Personal, Social and Health Education
We believe that PSHE is central to the development of the pupils in our school. We aim to help them learn to recognise their own worth, work well with others and become increasingly responsible for their own learning. Pupils will reflect on their experiences and understand how they are developing personally and socially, tackling many of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. They will learn to understand and respect our common humanity, celebrate diversity and differences so that they can go on to form effective and fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life and learning.
All pupils learn best in an environment where they feel safe and secure. It is important that all staff make it clear and that pupils are aware that their contributions and opinions are valued. School is a place that is warm and welcoming where all care for each other and give support. Opportunities are available for liaison with parents on sensitive issues such as sexual development, awareness and relationship education. The personal development of our pupils is at the core of all our teaching and the wider life of the school. They are entitled to elements of the curriculum, which are designed to promote their own development, enabling them to make choices that will affect them now and in the future. This should permeate the ethos of the school. PSHE also happens informally in the attitudes, relationships and behaviour of our whole school including parents, governors and members of the community.
Our Curriculum:
Our curriculum is based on the SCARF materials produced by Coram Life Education. Through PSHE we aim to provide opportunities for pupils to:
- develop their personal, social and life skills
- increase self-awareness and self-confidence
- acquire knowledge and understanding of important issues that may affect their lives and the lives of others
- reflect on their experiences and learn from them
- develop their own set of attitudes and values
- engage in active participation in the school and local community
- understand the basic principles of Citizenship issues
- develop their skills of enquiry and communication and reasoning
The curriculum is enriched by annual visits of the LifeBase, in which children are taught by experts about age appropriate issues such as body image, anxiety and illegal drugs and alcohol. Other issues which arise during the year, such as specific e-safety updates and ‘Stranger Danger’ alerts are covered alongside the PSHE curriculum with information or materials provided by the PSHE Leader or the Leadership Team.
Our Online Safety curriculum sits within PSHE. Planned to equip children with developing knowledge, understanding and skills, it covers a range of areas of focus which enable children to understand how to keep themselves safe in the online world. Lessons are taught each half-term in each year group, in order to maintain an ongoing focus and pick up any current and arising issues. Our monthly online safety newsletter ‘ClickSmart’ ensures that parents, carers and staff continue to develop their awareness and understanding of current issues and challenges.
