At Berry Hill, we prioritise the personal development of our children. We believe in equipping them with diverse skills and knowledge to navigate life confidently and successfully, both now and in the future. As part of our whole-school approach, we integrate this philosophy into our curriculum and provide enrichment opportunities for our children and families.

We aim to nurture an understanding of the world around them by incorporating direct lessons and drip-feeding this knowledge throughout our curriculum. These skills are valuable during their time at school and as they grow and become active citizens in our society.

To develop these essential attributes, we employ a variety of strategies:

• Our school is founded on core values, which guide our children's moral and ethical understanding.

• Positive Learning Behaviours: We emphasise positive learning behaviours to empower our children to become resilient and adaptable learners.

• Our curriculum is designed to be rich, broad, and balanced, forming a foundation to embed knowledge and skills for personal development.

• We conduct a daily act of collective worship, supporting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.

• Infusion of SMSC: Spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development is woven throughout our entire curriculum, ensuring its integration across all subjects.

• We have developed a comprehensive Lifeskills (PSHE/RSHE) curriculum that promotes British Values, empathy, healthy eating habits, online safety, and good mental health. We have utilised Gloucestershire Skill Zone and Gloucestershire Healthy Living and Learning to enhance its effectiveness. 

• We prioritise our children's road safety and provide valuable training, including cycling proficiency.

• We promote equality and diversity, nurturing an environment where respect, tolerance, and understanding towards different religions and cultures flourish.

• Our emphasis on key vocabulary and the development of speech and communication skills enables our children to become articulate, empowered citizens who make a difference to others.

• Our children actively participate in the democratic selection of charities the school supports yearly both to raise awareness and to raise funds.

• We offer specialist PE teachers and music teachers to further cultivate our children's talents.

• Children can take up leadership roles within the school, such as Ministers, Prime Minister, MPs, Prefects and Mini Midday supervisors. 

• Our after-school club leader organises various after-school clubs, allowing children to explore their interests.

• Our Berry Hill University provides opportunities for our children to make informed choices, collaborate with children from different year groups, and engage in enriching activities beyond the National Curriculum. It enables them to further stretch their talents and think about their future careers.

• We have a well-defined procedure for handling bullying incidents, ensuring the entire school community understands what constitutes bullying.

• Delivery of OPAL at lunchtimes, encourages children to learn through play.

• Throughout the school year, we are fortunate to have various visitors who enhance personal development across our school. These visitors include the Police, the Fire Service, the School Nurse service, dentists, road safety trainers, charities, and expert speakers in various fields such as engineers and professional sports coaches.

We believe that a comprehensive approach to personal development is invaluable to our students' growth and future success. By equipping them with a wide range of skills and knowledge, we are confident that they will emerge as confident, well-rounded individuals capable of thriving in all aspects of life.