Summary of PD Opps Autumn 2025- 2026

Personal Development – Autumn 2025: Broadening Horizons, Building Character and Enriching Experiences

At Haslam Park, our personal development offer is carefully shaped by our school context, including high levels of deprivation, significant numbers of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium and a high proportion of pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL). We recognise that many pupils have limited access to wider cultural experiences outside school. We therefore prioritise a rich, inclusive and varied programme that develops cultural capital, promotes wellbeing and ensures equity of opportunity.

Throughout Autumn 2025, pupils benefited from an extensive range of personal development opportunities, including:

• Equality, diversity and cultural understanding: Celebrating Diwali through whole-school activities, diva making and EYFS Stay and Play sessions; participating in Black History Month assemblies and workshops; exploring different languages during European Day of Languages; and learning about remembrance and the significance of the poppy.

• Mental health, wellbeing and positive relationships: Supporting Young Minds through our whole-school Hello Yellow activities, promoting positive mental health, celebrating World Kindness Day and participating in Anti-Bullying Week to develop empathy, respect and a sense of belonging.

• Healthy lifestyles and practical life skills: Working with families through oral health workshops and children's dental health sessions, alongside Cooking Club activities where pupils developed practical skills through preparing pizzas, biscuits, flapjacks and other foods.

• Cultural capital and wider experiences: Enjoying a pantomime performance, visiting Bolton Museum as part of Year 5's Mars WOW Day, exploring the River Croal through local geography fieldwork and participating in Poetry Week activities.

• Citizenship, leadership and community responsibility: School councillors working alongside Bolton Council to litter-pick Haslam Park during Recycle Week, developing environmental awareness, responsibility and pride in their local community.

• Safety, physical development and enrichment: Learning about fire safety through visits involving a real fire engine, alongside sporting opportunities with Bolton Wrestling Club and activities at Howe Bridge Leisure Centre.

These experiences demonstrate the breadth of our personal development provision and its responsiveness to the needs of our school community. Our programme extends beyond classroom learning, providing meaningful opportunities for pupils to develop confidence, independence, communication skills, cultural understanding, positive relationships and a sense of social responsibility.

Through our carefully planned approach, we aim to ensure that disadvantage does not determine opportunity. Every pupil is encouraged to explore new interests, experience different cultures, develop aspirations and acquire the knowledge, skills and character needed to thrive in modern Britain.