Personal development
Personal Development is central to everything we do to support pupils at Alexandra School. A pupil’s ability to grow socially and emotionally lays foundations for future progress and for their ability to contribute meaningfully to society and the world around them.
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) Development
The curriculum, together with our extra-curricular activities, develops pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural values.
Rooted in our school values, pupils are taught to live out our golden rules, understanding that these are rules for life, and should be followed by all regardless of age. They provide a keystone for children’s moral development.
Through the breadth of our curriculum, weekly assemblies, opportunities for play, reflection and the development of emotional literacy, pupils develop greater understanding of themselves and of others around them. Friendships are formed, independence is developed, playfulness is encouraged and pupils develop the resilience to manage life’s ups and downs. The curriculum provides progressive learning experiences to help pupils build positive relationships and keep themselves safe.
Spiritually, Alexandra School encompasses individual experiences of faith, an appreciation for the beauty of the world around us, a belief in the value of ‘Learning Together’ and the development of reflective and mindful skills. We expect children to respect and value the perspectives of others.
These values enable them to participate in, contribute to and benefit from their community and wider society.
Citizenship and life-skills are taught within the curriculum and enhanced by educational visits, to the local area and beyond. Pupils learn how to adapt their behaviour to a variety of community settings – communicating with shopkeepers, behaving with appropriate respect in an art gallery or keeping themselves safe on public transport. Fundamental British values are upheld, modelled and evident in the ethos of the school and in the behaviour of all staff. School Council takes a prominent role in school life, and through its work pupils develop a sense of responsibility and an understanding of democracy.
Independence is encouraged through opportunities for overnight stays, whether that is on our annual camp or our week’s residential trip for Year 6. Alexandra Brownies and Alexandra Cubs provide older pupils with an additional opportunity for adventure, and time to develop confidence, resilience, social relationships and independence. After school clubs, lunchtime clubs and holiday clubs offer further chances to discover new talents and develop shared interests with friends.
Alexandra School has a clear, carefully coordinated approach to promoting the foundations for positive mental wellbeing. Our 11 habits for positive mental health have been established alongside therapy teams, educational psychologists and other school partners. We seek to instil these habits in pupils we work with.