PDL - Personal Development Learning
At St John the Baptist Primary School, we want our children to create new possibilities for their future, with compassion in their hearts and courage on their journey. Our PDL curriculum supports our vision and Christian values, helping children to shape their future with confidence and purpose.
We aim for all pupils to learn how to lead happier, healthier, and safer lives, developing a strong understanding of the factors that influence their personal, social, emotional, and economic well‑being. Pupils also learn to recognise the impact they can have on others—within their families, local communities, and globally.
It is essential that our children develop the knowledge, skills, and qualities they need to navigate their lives effectively, both now and in the future. Our curriculum ensures they remain healthy and safe while preparing them for life and work in today’s world.
At St John’s, we use the SCARF scheme of work (Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience, Friendship) to plan and deliver our PSHE and RHE curriculum. This scheme is centred on a values‑based and Growth Mindset approach. SCARF lessons promote positive behaviour, mental health, wellbeing, resilience, and achievement.
SCARF provides a comprehensive programme with over 350 lesson plans, mapped to the National Curriculum and covering all of the DfE’s statutory requirements for Relationships Education and Health Education, as well as the PSHE Association’s Programme of Study recommended learning opportunities.
PDL learning is further enriched through special events such as:
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Anti‑Bullying Week
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Children’s Mental Health Week
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Healthy School Week – including dental hygiene visitors
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Safer Internet Day
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Heartstart first aid training
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Visit from the Fire service
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Visit from GAFIRS (Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service)
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Education support from MyBank
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Regular meetings with our Community Support Officer (CSO) provide opportunities for our children to engage with current affairs, develop awareness of community issues, and learn how to stay safe and responsible citizens.
PDL is taught weekly as a discrete lesson but is also embedded throughout our daily practices.
Each year group covers the same six core themes:
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Me and My Relationships
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Valuing Difference
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Keeping Myself Safe
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Rights and Responsibilities
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Being at My Best
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Growing and Changing
SCARF is a spiral curriculum, meaning children revisit these themes every year. Each time, the content increases in complexity and reinforces previous learning. This continual revisiting ensures knowledge becomes embedded and pupils deepen their understanding across all PSHE and RSE areas.
At St John the Baptist Primary School, we expect all teachers to use the SCARF programme of study to equip pupils with both an appreciation of potential challenges they may face and the knowledge and skills they need to overcome them. Pupils learn to make safe, informed decisions and to act responsibly in a variety of contexts.
By the end of Key Stage 2, our pupils will:
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Have the knowledge and understanding to make the right decisions in relation to Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSE)
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Be prepared to live as positive, responsible citizens within a changing community and wider world
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Understand the link between PDL, the school’s vision, values, and Christian ethos
PDL is an essential part of the primary curriculum, integral to the development of children’s values and their preparation for life beyond school.
What our children say:
“It is really good to learn about diversity and how we are all different.”
“You get to learn whilst doing different activities and having discussions.”
“It is great we get to communicate and share our ideas.”
“I think it is fun to learn through the different activities we do.”
“I like it because we learn in a fun way about important things.”
Useful websites to improve your child's knowledge at home:
Primary PSHE teaching resources
Useful websites to use at home for parents:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/pants-underwear-rule/
https://padlet.com/SEND_Berrywood/supporting-families-5x2uk7f0pcghubx0