"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." - Aristotle.

 

PDMU (Personal Development and Mutual Understanding) is a key Area of Learning in the Northern Ireland Curriculum. It focuses on equipping children with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to lead healthy, safe, and fulfilled lives and to become confident, responsible, and compassionate members of society.

PDMU is not just a subject but a whole-school approach that permeates all aspects of school life.

Core Aims of PDMU

The primary goals of PDMU are to help children:

  • Understand and value themselves and others.

  • Develop their self-esteem and emotional intelligence.

  • Learn how to maintain their physical and emotional health and safety.

  • Build and maintain healthy relationships.

  • Understand and respect diversity, inclusion, and the rights of others.

  • Develop the skills to make informed choices and decisions.

  • Become active and responsible citizens.

The Two Strands of PDMU

The curriculum is organised into two main, interconnected strands:

1. Personal Understanding and Health This strand focuses on the child as an individual. Key topics include:

  • Self-Esteem & Self-Awareness: Understanding their own feelings, strengths, and weaknesses.

  • Feelings & Emotions: Learning to recognise, manage, and express emotions in a healthy way.

  • Health & Safety: Making safe choices regarding physical health (e.g., nutrition, hygiene), online safety, and personal safety (e.g., road safety, stranger danger).

  • Making Choices: Developing decision-making skills and understanding consequences.

2. Mutual Understanding in the Local and Wider Community This strand focuses on the child's relationships with others and their role in society. Key topics include:

  • Relationships & Sexuality Education (RSE): Building healthy friendships and family relationships.

  • Respecting Others: Understanding diversity, showing empathy, and challenging prejudice and discrimination.

  • Rules & Responsibilities: Learning about rules in school and society and their role as responsible citizens.

  • Community & Global Issues: Understanding their place in the local community and the wider world.

PDMU at Fane Street

PDMU is taught through active and engaging methods that encourage participation and reflection, such as:

  • Circle Time: A dedicated time for children to share thoughts and feelings in a safe, structured environment.

  • Group Discussions & Debates: Exploring different viewpoints and learning to communicate respectfully.

  • Role-Play & Scenarios: Practising skills for real-life situations.

  • Stories, Guest Speakers, and School Events.