Our curriculum is built on joy, curiosity, and purpose. Organised into four interconnected strands—STEM, Creative Communication, Humanities, and Personal & Physical Development—our learning approach blends structured progression with freedom to explore. We balance foundational knowledge and skills with conceptual thinking and creativity, empowering children to follow their curiosity and co-construct learning through COOL Time.
PSHE • PE • Relationships • Wellbeing • Outdoor Learning
Personal & Physical Development is central to our belief that education is for life, not just for exams. This strand develops children’s understanding of themselves, their bodies, their emotions, their relationships, and the wider world, building the foundations for health, confidence and responsible decision-making.
We aim to nurture resilient, compassionate and reflective learners who thrive physically, emotionally and socially.
Our Intent
Through a holistic and inclusive approach, we enable all children to:
- Build physical literacy and lead active, healthy lives
- Understand and manage emotions, relationships, and choices
- Develop a strong sense of identity, belonging and contribution
- Build resilience, empathy and ethical decision-making
- Recognise their role in caring for self, others and the planet
How We Organise Learning
Personal & Physical Development is taught explicitly and embedded throughout the curriculum and school day. We use:
- Structured teaching in PSHE and PE to secure key skills and knowledge
- Outdoor learning and movement to support wellbeing and engagement
- Co-constructed and child-led approaches during COOL Time and reflection sessions to deepen self-awareness and voice
Foundational vs Conceptual Learning in Personal & Physical Development
| Type | Example | Approach |
| Foundational Knowledge | Naming emotions, healthy eating, PE rules | Explicit instruction and discussion |
| Foundational Processes | Performing a warm-up routine, conflict resolution | Modelled and rehearsed |
| Conceptual Knowledge | Fairness, respect, community, identity | Enquiry and real-life application |
| Conceptual Processes | Reflecting, goal-setting, making ethical choices | Personal exploration and dialogue |
The Role of COOL Time
COOL (Choose/Carry On Our Learning) Time is a powerful space for children to reflect, move, connect and express themselves. They might:
- Develop a wellbeing campaign or podcast
- Rehearse a sports skill or choreograph a dance or yoga routine
- Design a class mindfulness garden
- Research and act on a local or global social issue
These choices build strong internal motivation and agency, supporting QI Skills such as:
- Me – recognising and regulating emotions
- We – strengthening collaboration and empathy
- Wobble – bouncing back from setbacks
- Will – setting and pursuing personal goals
- Wiggle – adapting to change and challenge
Progression and Coherence
Our Personal & Physical curriculum progresses from:
- EYFS: Exploring feelings, friendships, movement and independence
- KS1 & KS2: Developing physical coordination, healthy routines, digital literacy, respectful relationships, and life skills
Each year builds on what came before, with spiral coverage of key themes (e.g. wellbeing, identity, responsibility). Real-time application is encouraged through COOL Time, whole class collaborative decision making, outdoor learning, and restorative conversations.
Rooted in Nature, Grounded in Relationships
We believe that connection to nature, to others, and to self is fundamental to learning. From forest school activities to mental health workshops, from class ambassadors to pupils leading assemblies, this strand embodies our values of respect, reflection, and resilience.
In Practice: A Personal Development Journey
Y6 Wellbeing Legacy Project: After learning about mental health strategies, pupils initiated a “Legacy Project” for peers during COOL Time, complete with guided breathing scripts, books and sensory materials. This child-led initiative was then rolled out across the school.
Our curriculum blends structure and freedom, enabling every child to gain foundational skills while exploring and expressing their thinking deeply through joyful, purposeful learning.
Life Skills Curriculum (inc. RSE, PSHE)
Outdoor Learning and Forest School Skills Progression
