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.