Personal Development Enrichment at Upton Cross

To ensure our pupils are prepared to be reflective about, and responsible for, their actions as good citizens. 

To be encouraged to be as ambitious and have frequent opportunities to discuss what they want to do in the future.

It is explicitly taught through our discrete curriculum: 

• RE
• Jigsaw weekly
• RH(S)E

It also weaves through our taught curriculum:

• E.g. key concepts of leadership in History, key concepts of Healthy Lifestyle, Well-being and Competition in PE

It’s enhanced by our extended curriculum:

• Assemblies
• Values and expectations 
• Clubs 
• Playground
• Enrichment 

Designed to meet the needs of our pupils and community to support them now and in the next stage of development. 

Healthy schools network

We are proud to announce that Upton Cross has been awarded the Silver Healthy Schools Award, recognising our commitment to promoting the physical and emotional health and well-being of our students. This prestigious award reflects our ongoing efforts to create a positive and supportive environment where children can thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Our Healthy Schools initiative focuses on the importance of healthy lifestyles, mental health support, and physical activity. As part of this award, we have implemented a variety of activities and practices designed to encourage healthy eating, promote mental well-being, and create an inclusive and safe school culture.

Key highlights of our approach include:

• Encouraging Healthy Eating: We provide nutritious meal options and promote healthy eating habits among our students.

• Physical Activity for All: Our school offers a range of physical activities, from daily exercise routines to extracurricular sports clubs, helping students stay active and engaged.

• Promoting Mental Health and Well-being: We offer a range of support for mental health, with a strong focus on resilience, emotional well-being, and positive relationships.

• Inclusive and Supportive Environment: We work hard to ensure that all children feel valued, safe, and supported, both in their academic and personal lives.

We are committed to continuously improving the health and well-being of our school community, and the Silver Healthy Schools Award is a testament to the hard work of our staff, students, and families in supporting this mission.

Zones of Regulation

At Upton Cross, we promote a restorative approach to managing behaviour. Restorative practices focus on student reflection, communication and making amends. The practice is grounded in the acknowledgement that ‘all behaviour is communication’ and supports the wellbeing of all those involved. At Upton Cross, we use restorative strategies to support students to take accountability for their actions, reflect on the impact of their behaviours and take steps to repair and restore relationships. 

Jigsaw

Our school delivers Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education through the JIGSAW scheme of learning, a nationally recognised programme that provides a structured, progressive approach from Early Years to Year 6. JIGSAW integrates emotional literacy, social skills, and mindfulness into weekly lessons, ensuring pupils develop resilience and positive relationships. The scheme fully meets statutory requirements for Relationships Education, Health Education, and PSHE as outlined by the Department for Education, while also supporting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. In addition, JIGSAW actively promotes British Values—democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance—through age-appropriate themes and activities, helping pupils understand their role as responsible citizens in modern Britain. 

Assemblies

Our assemblies bring pupils together to reflect on our world and celebrate our community. Through a diverse calendar that marks national events, we empower our pupils with vital knowledge regarding safeguarding and online safety, ensuring they navigate the modern world with confidence. Each week, we focus on our core values of Education with Pride, fostering character and empathy across the school. These sessions culminate in our celebrated Rewards Assembly, where we take great pride in honoring our TTRS champions, awarding book tokens for a love of reading, and coming together to celebrate our house point totals. It is a weekly highlight where we recognise those who truly embody our school values and contribute to our collective success. 

After-school enrichment

Our diverse range of after-school clubs is designed to spark curiosity, build physical confidence, and provide a creative outlet for every child outside of the traditional curriculum. Whether your child is looking to master a new skill, stay active, or find a community of like-minded peers, our extracurricular program offers something for everyone. From high-energy sports and athletics that foster teamwork and resilience, to creative arts and STEM-based clubs that encourage innovation and critical thinking, these sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for students to explore their passions. By participating, children not only develop specific talents but also build social bonds across different year groups, helping them grow into well-rounded, confident individuals.

Online safety

In an increasingly digital world, we recognise that your child’s online life is just as significant as their offline one, which is why we prioritise online safety as a core pillar of our pastoral care. Our goal is to move beyond simple restrictions and instead empower students with "digital intelligence"—teaching them to navigate the internet with caution, kindness, and critical thinking. From understanding the importance of privacy settings and secure passwords to recognising the impact of their digital footprint, we provide students with the tools to handle social media and online gaming responsibly. We believe that by fostering an open dialogue between school and home, we can ensure our children reap the educational benefits of technology while remaining safe from online risks and cyberbullying.

Student Leadership and aspirations

Participating in student leadership groups like the School Council, Eco Warriors, and Well-being Champions offers children a unique "beyond the classroom" education that builds character and confidence. By taking on these responsibilities, students transition from passive learners to active contributors to their school community.

Here is how these roles enrich your child's development:

• School Council: Students learn the fundamentals of democracy and diplomacy. By representing their classmates' views to the senior leadership team, they develop the confidence to speak publicly and the maturity to negotiate for school-wide improvements.

• Eco Warriors: This role fosters environmental stewardship. Students lead hands-on sustainability projects, helping them understand global issues through local action and instilling a lifelong sense of social responsibility.

• Well-being Champions: These students become the heartbeat of the school’s pastoral care. Through training in empathy and peer support, they learn how to foster a kind, inclusive environment and gain an early understanding of mental health and emotional intelligence.

Who are our Eco Warriors?

Congratulations to the children that have been selected by their class as Eco Warriors.

Our Eco Warriors will wear a badge and represent their class at whole school meetings. They will learn more about climate change and feel empowered to take action in their school community. They will develop leadership, communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills.