A New Approach to Personal Development

Wednesday 11th September 2024

Building confidence, character and happiness at St Edward’s Prep

We are always immensely proud to hear the results of pupil surveys and governor feedback, which consistently show that our pupils love their school.

This admiration is no accident; it stems from the unwavering dedication of our staff and the invaluable support of our parent community. Visitors and governors frequently commend our children for their confidence and exceptional communication skills, which is a true testament to the nurturing environment we foster here at St. Edward’s.

As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence we strive to remain responsive to the evolving needs of our pupils. Changes in society, shifts in parenting styles, the lasting impact of the pandemic and the increasing presence of technology in our homes are influencing the behaviours and independence of our children. In light of these developments, we are excited to build on our successes and introduce a refreshed Pupil Profile and approach to personal development that we will be learning about and discussing this term and throughout our children’s time at St Edward’s.

Our new Pupil Profile still encompasses our well-established 5Cs (Caring, Courteous, Collaborative, Courageous and Confident), but now includes 15 updated attitudes and four foundational pillars, designed to help our pupils thrive here at St Edward’s, in their next school and in their life beyond.

The Four Pillars of Personal Development

  • Character and Attitude: We believe in fostering a strong character and positive attitude. While some qualities in this section may seem complex, they reflect the values vital for personal growth and are wholeheartedly embraced by our community.
  • Responsibility: Our focus is on preparation and readiness. We encourage pupils to come prepared, not only with the right equipment but also with the right attitude and pride in their appearance. Responsibility also means being proactive in their learning and the impressions they create.
  • Accountability: Rooted in the growth mindset philosophy, accountability at St. Edward’s means learning from mistakes. We want our pupils to embrace challenges and understand that mistakes are a crucial part of learning and improvement.
  • Contribution: St. Edward’s is committed to making a positive impact within our school community and beyond. We believe it is never too early for our pupils to make a difference. By contributing to their class and community, they learn the rewarding aspects of helping others and using their skills to benefit the wider world.

We view these pillars as destinations for our pupils to work towards throughout their time at St. Edward’s, recognising that each child’s journey will be unique, with different strengths emerging along the way. While pupils have a responsibility to work towards these goals, they are not on this journey alone. Our dedicated staff will be by their side, creating positive learning environments, building meaningful relationships, challenging them in a respectful way and teaching the importance of these traits through PSHE and other exciting initiatives embedded in the curriculum.

Naturally, the role of our parents is also crucial in supporting this approach, which will only enhance their child’s development, and we encourage them to echo these universal characteristics, attitudes and values at home.

It is a team effort to help our children develop and grow into the happy and successful adults we hope they will become.