At Becket Primary School in Derby, personal development is at the heart of everything we do. Rooted in our core values — Be Kind, Work Hard, Be Respectful, Be Honest — we foster a nurturing environment where every child is empowered to grow into a confident, compassionate and responsible citizen.
Our Curriculum
Our personal development curriculum goes far beyond statutory requirements. Through enriching experiences and a broad range of opportunities, we build pupils’ cultural capital and prepare them for life in modern Britain. From community engagement to creative exploration, our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
We provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to explore and develop in the following key areas:
Together, these elements shape well-rounded individuals who are ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
SMSC
At Becket Primary School, we are committed to nurturing the whole child through a rich and inclusive approach to Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development. This is embedded across our curriculum and school life, helping children grow into thoughtful, respectful, and responsible individuals.
Spiritual Development encourages children to explore beliefs, values, and their own sense of identity. We foster curiosity, creativity, and reflection through a wide range of subjects and experiences.
Moral Development helps pupils understand right from wrong, consider ethical issues, and take responsibility for their actions. Our behaviour policies and classroom discussions support this growth.
Social Development promotes collaboration, empathy, and active participation in the school and wider community. Pupils learn to work together, resolve conflicts, and appreciate diverse viewpoints.
Cultural Development celebrates diversity and encourages children to appreciate different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. We provide opportunities to engage with the arts, heritage, and global issues.
Becket Primary School delivers a holistic and inclusive PSHE and RSE curriculum using the Kapow Primary scheme. Pupils explore key themes such as relationships, health, safety, citizenship, and economic wellbeing. Learning is enriched through Forest School, assemblies, and community partnerships. From Early Years to Key Stage Two, children develop emotional literacy, resilience, and respect for diversity. The curriculum promotes British Values and prepares pupils to be confident, healthy, and responsible members of society.
At Becket Primary School, assemblies play a vital role in fostering a sense of community and enriching pupils' learning experiences. These assemblies collectively nurture a positive, reflective, and connected school environment.
Each week, the school hosts a variety of engaging assemblies:
'Picture News' assemblies encourage children to explore current events and develop critical thinking through discussion of topical issues.
Whole school Senior Leadership Team (SLT) assemblies bring everyone together to celebrate achievements, share important messages, and reinforce school values.
Reading recommendation assemblies inspire a love of literature by showcasing exciting books and authors.
Singing assemblies uplift the school spirit through music, helping children build confidence and enjoy collective expression.
Friday celebration assemblies shine a spotlight on pupil successes, recognising effort, kindness, and accomplishments across the school.
Becket Primary School’s Character Curriculum, developed in partnership with Commando Joe’s, aims to nurture resilient, confident, and well-rounded learners from Early Years to Year 6.
The curriculum follows the RESPECT framework and is embedded into daily school life to help pupils make positive choices and face challenges with confidence. It is implemented through structured, age-appropriate activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and personal growth.
Forest School offers significant benefits to pupils’ personal development by nurturing resilience, confidence, and independence through hands-on outdoor learning. In a natural setting, children are encouraged to take risks, solve problems, and collaborate with peers, which strengthens their social and emotional skills. The freedom to explore and make choices fosters self-esteem and a sense of responsibility. Regular exposure to nature also supports mental well-being, helping pupils feel calm and focused. Forest School promotes curiosity and creativity, allowing children to develop a deeper connection with the environment and themselves, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth.
At Becket Primary, we believe play is a powerful tool for learning and development. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the Let’s Play programme, designed to enrich break times with purposeful, character-building activities.
There are 16 recognised play types, and through our Let’s Play missions, children will experience each one in fun and engaging ways. Our approach is guided by Commando Joe’s star, which highlights seven core elements of play that support social and emotional learning, all rooted in the values of R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Break time is more than just a pause in the day—it accounts for 21% of the school day and can contribute up to 40% of a child’s recommended daily physical activity. Let’s Play enhances this time with mini-missions that develop physical, social, creative, and locomotor skills, helping children grow in confidence and cooperation.
For our older pupils, the Junior Joe’s programme offers leadership opportunities, encouraging them to support younger peers and build teamwork skills. This ensures that every break becomes a chance to learn, lead, and connect.
By embracing Let’s Play, our students will enjoy activities that promote responsibility, positive interactions, and essential life skills—all while having fun and strengthening our school community.
Extra Curricular Clubs
Clubs at Becket Primary School play a key role in supporting pupils’ personal development. By offering a wide range of activities—from sports and arts to STEM and wellbeing—clubs help children discover new interests, build confidence, and develop important life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and communication. Participating in clubs also encourages independence and responsibility, as pupils commit to regular attendance and engage with peers in a structured but enjoyable setting. These experiences contribute to a well-rounded education, helping children grow socially and emotionally while fostering a strong sense of belonging within the school community.
At Becket Primary School, educational trips and visitors enrich the curriculum and support pupils’ personal development. The school makes excellent use of the local area, encouraging children to explore their community and learn through real-world experiences. Visits to museums and cultural sites deepen understanding of history, science, and the arts, while guest speakers and workshops bring learning to life in exciting ways.
These opportunities help pupils build confidence, curiosity, and social skills, while fostering a broader awareness of the world around them. Each experience is carefully chosen to complement classroom learning and inspire lifelong interest in discovery.
