At Whitegate End, we believe that education is about more than academic achievement.

We want our children to leave us with the knowledge, confidence, character and skills they need to live happy, healthy and purposeful lives.

Personal development is woven through everything we do.

It happens in lessons, assemblies, conversations, relationships, enrichment activities, trips, leadership opportunities, clubs and through the everyday experiences of being part of our school community.

We want our children to become:

Confident.
Kind.
Responsible.
Resilient.
Curious.
Respectful.
Independent.

Above all, we want them to understand that they have a voice, they have responsibilities and they can make a difference.

 

Our Personal Development Offer

We develop children as individuals through four interconnected areas.

Understanding myself and looking after my wellbeing

Children develop an understanding of themselves, their emotions, their relationships and their physical and mental wellbeing.

Through our curriculum and wider school life, children learn to:

• recognise and communicate their emotions;
• develop positive relationships;
• understand how to keep themselves safe;
• make healthy choices;
• develop resilience;
• manage challenges and setbacks;
• develop confidence and self-awareness;
• understand when and how to ask for help.

We want children to understand that looking after themselves is an important part of being ready to learn and thrive.

 

Understanding and respecting the people around us

We want children to recognise that everyone is different and that difference should be valued.

Children learn to:

• listen to others;
• communicate respectfully;
• work collaboratively;
• resolve disagreements;
• show empathy;
• celebrate diversity;
• respect different cultures, beliefs and experiences;
• challenge prejudice and discrimination;
• understand how their actions affect others.

Our value We Act With Integrity is central to this.

We want children to do the right thing, even when it is difficult.

 

Understanding our place in the world

We want children to understand the communities they belong to and the responsibilities that come with being part of them.

Our curriculum begins with children’s immediate experiences and gradually broadens their understanding of Oldham, Greater Manchester, the United Kingdom, Europe and the wider world.

Children have opportunities to learn about:

• their local community;
• local history and heritage;
• Manchester’s culture and music;
• different cultures and traditions;
• environmental responsibility;
• community organisations;
• people who have made a difference;
• current issues affecting the world around them.

We want children to feel proud of where they come from while being curious about the wider world.

 

Developing aspirations and preparing for what comes next

We want every child to believe that their future matters.

Children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need for their next steps through:

• careers and aspiration activities;
• meeting people from different professions;
• understanding different pathways;
• developing independence;
• financial education;
• digital and online safety;
• enterprise opportunities;
• leadership experiences;
• transition support;
• learning about the wider world of work.

We want children to understand that there are many possible futures open to them.

 

Pupil Voice & Leadership

We believe children should have a genuine opportunity to contribute to school life.

Children are encouraged to share their views, make suggestions and take responsibility.

Our pupil leadership opportunities include:

• School Council;
• class responsibilities;
• pupil voice activities;
• playground and lunchtime responsibilities;
• WGE pledge champions;
• supporting younger children;
• representing the school;
• contributing to school improvement.

Our children learn that having a voice also means listening to the voices of others.

 

Democracy in Action

Children have opportunities to:

• stand for election as Head Boy or Head Girl;
• vote;
• represent their classmates;
• discuss ideas;
• listen to different opinions;
• work together to find solutions;
• present ideas to adults;
• contribute to decisions about school life.

We want children to understand that democracy is not simply something they learn about.

It is something they experience.

 

British Values

We promote the fundamental British values of:

Democracy

The Rule of Law

Individual Liberty

Mutual Respect

Tolerance of those with Different Faiths and Beliefs

These values are not taught as isolated topics.

They are woven through our curriculum, assemblies, relationships, behaviour expectations, pupil leadership, PSHE, RE and everyday life at Whitegate End.

 

Democracy

We encourage children to understand that everyone should have a voice and that different opinions can be expressed respectfully.

Children experience democracy through our School Council, pupil voice, elections, discussions and opportunities to contribute to decisions about school life.

They learn that democracy involves both having your voice heard and listening to the voices of others.

 

The Rule of Law

Children learn why rules and laws exist and how they help communities to function safely and fairly.

Our school expectations help children understand that rules exist to protect everyone.

Through assemblies, PSHE, the curriculum and real-life experiences, children explore:

• rights and responsibilities;
• fairness;
• consequences;
• safety;
• laws and the role of the police and other public services.

Children are encouraged to understand not simply what the rules are, but why they matter.

 

Individual Liberty

We want children to develop the confidence to make positive choices and increasingly take responsibility for themselves.

Children are encouraged to:

• express their opinions;
• make choices;
• develop their interests;
• take appropriate risks;
• become increasingly independent;
• understand their rights;
• recognise their responsibilities.

We also teach children that freedom comes with responsibility and that our choices should not negatively affect the rights or wellbeing of others.

 

Mutual Respect

Respect is at the heart of our school community.

Our value We Nurture encourages children to care for others, while We Act With Integrity reminds us to treat people fairly and respectfully.

Children learn to:

• listen to others;
• value different perspectives;
• treat people with dignity;
• celebrate difference;
• resolve disagreements respectfully;
• challenge unkindness, prejudice and discrimination.

We believe that everyone deserves to feel respected and valued.

 

Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

We want our children to understand and respect the diverse society in which they live.

Through RE, PSHE, assemblies, literature, history, geography and wider curriculum experiences, children learn about different faiths, beliefs, cultures and traditions.

We encourage children to ask questions, listen carefully and develop informed, respectful opinions.

We teach children that difference is something to understand and celebrate, not something to fear.

 

Experiences Beyond the Classroom

Personal development happens through experiences as well as lessons.

Throughout their time at Whitegate End, children have opportunities to experience:

• educational visits;
• residential experiences;
• Forest School;
• sport and competition;
• music and performance;
• art and creativity;
• community projects;
• cultural experiences;
• leadership opportunities;
• fundraising and charitable activities;
• partnerships with local organisations;
• experiences across Manchester and beyond.

These experiences help children develop confidence, independence, curiosity and a sense of belonging.