Personal Development

Personal Development encourages pupils to develop personally, emotionally, socially and physically, and to lead healthy, safe and fulfilled lives. It also encourages them to become confident, independent and responsible citizens, making informed and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives.

At South Hylton Primary Academy, we firmly believe that academic success must be complemented by the development of a wide range of personal skills. These prepare our pupils well for their next phase of education, and more importantly, provide lifelong skills that secure positive personal relationships and career aspirations. 

We provide an ethos and curriculum which ensures these characteristics are developed. Through assemblies, visits, visitors, the PSHE curriculum, and a focus on careers and enhanced provision (eg  Forest School, spending a night camping on our grounds and residential visits), we prepare our pupils to be respectful, responsible and active citizens.

Please follow this link to see an overview of our 23/24 Personal Development Offer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fd2gW67t5bwLYLkAKGXp-qGFHfNSQPed5d6Cldek7qA/edit?usp=sharing

We also encourage children to develop their own understanding of how to set and achieve personal targets and challenges, looking particularly at aspirations and careers that the children would like to pursue. We are currently working towards achieving the UNICEF Rights Respecting Gold Award.

We have a strong focus on mental health and mindfulness, with a dedicated Student Welfare Lead, Senior Mental Health Lead and qualified Teach Breath advocates. Everyday, we practice quiet reflection and follow the NHS 5 Steps to Wellbeing.

All of the pupils at South Hylton are automatically signed up to our 'SHPA Passport', a simple promise of an enriched curriculum offering everything from career talks (we've had visits from engineers, doctors and dentists and everything in between), the opportunity to join a rock band, go rock climbing and visit the beach amongst more more fantastic opportunities: