"Leaders have carefully planned the extensive wider curriculum to ensure the exceptional personal development of pupils. Leaders make use of external speakers in a range of fields to develop pupils’ cultural awareness. Pupils develop a detailed understanding of the fundamental British values and protected characteristics. Pupils, including those in the ARC, discuss and debate current issues."

Ofsted July 2023

Personal Development

The CCEA defines Personal Development as;

'Encouraging each child to become personally, emotionally, socially and physically effective, to lead healthy, safe and fulfilled lives; To become confident, independent and responsible citizens, making informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives’

At Waverley Junior Academy our pupils’ personal development is at the heart of everything we do. Our curriculum extends beyond the academic and supports our children to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives, now and in the future.

 

Keeping healthy

We ensure all children know how to eat healthily. Our 3-week menu offers our pupils a variety of healthy meals to choose from and initiatives such as 'Eat Them to Defeat them' give our pupils the opportunity to try new foods in interesting ways.

We encourage all pupils to maintain an active lifestyle. Alongside the P.E curriculum, children can join sports teams, attend lunch time and after school clubs, take part in bikability events, attend swimming lessons and compete in annual sports days.

Pupils’ wellbeing is considered within all areas of our curriculum and is visible within the learning environment. Mental health is also promoted through stories, circle time, assemblies and events such as ‘Children’s mental Health Week’.

Our RSHE curriculum ensures pupils have an age-appropriate understanding of relationships and the 9 Protected Characteristics.

 

Staying Safe

We actively teach the contextual safeguarding concerns (road safety, construction site safety and water safety) for our pupils and ensure they know how to stay safe through lessons, assemblies, workshops and events.

We take E-Safety very seriously and integrate this into all areas of Computing being taught within school, so that children can see the real life dangers involved with using digital devices.

All pupils are encouraged and frequently reminded, to speak to a trusted adult when they have concerns or worries.

 

British Values

The British Values are taught, promoted and reinforced regularly in a variety of ways: lessons, debates, assemblies, ‘Votes for Waverley’, school councils and celebrations.

Current events such as The World Cup are used to promote discussion and learning opportunities.

We have developed a school culture that promotes diversity in our classrooms. We understand that each pupil brings unique experiences, strengths and ideas and the exploration and incorporation of these differences enriches our learning. We use stories, resources and teaching materials that celebrate different religions, cultures and disabilities. We also hold assemblies and themed events such as Diversity Day where all children learn about and discuss a particular focus.

 

Rich Experiences

We consider pupils’ cultural capital through all aspects of academy life.

We ensure all classes take part in educational visits to bring their topics to life. These include wildlife parks, museums, supermarkets, farms and education centres.

We regularly have visitors into the academy to inspire pupils. These include the police, the NHS, dental nurses, charity workers, faith leaders and historians.

We nurture and develop pupils’ talents and interests through our bespoke curriculum, extra-curricular activities, celebration assemblies and participation in The Children’s University.

 

Responsible Citizens

We give pupils’ extra responsibilities and ensure they understand how important and appreciated their role in our school is. These include School, Eco and Sports Councilors, play leaders, library monitors, Road Safety Officers and Head Boy and Girl.

We work with local businesses and The Advanced Manufacturing Park to develop pupils’ knowledge and skills of future careers they could have,

We support the local and wider community by raising money for charities, collecting donations for food banks, visiting care homes and working closely with the local Waverley Events Team.

We encourage pupils to look after the environment through Science and Geography lessons, helping in the academy allotment, supporting staff to keep the school grounds clean and tidy and taking part in special events such as World Tree Planting day and Earth hour.

 

 

Developing Character

In addition to the above, to support pupils in building the character skills they will need, we;

Ensure all pupils display positive behavior through our ‘Fabulous Five’.

Deliver PSHE lessons that explore feelings and emotions and provide our pupils with strategies to manage them.

Teach pupils life skills such as cooking, catching a bus and being responsible with money and take part in workshops and visits such as ‘Crucial Crew’ to support this.

Work with pupils in our Integrated Resource on the Autism Education Trust Progression Framework (AET) completing sessions including ‘Communication and Interaction’ and ‘Sensory Processing’.

Provide positive role models for all children: the academy staff and visitors such as footballers, doctors, boxers and police officers.

Provide challenge in lessons and problem solving activities that build pupils resilience.

Support children to take part in competitions and games, developing skills such as team work, team spirit, discipline and determination.

Ensure the academy is a place pupils feel safe and cared for and that they understand bullying is never tolerated and a trusted adult is always available to talk to.

At an age appropriate level, we actively teach the 9 Protected Characteristics. Our pupils understand that these are protected by law and that discrimination should never be tolerated.