire Service – Fire PCSO – First Aid NSPCC – PANTS |
Ripon Band Remembrance |
| Nursery and Reception |
Fairytales animals |
Place of Christian worship Library Visit (walk and get the local bus back) People who help us visitors (dentist, paramedic, police, fire etc) Performance – nativity Learning together |
Harlow Carr Studfold Fairy Trail Seaside visit (Saltburn/Redcar)
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Place of Christian worship Library Visit (walk and get the local bus back) People who help us visitors (dentist, paramedic, police, fire etc) Performance – nativity Learning together |
| Year 1 and 2 |
Place of Jewish worship Fountains Abbey Local vets
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Library visit Year 2 camp out Sporting Competitions Author Performance – nativity Learning together
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Place of Muslim worship Animals
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Library visit Year 2 camp out Sporting Competitions Author Performance – nativity Learning together
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| Year 3 and 4 |
Place of Hindu worship Marrick Priory – focus on personal development (stretch zone) The Rivers Trust |
Library visit Sporting competitions Author Musicians Learning together Armed Forces Day Fist Aid training |
Place of Christian worship Murton Park – Anglo Saxons Local councillor Find Councillor | North Yorkshire Council Theatre visit Stump Cross caverns, Cold Stone cut and Brimham rocks Performance – Kids Aloud |
Library visit Sporting competitions Author Musicians Performance – Easter performance Learning together Armed Forces Day Fist Aid training Swimming lessons |
| Year 5 and 6 |
Place of Jewish worship London trip including The Houses of Parliament, theatre Art gallery Museum (Ancient Egypt) Humanist visitor and tour |
Library visit Parents’ career visits Sporting competitions Author Y6 Bikeability Musicians Performance – End of Year Learning together Internet Safety Armed Forces Day First Aid training |
Place of Muslim worship Local MP Peat Rigg – focus on personal development (stretch zone) The Life Centre – Newcastle (Space focus) Jorvik Centre, The Dig – York |
Library visit Parents’ career visits Sporting competitions Author Y6 Bikeability Musicians Performance – Kids Aloud (biannual), End of Year Service Learning together Internet Safety Armed Forces Day First Aid training Crucial Crew |
A carefully planned programme of trips, visits and visitors enhances the curriculum, providing personal experience and exposure to a wide range of people and places.
We also have a planned programme of overnight and residential visits:
Our Year 2 children camp out overnight on the school field for one night in Summer to give them a taster of a night away from home.
Our Year 3 and Year 4 children attend a 3 day residential at Marrick Priory. During the visit we encourage and develop self-respect, respect for others and for the natural environment we share. This is achieved through a range of activities that promote participation, teamwork, personal challenge, independence, friendship and personal responsibility.
Our Year 5 and Year 6 children attend a 3 day residential in London alternating with a 3 day residential at an outdoor centre.
The London visit provides the opportunity for children to learn more about our capital city. We visited the London Eye, The Natural History Museum and Tower of London. We also go to see a show. This year the children chose to see Matilda. This is a fun packed and busy visit that enables the children to feel life in a city, experience a West End musical and learn more about another place. The ppt. below shows the itinerary of a previous trip.
Visiting an outdoor centre, will create life-long memories for your child, build their confidence and improve their mental well-being. All of this whilst taking part in fun, challenging and exciting outdoor activities in the natural environment.
The visit will promote personal and social development, a positive growth mindset and the resilience necessary to face challenges and solve problems. The children will develop their ability to learn though improving their emotional intelligence, strength of character, creativity and communication skills. In addition to this will develop their environmental awareness, appreciation for the natural world and ability to keep themselves safe in it.
SMSC and British Values
Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural
At Sharow CE Primary School, we recognise that social, moral, spiritual and cultural development is central to the education of all pupils and permeates the whole curriculum, vision and ethos of the school. It is reflected in the behaviours of individuals, through worship, in interactions and also in the provision of teaching, resources and learning environments. In all aspects of SMSC we focus on our school’s vision and the contribution of SMSC to help members of our schools flourish together.
What is SMSC?
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Social Development |
Social development relates to the development of knowledge and understanding and the acquisition of skills in relating to others. This begins with family and friends and extends to the wider community beyond. Pupils are taught to respect each other and to appreciate, value and celebrate each other’s similarities and differences. An awareness and understanding of, and respect for, the environment in which they live is also developed. |
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Moral Development |
Moral development relates particularly to developing knowledge and understanding of right and wrong. Pupils learn to make choices in their behaviour through developing knowledge of boundaries and understanding of consequences. They learn by example and by practising through role-play, story and group activities. |
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Spiritual Development |
Spiritual development is not necessarily or exclusively religious but is a ‘concern to foster the growth of the human spirit.’ |
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Cultural Development |
Cultural development is concerned with encountering the defining aspects of different cultures. Explorations of values, beliefs, customs, foods, artefacts and stories allow the pupils to make comparisons and develop knowledge of lifestyles and choices of others. |
What does it look like in our schools?
SMSC development is taught through and reflected in all areas of the curriculum, Collective Worship and through all aspects of school life. Pupils are provided with the opportunities to gain in knowledge and understanding and to develop the skills they need to participate in the life of the community in which they live.
