LOVE - SERVE - GROW
"Working together for the good of all"
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At St Michael’s CE School, personal development is rooted in our Christian vision: Love, Serve, Grow. We believe that every child is uniquely valued and created in God’s image, and we are committed to nurturing the whole child so they can flourish academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Through our rich and inclusive curriculum and wider school life, pupils learn to love themselves and others through respectful relationships, serve their community with compassion and responsibility, and grow in confidence, resilience, and independence.
We promote physical and mental wellbeing, moral integrity, and understanding of diversity so that pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain. By providing opportunities for reflection, leadership, and pupil voice, alongside a rich and varied extracurricular programme, we enable all children, including those with SEND, to discover their talents, develop their strengths, and leave our school ready to contribute positively to society and the next stage of their education.
At St Michael's, PSHE and RHE is taught in classes using the ‘Jigsaw’ scheme of work. Jigsaw covers a variety of themes termly including: ‘Being Me in My World’, ‘Healthy Me’ and ‘Dreams and Goals’. Themes are then further explored and reinforced in whole school, key-stage and class worships, alongside our Christian Values. Although British Values are not taught as discrete lessons, the relevant skills are taught throughout PSHE, as well as the wider curriculum and within our worships. The relationships and health part of the curriculum (RHE) is taught in the classroom within our PSHE sessions, as well as in aspects of science, P.E., computing, in the playground and also in our whole school worships and restorative practice.
Jigsaw is structured into 6 termly Puzzles (units) with the whole school studying the same Puzzle at the same time. Lessons are talk-based and are more informal than other lessons so as to encourage an open forum for discussion and are adapted to respond to the needs of the class.
Please see the link below for the Jigsaw scheme progression map
Our Personal Development opportunities are designed to equip every pupil with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to thrive and be prepared for their next steps. We place a strong emphasis on developing pupils’ cultural capital, ensuring that all children are given meaningful opportunities to broaden their horizons and experience the wider world. Through a rich programme of enrichment, visits, leadership opportunities and community engagement, pupils develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of identity. Inclusivity is at the heart of our approach; we ensure that opportunities are accessible to all so every child can participate, contribute and succeed. By nurturing curiosity, ambition and respect for others, we prepare our pupils to become thoughtful, responsible citizens who are ready for the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities of the future.
Our global and local links enhance this learning. Pupils have partnered with the Masai Academy in Kenya, raising funds to provide essential school equipment. Each year, they contribute to the Lent Appeal, supporting charities such as Winton’s Wish. Close links with our local church and St Cecilia’s Secondary School enrich pupils’ spiritual and social understanding.
Leadership opportunities run from Year 1 to Year 6, giving pupils a real sense of responsibility and impact. Groups include Eco Warriors, Playground Champions, House Captains, Lead Ambassadors, Year 6 Subject Ambassadors, and the Pupil Faith Group.
Pupils create agendas, write minutes, and display outcomes across the school, so they can see exactly how their contributions make a difference. These experiences build confidence, accountability, and pride in their school community.
Pupil voice is central to our school ethos. The school council provides opportunities for pupils to meet with staff, share their ideas, and contribute to decisions that affect the school. Leadership roles and the debating club, organised by The Noisy Classroom, allow pupils to practise expressing their opinions confidently, listening respectfully, and taking part in civic life.
Pupil wellbeing is a high priority at St Michael’s. Throughout the year, we hold Wellbeing Weeks to highlight the importance of mental health and use resources around emotional literacy, Zones of Regulations and Place2Be. Pupils engage in emotional wellbeing lessons, mindfulness activities, and reflection time, and class teachers lead daily check-ins to ensure every child feels supported.
Our Listening Post provides a safe space for pupils to share concerns with the Inclusion team, while two trained ELSAs offer additional support through interventions such as Comic Strip Conversations, Circle of Friends, and SHINE!. Pupils also benefit from reading with Nelson, our community dog, and are encouraged to seek help from trusted adults who are highlighted during worship sessions. These structures ensure pupils feel safe, valued, and confident in managing their emotions.
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