Personal Development at Minster

At Minster, personal development is at the heart of everything we do. It shapes our culture, our curriculum and our daily interactions. We believe every child should leave Minster feeling confident, unique and proud—ready to thrive both now and in the future.

Our aim is simple: to help every child be the best learner, the best friend and the best citizen they can be.

What Personal Development Means at Minster

Personal development is both a subject and a whole‑school ethos. It is reflected in our motto, “to be the best we can be,” and strengthened by our school values and our “Minster Muscles.” These qualities help children grow into resilient, kind and reflective young people who strive for excellence in all they do.

Our Minster Muscles

These attitudes build character, confidence and lifelong learning habits:

• M – Motivated to learn
• I – Independence
• N – Never give up
• S – Self‑reflection and evaluation
• T – Teamwork
• E – Empathy
• R – Risk‑taking

Through these characteristics, children develop the resilience, curiosity and personal responsibility needed for life beyond Minster.

Our Personal Development Offer

Personal development is woven throughout school life—through lessons, enrichment, relationships, leadership opportunities and our learning environment.

SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Development)

Children explore beliefs, values and identity, develop empathy, form positive relationships and appreciate the richness of cultural diversity within school and the wider world.

Fundamental British Values

Democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance are embedded throughout school life. Children experience these values daily through:

• Pupil voice groups
• Assemblies
• Class charters
• Restorative approaches
• The Minster Parliament
• Participation in decision‑making

PSHE, RSE and Protected Characteristics

Our PSHE and RSE curriculum teaches children about:

• Relationships and emotions
• Mental and physical health
• Money and economic wellbeing
• Personal safety and online safety
• The nine protected characteristics, fostering respect and inclusion

This ensures children understand themselves, others and their rights and responsibilities.

Character, Citizenship & Future Aspirations

We teach children about their place in their community, country and world. Through events such as, Ambition Day we explore future possibilities and plan for next steps and beyond.

Embedding Sustainability & Global Citizenship

As an island community, our pupils directly witness the impact of environmental change. Sustainability is a golden thread running through Geography, Science, Design & Technology and PSHE.

We teach children to:

• Recognise the beauty and fragility of natural environments
• Understand local and global environmental challenges
• Explore climate change, renewable energy and conservation
• Consider sustainability and ethics when designing products
• Examine human impact on ecosystems, resources and landscapes

Through this, children grow into environmentally aware global citizens who understand their responsibility to protect the world around them.

Enrichment, Experiences & Cultural Capital

We enrich learning with a wide range of experiences designed to broaden horizons and ignite curiosity, including:

• Educational trips, workshops and visitors
• Forest School, Beach School and Farm School
• Leadership opportunities through Minster Parliament
• Clubs and extra-curricular activities
• Sports, creative arts and competitions
• Community events and charity projects
• Engagement with visiting experts and professionals
• Concerts, nativities, end-of-term performances and Rock Steady

As an Artsmark school, we place high value on creativity, performance and cultural experiences.

The Minster Pledge

Created by the school community, the Minster Pledge ensures that every child has access to a rich variety of meaningful experiences. Our pledge includes opportunities:

• To learn and practise basic first aid
• To take part in charity and community events
• To become a class leader, school ambassador or member of Minster Parliament
• To attend a theatre performance and take part in performing for others
• To learn road safety and cycling proficiency
• To represent our school in a sporting or creative event
• To spend at least one night away from home with peers
• To work with a visiting expert or professional
• To earn a Minster Muscle certificate
• To plant it, grow it, eat it—developing environmental responsibility and healthy habits

Wellbeing, Safety & Safeguarding

We place equal importance on children’s physical and mental health as we do on academic progress. Our strong safeguarding culture, pastoral support systems and nurture provision ensure every child feels safe, valued and supported.

We also use Opal Play to transform playtimes into rich opportunities for creativity, negotiation, teamwork, problem-solving and joyful play—supporting children’s social and emotional development.

Family, Community & Belonging

We actively involve families in personal development through:

• Parent workshops and events
• Science fairs
• Arts exhibitions
• Performances and concerts
• Community celebrations

Working together ensures children are supported, inspired and celebrated both at home and at school.

Our Vision for Personal Development

At Minster, we strive for every child to:

• Experience a rich and varied range of opportunities
• Develop strong character, confidence and resilience
• Grow cultural capital and understand life beyond their immediate experience
• Become responsible global citizens
• Build positive, respectful, empathetic relationships
• Feel safe, valued and supported
• Be well‑prepared for the future—as learners, friends and citizens