As the name suggests this is an interdisciplinary learning area that orientates students to engage in a personal development journey towards life – life with all of its tests and contests – to prepare our students to be real world ready.

PDP is concerned with developing knowledge about the self and skills that will enable young people to engage socially, to be responsible citizens, and to live healthy and productive lives. It is also about adopting a positive attitude towards physical activities, fitness and recreation. Our school supports the “Healthy body Healthy mind” philosophy. We want to prepare our students to be morally responsible, law-abiding participants in our multifaceted country.

These include opportunities to engage in the development and practice of a variety of life skills, to solve problems, to make informed decisions and choices and to take appropriate actions to live meaningfully and successfully in a rapidly changing society.

The Manners4Minors curriculum for Grade R & Grade 1 forms part of our Junior Personal Development Programme. “Manners4Minors” is included in the weekly programme and  is a programme designed specifically for 3 to 6 year olds, aimed at introducing them to the benefits of having good manners and displaying universally acceptable social skills.

Through interactive role play, props, puppets and interesting environments together with positive reinforcement, peer encouragement and a carefully designed curriculum, we aim to stimulate an interest in the manners that will extend beyond the school walls and will have an impact on every aspect of our children’s lives.

The curriculum includes lessons on bullying, party etiquette, road safety, telephone skills, table manners, bossiness, good sportsmanship, personal safety, the magic words, healthy eating, and the importance of telling the truth, bedtime procedure, money skills, we cannot afford it, whining and nagging, divorce, the importance of grandparents, pet care, physical differences and introductory skills.  Lessons are accompanied with worksheets, poems and/or sing-a-long songs.

The challenge for many parents is to get their children to realise the benefits of such refined behaviour! This is where Manners4Minors can help.  Predominantly through demonstrating emotional responses which both friends and adults have to well-mannered children, we have succeeded in producing a product that will enrich the lives of children who participate in the programme and, without doubt, change some children’s lives forever.