LEARN MORE ABOUT
Personal development
At Lantern Primary Academy
Our children have access to a quality Personal Development Curriculum
Which equips children with the knowledge, skills, experiences and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, and independent lives. Our goal is to ensure that ‘every child shines’ by teaching the children to practice our academy values ‘We Respect’, ‘We Care’ and ‘We Persevere’.
Personal development is the cornerstone of our curriculum and ethos. Our intent is to prepare children for life in modern Britain by deepening their understanding of the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, tolerance, mutual respect, and individual liberty. We are confident that every child who leaves Lantern Primary and Nursery will do so as confident, empathetic, resilient individuals, ready to embrace their place in a diverse and ever-changing world.
Through our personal development curriculum, we aim to foster skills and attitudes that enable children to thrive, participate fully, and contribute positively to society.
Relationships, sex and health education (RSHE)
Our RSHE curriculum helps children build the foundations for positive and safe relationships of all kinds. The aims of this curriculum include:
- Providing children with the knowledge to prepare for the changes of adolescence and to foster safe, healthy, and fulfilling relationships.
- Offering children information to make informed decisions about their physical health, including topics on healthy eating, physical fitness, and the risks associated with drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Creating a platform for children to discuss mental well-being, recognising their emotions and understanding the support available to them.
- Encouraging children to explore different attitudes and beliefs, and to appreciate perspectives that differ from their own or their families.
- Teaching about the diversity of families, including families with same-sex parents, in line with Department of Education guidance, which encourages schools to reflect modern family dynamics.
- Addressing harmful stereotypes and ensuring every child knows they are welcome and included, regardless of personality or interests.
- Raising awareness of risks, including online safety, and educating children about responsible online behaviour.
- Ensuring children understand the diversity of Britain and how our differences make us unique and valuable.
Wider Safety
We provide pupils with essential knowledge and skills to manage common risks, including:
- Road safety
- Fire safety
- Using equipment safely
- Being safe around railway lines
- Water Safety
- Medicine safety
- Stranger danger
These lessons equip children with practical strategies to keep themselves and others safe in everyday situations.
The impact of technology and media on our lives and society.
- Responsible use of technology, including managing screen time and understanding online etiquette.
- The dangers of irresponsible use, such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and privacy issues.
- Digital Citizenship: Children are taught to use technology ethically, understanding their digital footprint and the long-term consequences of their online actions. We emphasise respectful online behaviour, recognising that what is posted online can have lasting impacts on personal and professional relationships.
- Media Literacy: Children learn to critically evaluate the information they encounter online, distinguishing between reliable and unreliable sources. This includes understanding the role of advertising, recognising biased content, and learning how to avoid being influenced by fake news.
- Cyberbullying and Online Harassment: We address the serious issue of cyberbullying, teaching children how to recognise, respond to, and report harmful online behaviour. Children are provided with strategies to stay safe and seek help if they or someone they know experiences online bullying.
Citizenship
We aim to nurture children who are responsible, respectful, and active citizens. Through our citizenship lessons, children learn:
- How to play their part in society and be involved in public life.
- The importance of community involvement and the value of contributing to the common good.
- Democracy in Action: Children engage in activities such as mock elections, debates on current affairs, and participation in the Student Council, where they can voice their opinions and take part in academy decision-making.
- Community Involvement: We encourage children to get involved in local community projects and charitable initiatives, teaching them the value of contributing positively to society. This includes organising events for causes they care about and participating in events such as the community litter pick, old toy sales raising money for countries across the world, building our own community foodbank so people can access this in times of need and working closely with the PCSOs on aspects of understanding and following the law.
- Global Citizenship: Children learn about their role as citizens of the world, exploring topics such as animal and human rights, global sustainability and equal rights for all. These opportunities enable children to develop a sense of responsibility and play a part in making a difference to important topics including global warming, climate change and social justice.
Our intention is to provide the children with the kills, knowledge and information to be respectful, caring and resilient individuals who can make a positive difference to their communities and the wider world.
Developing Character
Character development is central to our personal development curriculum. We encourage children to:
- Reflect on their personal growth and social skills.
- Develop integrity and cooperation, feeling confident about who they are becoming.
- Recognise their unique strengths and understand how they can contribute positively to their academy and society.
Fundamental British Values
Our curriculum promotes an inclusive environment where children understand and appreciate British values. These values include:
- Democracy: Children learn the importance of having a voice, respecting different opinions, and participating in decision-making processes.
- Rule of Law: Understanding the need for laws to maintain order, safety, and fairness in society.
- Individual Liberty: Recognising their rights and responsibilities, as well as the freedom to make informed choices.
- Mutual Respect and Tolerance: Appreciating and celebrating differences in faith, beliefs, and cultures while promoting respect for everyone.
Inclusion and Equality of Opportunity
We ensure that all children develop a deep understanding of equality and inclusion, with a focus on:
- Gaining knowledge of the protected characteristics listed in the Equality Act 2010.
- Understanding the historical struggles for equality and freedoms, recognising that these rights should not be taken for granted.
- Appreciating and celebrating diversity around the world, as well as the commonalities that unite people across cultural, religious, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
At Lantern Primary and Nursery, we believe that personal development is integral to helping our children succeed not only academically but also as well-rounded individuals who are ready to make a positive difference in the world.
