Personal Development

At Ravenbank, we believe that education goes beyond academic success; it is also about nurturing confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals who are ready to thrive in life. Personal development underpins everything we do, from promoting positive relationships and self-awareness to encouraging curiosity, independence, and a sense of responsibility. By providing a wide range of opportunities both in and beyond the classroom, we aim to equip children with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to make informed choices, contribute positively to society, and develop a strong sense of self-worth.

Personal Development includes:

Assemblies that promote core values, celebrate diversity, and address local, national, and global issues.
Pupil leadership opportunities such as school council, My Happy Mind ambassadors and playground buddies.
Extra-curricular clubs and activities covering sports, music, art, drama, STEM, and special interests.
Community engagement through charity fundraising, local partnerships, and volunteering projects.
Educational visits and trips that broaden horizons and deepen cultural understanding.
Enrichment days and themed weeks focused on areas such as careers, healthy living, and environmental awareness.
Wellbeing and pastoral support including mentoring, peer support schemes, and access to specialist services when needed.
Opportunities for pupil voice to influence school improvement and shape the learning environment.

Annual Assemblies
September	Behaviour Rule of law & respect KS1 Understanding classroom and playground rules. How good behaviour helps everyone feel happy and safe. Saying sorry and making things right. KS2 How behaviour affects others (kindness, respect, responsibility). Making good choices, even when no one is watching. How behaviour shapes our reputation and future
October	Friendship Recognising right and wrong 📅 World Values Day (17th October) – Focus on respect, fairness, and following rules. 📅 Anti-Bullying Week (November) – Respecting others and standing up for fairness. KS1: Why we have rules (school, home, community). Respecting teachers, friends, and family. Listening and taking turns in conversations. Understanding how actions affect others. Learning to say "I’m sorry" and mean it. Knowing when to ask for help if something doesn’t feel right. KS2: Laws help keep everyone safe and fair. Respecting different opinions and cultures. The role of police, courts, and leaders in enforcing laws. Thinking before acting – making moral choices. Peer pressure and standing up for what’s right. How to handle mistakes and learn from them
November	Diversity & inclusion 📅 Black History Month (all of October in the UK) – Celebrating achievements, contributions, and diversity. KS1 We are all different, and that’s what makes us special. Respecting and celebrating different cultures, languages, and abilities. Including everyone in games and activities. KS2 Why diversity makes our world better. Understanding different backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs. How to challenge unfairness or discrimination.
December	Individual Liberty KS1 Making choices (clothes, food, activities) and understanding consequences. Expressing opinions respectfully. Understanding that we all have rights. KS2 Freedom of speech, religion, and making choices. How to respect others’ rights while expressing your own. How history has shaped the rights we have today.
January	Perseverance 📅 Human Rights Day (10th December) – Learning about fairness, justice, and standing up for what’s right. KS1 Keep trying even when things are hard. Learning from mistakes instead of giving up. Stories of people who never gave up (e.g., The Tortoise and the Hare). KS2 Growth mindset – "I can’t do it… yet!" Overcoming setbacks in learning, sports, and life. Famous people who failed before they succeeded.
February	Online Safety 📅 Safer Internet Day (11th February 2025) – Linked to making choices online and freedom of expression. 📅 Children’s Mental Health Week (February) – Linked to making healthy choices for ourselves. KS1 Never sharing personal details online. Telling a trusted adult if something feels wrong. Being kind online, just like in real life. KS2 How to spot fake news and scams. Cyberbullying and how to respond. Keeping information private and safe.
March	Kindness & Empathy KS1: Understanding how our words and actions affect others. Small acts of kindness make a big difference. Listening and caring about how others feel. KS2: The power of kindness in friendships and the community. Understanding different perspectives and showing empathy. How kindness can create a better school and world.
April	Aspiration 📅 International Women’s Day (8th March) – Highlighting inspiring role models. 📅 National Careers Week (3rd–8th March 2025) – Encouraging children to think about their futures. KS1: Talking about what we want to be when we grow up. Trying new things and setting small goals. Believing in ourselves and our abilities. KS2: Setting goals for learning, hobbies, and the future. Learning from role models who worked hard. Dream big but take small steps to get there.
May	Democracy 📅 UK Local Elections (May 2025 – exact date TBC) – A real-life example of democracy in action. 📅 International Day of Living Together in Peace (16th May) – Links to fairness and democratic values. KS1: Making fair choices (e.g., voting in class). Everyone’s voice matters. Taking turns and listening to others. KS2: How democracy works (elections, leaders, decisions). The importance of fair rules and voting. How young people can have a voice (school council, petitions).
June	Moving on, changes and transition KS1: New things can be exciting, even if they feel scary. Saying goodbye to teachers and friends. Looking forward to what’s next. KS2: Change is a natural part of life. How to manage nerves about new challenges. Keeping in touch with old friends while making new one
July	Trust 📅 Children’s Art Week (June-July) – A way to express emotions about change. 📅 World Friendship Day (30th July) – Trust is key in friendships and relationships. KS1: Who we can trust (family, teachers, friends). Being honest and keeping promises. Why trust is important in friendships. KS2: Building and earning trust with others. Trust in leadership (government, teachers, parents). How to rebuild trust if it’s broken.