At St Mark's CE Primary, we have ensured that our curriculum, ethos and nurturing environment fully support the personal development of every pupil. As well as academic development, we ensure children are given opportunities, through the curriculum and beyond, for personal development. We understand the crucial role we can play in helping children to prepare for their adult lives so they can go on to engage positively in society.

From our small coastal community children are encouraged to develop attributes such as confidence, resilience and independence as well as an understanding of British values in order that they are fully prepared for life in 21st Century Britain, and indeed, the world. Equality and diversity are promoted and celebrated throughout school and we are very proud of a curriculum which equips our children with the knowledge, skills and understanding to lead happy, safe and healthy lives whilst enabling them to develop their talents and strive for their goals.

Our personal development curriculum provides significant opportunities for pupils to engage in the following key areas:

SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) 

At St Mark's Primary School, spiritual, moral, social and cultural elements are developed across all subjects and aspects of school life. Children develop the ability to be reflective about their own and others’ lives and positive relationships are evident across school. Children readily apply an understanding of right and wrong to their everyday lives and are passionate about the many creative and cultural opportunities they are given including those that are artistic, musical and sporting. 

SMSC at Mark's:

Spiritual & Moral: Daily collective worship enables pupils to reflect on their beliefs and those of others. Opportunities to reflect on right and wrong and how the children would behave in different situations and why. 

Social: Our democratically elected school council regularly meets to discuss matters that are important to the children of our school.

Moral and Social: Through our PSHE and RSE curriculum children learn how to make positive choices in order to keep them safe.

Cultural Capital

What is Cultural Capital?

Cultural capital is the accumulation of knowledge, behaviours, and skills that a child can draw upon and which demonstrates their cultural awareness, knowledge and competence; it is one of the key elements a child will draw upon to be successful in society, their career and the world of work.

Cultural capital promotes social mobility and success.

Cultural capital gives a child power and choices. It helps them achieve goals, become successful, and rise up the social ladder without necessarily having wealth or financial capital.

Cultural capital is having attributes that give children the desire to aspire and achieve social mobility whatever their starting point.

Staying safe

Road safety training is delivered by the police on an annual basis.

Anti-bullying week

Wellbeing

A MIND counsellor works with our year six children throughout the year.

St Mark's has three qualified ELSAs (Emotional literacy support assistant)

Our nurture provision is a real strength of the school.