Personal Development
Overview of Personal Development
At Cann Bridge School, we prioritise the personal development of all our learners, extending our curriculum beyond academic achievements to support holistic growth and ensure learners are well-prepared for their future.
Curriculum
Our curriculum integrates subjects such as religious education and personal, social, health, and economic (PSHE) education to enhance learners’ personal development. We also include relationships and sex education, incorporating the SoSAFE! programme, to equip learners with essential life skills and understanding.
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Health & Wellbeing Curriculum Team
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Pathways to Independence Curriculum
Active Citizenship
Cann Bridge School is committed to developing responsible and respectful citizens. We provide opportunities for learners to engage in public life through work-related learning, enrichment activities, educational visits, and residentials that foster active involvement and participation. These experiences help learners transfer and apply their knowledge, preparing them to contribute positively to their communities. Our learners have actively participated in community consultations, using their voices to influence decision-making. Students run Post Bridge Cafe weekly for the whole school to attend allowing Post-16 students to develop their work related learning skills, and other learners to gain experience of accessing a community experience to apply and develop their own skills and knowledge I.e. social, communication and money skills.
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Promoting British Values
Through our curriculum, assemblies, and extracurricular activities, we deepen learners’ understanding of fundamental British values, including democracy, individual liberty, the rule of law, and mutual respect and tolerance. Learners devised Behaviour Values aligning to the schools We Cann House Points.
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British Values Statement
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Embracing Equality and Diversity
We promote equality of opportunity, fostering an inclusive environment where all learners can thrive. Our ethos emphasises understanding and appreciating diversity, encouraging learners to view differences as positive and to respect individual uniqueness.
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SMSC Statement
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Character and Resilience
Our focus on character development helps learners cultivate positive personal traits and values. We guide learners to reflect, develop positive behaviours and attitudes, and collaborate effectively with others, equipping them with the qualities necessary to flourish in society. We celebrate learner achievement through weekly Celebration Assemblies where learners receive We Cann Awards.
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Health and Well-being
We emphasise the importance of mental and physical health. Our curriculum educates learners on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and provides numerous opportunities for physical activity. Each morning we start the school day with Nuture Breakfast, ensuring all learners basic needs are met. We also have Circle/Tutor Time each morning to explore our feelings and ensure we are ready to learn. At the end of each day we have reflection time, celebrating what we have learnt before going home. We also teach learners to recognise online and offline risks to their well-being and offer guidance on navigating challenges such as online safety.
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Health & Wellbeing Curriculum Team
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Healthy School Policy – Under development
Healthy Relationships
Our relationships and sex education curriculum covers age-appropriate understanding of healthy relationships through a SoSAFE! approach. We address issues like consent, online safety, and the dangers of inappropriate mobile technology and social media use.
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Health & Wellbeing Curriculum Team
Transition and Careers
We offer comprehensive careers information, education, advice, and guidance (CIEAG). Our careers programme prepares learners for the next phase of their education or employment, providing them with the skills and knowledge to transition successfully, including work related learning and experience opportunities.
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Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors
The Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Ten Tors Challenge offer experiential learning opportunities that significantly contribute to learners’ personal development. The Duke of Edinburgh Award emphasises skill development, physical fitness, and volunteering, promoting lifelong learning, adaptability, teamwork, leadership, and resilience. The Ten Tors Challenge fosters teamwork, leadership, navigation skills, decision-making, physical endurance, self-reliance, and environmental awareness. Both programmes prepare learners with essential skills for life beyond school.
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Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors
Holiday Clubs and Summer Club
Our Holiday Club and Summer Club offer valuable opportunities for personal development beyond the school day. Learners enhance their social skills and teamwork through group activities in a relaxed environment, fostering friendships and communication skills. Activities range from arts and crafts to sports, helping learners discover new interests and talents while promoting adaptability and a lifelong love of learning.
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Holiday Club and Summer Club
Personal Development Club
The Personal Development Club, held on Friday afternoons, allows learners to develop new skills and knowledge that complement the planned curriculum. The club offers personalised enrichment experiences such as learning musical instruments, participating in “Signing Voices” (our choir), and engaging in dance sessions. These activities enhance cognitive abilities, communication skills, physical fitness, and creativity. The club adapts half-termly based on learners’ needs and staff expertise, with recent activities including weekly mile runs leading up to the Schools Challenge Plymouth Marathon. This approach helps learners broaden their horizons and discover new hobbies, interests and talents.
We Cann Do Enterprise
Our enterprise activities are integrated into the curriculum to enrich learning at Key Stage 4 which adds to personal development. By engaging learners in practical, real-world projects such as running a mini-business, managing school events, or creating and selling products, learners gain hands-on experiential and applied experience. These activities promote the development of essential skills, including functional English, maths and digital skills, making learning meaningful.
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Signing Voices
‘Signing Voices,’ is our school choir which offers learners the opportunity to develop their singing skills while also learning Makaton signing. Meeting weekly and featuring in the Personal Development Club, the choir helps learners to enhance their communication skills and musical talents. Learners showcase their skills through performances at the school’s Winter and Summer Shows, the Crownhill Christmas Light Switch-On event, charity functions, and school assemblies. This enriching experience not only fosters musical and sign language proficiency but also boosts learners’ confidence and provides them with a platform to engage with the wider community.
Lunch Time Clubs
Our Lunch Time Clubs offer learners a range of engaging activities, including Wake Up, Shake Up, Parachute games, and various sports. These clubs provide learners with valuable opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and social interaction. Participating in these activities promotes physical fitness, helps learners develop coordination and motor skills, and fosters a sense of camaraderie. By encouraging regular movement and collaborative modelled and supported play, lunchtime clubs contribute to personal development by enhancing learners’ well-being, building confidence, and supporting their overall development in a fun and inclusive environment.
Personalised Learning Goals
Personalised Learning Goals are central to our educational approach, offering tailored personalised support for each learner’s development. These goals, which include essential soft skills, academic targets, and objectives aligned with Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes, are collaboratively set with parents, carers, and therapists which contribute significantly to pupils personal development and progress.
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Pathways to Independence Curriculum
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor learning is integrated into our Pathways to Independence Curriculum and utilised as a vehicle for teaching and learning. We provide learners with opportunities to develop skills whilst engaging with the natural environment allowing learners to explore their creativity and curiosity through hands-on activities, while also supporting their communication skills, motor development, and coordination. Evidence shows being outdoors helps reduce tension and anxiety, making education both enjoyable and effective. We have a Science Garden to allow learners to learn to grow to eat, grow for pleasure and grow to sell and Forest Schools area.
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Enrichment Days and Events
Enrichment days and events, including Careers Day, Science Day, Numeracy Day, Health & Wellbeing Day, and the Winter and Summer Shows, enhance personal development. These themed days offer learners the chance to engage in a range of activities that extend beyond the regular curriculum. The Winter and Summer Shows provide opportunities for creative expression and teamwork, boosting confidence and presentation skills. Together, these events contribute to a well-rounded education, supporting learners’ growth and preparing them for various aspects of life. To learn more about our Enrichment Days and Events, please read our Curriculum Team pages.
Interventions and Provisions
The school has a wealth of interventions and provision which support our learners personal development including therapists and facilities.
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Family & Learner Support Advisor
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