Personal development lies at the heart of life and learning at Mawnan CE VA Primary School. We support, nurture and challenge every child to become a happy, healthy, confident and responsible individual, prepared for life in modern Britain and the wider world.
Our Christian vision inspires children to recognise and develop their unique, God-given gifts. We want every child to be known, to belong, to flourish and to have opportunities to let their light shine.
Personal development is not taught through one subject alone. It is woven throughout our ambitious curriculum, collective worship, enrichment opportunities and everyday school life. Through carefully planned experiences, children acquire the knowledge, skills, values and personal qualities they need to:
develop confidence, independence and resilience;
build healthy and respectful relationships;
understand themselves and care for their physical and emotional wellbeing;
recognise and celebrate difference;
make safe, informed and responsible choices;
contribute positively to their school and community;
develop their talents, interests and leadership skills;
understand their rights and responsibilities; and
prepare for the opportunities and challenges of their next stage of education and future lives.
Our approach promotes positive relationships across the school community. Children learn to understand their own thoughts, feelings and identity while developing empathy, respect and care for others. These foundations help them to enjoy healthy, positive and productive relationships throughout their lives.
Our PSHE curriculum, including Relationships, Sex and Health Education, is a central part of our personal development offer.
Children learn how to care for their physical and mental health, build safe and respectful relationships and respond confidently to situations they may encounter. Teaching is carefully matched to children’s age and stage of development and helps them understand how to keep themselves and others safe.
Relationships and Health Education explores what it means to care for ourselves and show loving care towards others. Where age-appropriate, Sex Education builds upon this learning by helping children understand loving, committed and respectful relationships, including marriage.
Explore our PSHE, Relationships and Health Education curriculum
Our Christian vision and values shape how we learn, behave and care for one another. Through collective worship, reflection and opportunities to put faith into action, children consider important questions, develop spiritually and understand how they can make a positive difference.
Our values of compassion, respect, perseverance, trust, peace and hope provide a shared language through which children learn to make thoughtful choices and treat others with dignity.
Our curriculum extends far beyond the requirements of the National Curriculum. Children are offered a rich range of experiences through sport, music, the arts, outdoor learning and other creative, practical and academic opportunities.
Our programme of clubs helps children discover new interests, develop their talents and experience the confidence and enjoyment that come from participation and achievement. Clubs are led by staff, volunteers and specialist coaches who share their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise.
Children in Years 4, 5 and 6 have the opportunity to take part in residential experiences. These camps encourage independence, resilience, teamwork and confidence while enabling children to learn in different contexts and environments.
For many children, residential camps provide memorable opportunities to overcome challenges, take appropriate risks, develop friendships and discover strengths they did not know they had.
Trips, workshops and visits take place throughout the school year and across the school. These experiences are linked to our curriculum voyages, journeys and expeditions and are carefully planned to deepen learning and bring the curriculum to life.
Visitors from our local community and beyond share their knowledge, experiences and perspectives with the children. This helps pupils understand the wider world, appreciate the opportunities available to them and recognise the many ways in which people contribute to society.
We help children understand the importance of caring for their physical and mental health. Through the curriculum and wider school provision, pupils learn about healthy choices, emotional wellbeing, exercise, nutrition, relationships and how to seek help when they need it.
Children are encouraged to recognise and talk about their feelings, develop strategies for managing challenges and understand that asking for support is a sign of strength.
Children are given opportunities to take responsibility, contribute their ideas and make a positive difference to school life. Through leadership roles, teamwork, service and participation in the wider community, they learn that their voices and actions matter.
We encourage every child to show integrity, kindness, courage and perseverance and to use their gifts for the benefit of others.
Every child at Mawnan should feel known, valued and included. Children learn about different families, cultures, faiths, identities and ways of life. They are taught to recognise and challenge prejudice and discrimination and to treat every person with dignity and respect.
We celebrate the individuality of every member of our community while helping children understand the values and responsibilities that unite us.