At Castleford Park Junior Academy, our personal development programme equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and character they need to thrive in modern life. Rooted in our academy values and responsive to the needs of our community, the programme supports pupils to become confident, respectful and resilient individuals who are well prepared for their next stage of education and for life beyond school.

Our personal development programme is built around three complementary strands:

The Core Curriculum

Personal development is delivered through our broad and inclusive curriculum and is underpinned by the OneLife PSHE curriculum. Through carefully sequenced learning, pupils develop their understanding of health and wellbeing, relationships, personal safety, citizenship and life in modern Britain. The programme also incorporates Religious Education, British Values, SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) development, protected characteristics and careers-related learning, enabling pupils to develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices and become active, responsible citizens. Personal development themes are woven throughout the wider curriculum, providing meaningful opportunities for pupils to apply their learning across different subjects and contexts.

The Enhanced Curriculum

Our enhanced offer includes assemblies, themed weeks, and opportunities to engage with visitors from the local community and beyond. These experiences encourage pupils to reflect on their values, understand and celebrate diversity, explore topical issues and develop aspirations for the future. The offer is regularly reviewed and adapted to meet the changing needs of our pupils and the local community, ensuring that learning remains relevant, responsive and impactful.

Beyond the Curriculum

Learning extends beyond the classroom through a wide range of extracurricular clubs, leadership opportunities, educational visits and community projects. Pupils are encouraged to develop their talents, discover new interests and contribute positively to academy life. Opportunities such as the School Council, pupil leadership roles, fundraising initiatives and community engagement activities help pupils develop responsibility, confidence and leadership skills. Our cultural enrichment offer includes visits to theatres, museums, sporting venues and places of local interest, broadening pupils’ experiences and building valuable cultural capital.

Together, these strands ensure that every pupil at Castleford Park Junior Academy benefits from a rich, inclusive and responsive personal development programme that reflects the needs of our school community, supports academic success, develops character and prepares pupils to thrive in an ever-changing world.