PDMU

Personal Development and Mutual Understanding (PDMU)

At St. Bernard's, we deliver PDMU through the internationally recognised PATHS Programme (Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies), ensuring our pupils develop the emotional and social skills needed to thrive in today's world.

Our Unique Approach: PATHS TV

A highlight of our PDMU programme is our innovative PATHS TV initiative:

  • Weekly video episodes featuring our pupils
  • Pupils share their PATHS learning
  • One-minute snapshots of weekly themes
  • Available on our school website
  • Connecting home and school learning (Pupil Compliments Sheets)

Personal Understanding and Health

Emotional Awareness

  • Understanding feelings and emotions
  • Self-control strategies
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Building self-esteem
  • Developing resilience
  • Managing change

Physical Health and Wellbeing

  • Healthy lifestyle choices
  • Personal hygiene
  • Growth and development
  • Safety and protection
  • Healthy relationships
  • Making informed choices

Mutual Understanding in the Local and Wider Community

Relationships

  • Family and friends
  • Respect for others
  • Dealing with conflict
  • Working together
  • Understanding differences
  • Building positive relationships

Community Awareness

  • Rights and responsibilities
  • Cultural understanding
  • Environmental awareness
  • Global citizenship
  • Social justice
  • Community involvement
PATHS Programme Features
  • Daily lessons and activities
  • 'PATHS Pupil of the Day'
  • Feeling faces and check-ins
  • Control signals curriculum
  • Problem-solving techniques
  • Parent/guardian involvement

Key Skills Development

  • Emotional literacy
  • Conflict resolution
  • Decision making
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication skills
  • Empathy and understanding

Our Unique Approach: PATHS TV

A highlight of our PDMU programme is our innovative PATHS TV initiative:

  • Weekly video episodes featuring our pupils
  • Pupils share their PATHS learning
  • One-minute snapshots of weekly themes
  • Available on our school website
  • Connecting home and school learning (Pupil Compliments Sheets)
Cross-Curricular Integration

PDMU connects with:

  • Literacy through discussion and writing
  • Drama through role-play
  • Art through emotional expression
  • ICT through PATHS TV
  • RE through values and beliefs
  • PE through cooperation and teamwork

Supporting Mental Health

  • Building emotional vocabulary
  • Developing coping strategies
  • Promoting positive thinking
  • Supporting anxiety management
  • Building confidence
  • Encouraging self-expression

Preventative Curriculum

  • Fire Safety Programme
  • Emergency Services Partnership
  • Police Service of Northern Ireland visit
  • NSPCC “Speak Out, Stay Safe”
  • Diary Council “Food and Fitness”
  • Anti-Bullying Week
  • Internet Safety Drive

At St. Bernard's, PDMU through PATHS helps our pupils develop into confident, capable, and caring individuals. Our unique PATHS TV initiative ensures that learning extends beyond the classroom, creating a strong partnership between school and home.

Wynchurch Walk, Belfast,
County Antrim, BT6 0JS.
028 90401796
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