Personal Development at Oakdene

Growing Through Excellence

At Oakdene Primary Academy, children are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to growing through excellence, ensuring that every child—regardless of background, starting point or need—has the opportunity to flourish and become the very best version of themselves.

We pride ourselves on offering a rich, well-rounded education. Alongside high academic expectations, we place equal importance on developing the whole child. Through our personal development offer, we nurture pupils to become resilient, independent and confident individuals, ready to make a positive contribution to their community and the wider world.

At Oakdene, we want every child to leave us not only with strong academic outcomes, but also with the confidence to see themselves as an author, a mathematician, a historian, an artist, a musician, a scientist and more. We believe these identities help children to understand their potential and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Preparing Children for Life Beyond Oakdene

In a rapidly changing world, we are committed to nurturing pupils who demonstrate:

·         Adaptability and resilience

·         Kindness, respect and empathy

·         Tolerance and understanding of different cultures, beliefs and backgrounds

·         Confidence to express themselves and contribute positively to society

Our curriculum, underpinned by our values of Responsibility, Respect, Friendship, Honesty, Determination and Pride, ensures that children develop strong character alongside academic success.

Our Personal Development Offer

Our carefully planned provision provides meaningful experiences that support pupils’ personal growth and cultural capital, including:

·         PSHE and PATHS sessions – supporting emotional literacy, wellbeing and positive relationships

·         No Outsiders curriculum and assemblies– promoting inclusion, equality and respect for all

·         Pupil Leadership opportunities (e.g. School Council, Eco Council, Super Seven JLT)

·         Assemblies – reinforcing values, celebrating achievements and exploring key themes

·         Positive relationships and behaviour policy – underpinned by our 3Rs: Ready, Respectful, Safe

·         Educational visits and enrichment opportunities – broadening experiences beyond the classroom

·         Opportunities to develop responsibility and independence across school life

Cultural Capital and Character Development

Our personal development curriculum provides every child with opportunities to:

·         Try new activities and experiences

·         Discover and develop talents and interests

·         Build confidence and self-belief

·         Take on leadership roles and responsibilities

These experiences are carefully designed to ensure that all pupils, regardless of background or starting point, are equipped with the knowledge, skills and personal qualities needed to succeed.

Our Commitment

At Oakdene, we are committed to ensuring that every child:

·         Feels safe, valued and included

·         Achieves their full potential

·         Develops strong character and values

·         Is ready for the next stage of education and life beyond school

Through our focus on excellence, inclusion and personal growth, we empower our children to become confident, compassionate and responsible citizens who are proud of who they are and excited about who they can become.

No Outsiders

PATHS Education

British Values

Enrichment Opportunities

Assemblies at Oakdene

Cultural Capital

Equality and Diversity