St Dunstan’s School promotes cultural competence and global awareness through its Personal Development (PD) Programme. The programme develops social-emotional skills and resilience in students, and supports students in career exploration and readiness for the wider world. The staff at St Dunstan’s School role model a growth mindset and self-awareness that is embedded in the following ways:

• A high quality PSHE curriculum that meet the needs of modern Britain

• A Philosophy and Beliefs curriculum that encourages students to engage with humanities’ deepest philosophical and ethical questions

• A structured tutor programme that enriches the whole student by focusing on both academic and pastoral wellbeing

• A Careers, Information and Advice programme that supports students to make well-informed choices about their future

• A student led council that promotes leadership and change

• A rotation of Extra-Curricular clubs

• A one-week programme of Enrichment trips and events

• Whole School Mental Health support plan

The personal development programme has four objectives which are monitored and reviewed throughout the year.

Objective 1: Foster a growth mindset and self-awareness among students.

- Implement regular goal-setting and reflection activities to encourage students to take ownership of their learning and personal growth.

- Provide opportunities for students to receive feedback and reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement.

- Offer workshops and resources on growth mindset and self-awareness to help students develop a positive attitude towards challenges and setbacks.

- Celebrate and recognise students' personal achievements and growth.

Objective 2: Develop social-emotional skills and resilience in students.

- Implement comprehensive social-emotional learning in the curriculum that addresses skills such as self-management, empathy, and responsible decision-making.

- Provide opportunities for students to engage in cooperative learning activities and collaborative projects to develop their interpersonal skills.

- Offer counselling services and support groups to help students navigate challenges and develop resilience.

- Organise workshops and guest speakers to address topics such as stress management, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence.

- Create a safe and inclusive school environment that promotes positive relationships and empathy.

Objective 3: Promote cultural competence and global awareness.

- Integrate multicultural perspectives and diverse literature into the curriculum to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

- Organise cultural events, celebrations, and guest speakers to expose students to various traditions and perspectives.

- Offer language courses and cultural exchange programmes to provide opportunities for students to engage with different cultures.

- Incorporate global issues and current events into classroom discussions and projects.

- Foster a sense of global citizenship by encouraging students to participate in community service and advocacy initiatives.

Objective 4: Support career exploration and readiness.

- Provide career counselling and guidance services to help students explore their interests, strengths, and career pathways.

- Organise career fairs, guest speakers, and job shadowing opportunities to expose students to various professions and industries.

- Offer workshops and resources on resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies.

- Facilitate internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs to provide real-world experiences and connections.

- Track and celebrate students' post-secondary education and career achievements.

Impact:

- Fostered growth mindset and self-awareness leading to increased student motivation and academic achievement.

- Developed social-emotional skills and resilience resulting in improved student well-being and positive relationships.

- Promoted cultural competence and global awareness leading to increased appreciation for diversity and global perspectives.

- Supported career exploration and readiness resulting in increased student engagement and successful transitions to post-secondary education or the workforce.

Monitoring:

- Conduct surveys and focus groups with students to assess their growth mindset, self-awareness, and social-emotional skills.

- Monitor student attendance, discipline data, and academic performance to assess the impact of personal development initiatives.

- Evaluate the effectiveness of cultural competence and global awareness efforts through student feedback and participation in related activities.

- Track student participation in career exploration activities and monitor post-secondary education and career outcomes.

- Regularly review and update personal development curriculum and resources based on student feedback and emerging research.

SMSC

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development is a vital part of the ethos at St Dunstan’s School, helping to ensure that every student grows not only academically but also as a thoughtful, responsible and well-rounded individual. SMSC underpins the school’s commitment to creating a supportive community, fostering respect, celebrating diversity, and preparing students to make positive contributions to society. To help parents stay informed and engaged with this important aspect of school life, St Dunstan’s provides both the Personal Development SMSC Tracker and the Curriculum SMSC Tracker, which can be accessed by clicking the link.