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Social Development |
Focus on health, well-being and relationships education. Children learn to develop social skills, and where support is needed this may be offered through emotional coaching. Educational visits support children to develop social understanding – eg Ripon foodbank. Regular meetings are held to discuss challenging behaviour to ensure that all staff are supported and that ideas are shared. Children are actively taught to take turns and positive interactions are modelled in all aspects of school life. Our school vision explicitly focuses on community, forgiveness, love and respect. |
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Moral Development |
Reward systems and celebration of achievements helps children to achieve success. Our relationships and behaviour policy supports children to interact and make the right choices. The curriculum, particularly English, religious education and Collective Worship help children to explore stories that present moral issues. Our curriculum promotes investigative learning about ethical issues. We encourage children to challenge injustice and display courageous advocacy. We explore moral decisions and use stories and teachings from the Bible to help us understand and reflect on moral issues. |
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Spiritual Development |
The RE curriculum contains units on celebrations, festivals and worship from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism. Children are encouraged to take part in periods of reflection at different times throughout the school week. Children are helped to gain an understanding of their feelings and emotions and their likely impact on themselves and others. Prayer is used within the day to say thank you and support reflection. Pupils are encouraged to appreciate the awe and wonder of the world around them. |
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Cultural Development |
There are regular celebrations of religious festivals over the year. Geography and Religious Educations have units on other cultures and religions. English includes units on stories from other cultures. All pupils are accepted equally and play an active part in the school community regardless of their colour, religion or gender. Children participate in a range of artistic, sporting and other cultural opportunities provided by the school. Cultural development is promoted through the curriculum so that children develop an appreciation of how different communities interpret and view their world. |
British Values
What are ‘fundamental British values’?
Schools are required to provide for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of their pupils. As part of this requirement, schools are expected to actively promote fundamental British values.
The government defines these as:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
We promote ‘British Values’ through our spiritual, moral, social and cultural education which permeates through the school’s curriculum and supports the development of the ‘whole child’.
We recognise that such development is most successful when those values and attitudes are promoted by all the staff and provide a model of behaviour for our pupils.
Contact the school
If you have any questions or concerns about British values and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
External information
The following guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) may be useful for further information:
Wider Opportunities
Pupils are offered a broad range of opportunities to develop their talents and interests both within lessons and during extra-curricular activities or clubs.
Our Eco-Warrior team first started at Sharow CE School in 2019.
Since then the team have been pro-active in their goal of making the school a greener place.
The team led the school to the Gold Green Tree Award in 2020. Encouraging children to visit woodlands, celebrate trees in their locality and even planting two trees on the school field.
The Eco-Warriors have also created paper recycling bins for each class which are now collected and recycled with NYCC.
This year the Eco-Warriors set themsleves the challenge to achieve the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award. Last week we heard that our application was successful. Below is some of the feedback from the Eco-Schools team.
"It's wonderful that you have appointed such a representative Eco-Committee, this shows your school’s excellent commitment to both the programme and the eco-cause. We love your democratic and fair approach to appointing Eco-Committee members. It’s great to see that other pupils played a part in the process. It was also wonderful to see that they were supported by a member of staff and that a key member of the SLT was kept informed."
"Your Action Plan shows that your Eco-Committee have carefully considered how they can involve their entire school in their planned Eco-Schools’ activities to achieve maximum impacts and raise awareness amongst their school community. We love the range of activities that you and your Eco-Committee planned for delivery. The fact that they cover both indoor (waste monitors and taking part in the Great Big School Clean) and outdoor (regular litter-picks and growing your own fruit and vegetable snacks) activities is excellent."
"We love that your pupils have taken their great work beyond the school gates and into their local community with some fabulous community litter-picks for the Great Big School Clean – excellent efforts!"
Mental Health Abassadors
Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors support the children across our federation.
The postilion of Ambassador is applied for in writing to the Headteacher, which assures that members are committed to their role and have the necessary qualities to fulfill it.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Ambassadors:
- Promote a healthy lifestyle, wellbeing and resilience
- Develop wellbeing ideas, activities and projects in school
- Help others to know about where they can get help and support from
- Are a good role model and a good listener
- Talk about feelings and emotions
School Council
Our School Council are made up of children from reception to year 6, and are elected by their peers. This helps to develop children’s understanding of Democracy and British Values.
Candidates make speeches in front of the class, followed by voes being cast.
The council meet regularly and discusses a variety of topics which effect them in their school lives.
Music
Instrument Tuition
Music tuition is available during the school day. Children can learn to play guitar, violin, piano and various brass instruments. Termly piano concerts are a highlight and provide children with an opportunity to perform for their peers and parents. Our most recent concert included 12 pianists.
Singing
A lunchtime singing club is free of charge to all children and is a relaxed and fun way for children to use their voices. They perform in special services during the year.
Year 5 and 6 take part in Kids Aloud, which takes place every two years at the Royal Hall in Harrogate. The performance allows them to work collaboratively with schools from across the area to present a high-quality production.