PSHE and RSE
PSHE and RSE - Statement of Intent
The aim of our RSE and PSHE curriculum is to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and personal qualities they need to lead healthy, safe and rewarding lives. The curriculum explores a variety of areas, including:
- Health and wellbeing: Pupils learn about physical and mental health, emotional wellbeing and how to maintain positive relationships with others.
- Relationships: Pupils explore the importance of friendships, family relationships and building healthy connections with others.
- Living in the wider world: Pupils develop their understanding of citizenship, democracy and environmental issues.
Through our PSHE curriculum, we aim to support pupils in developing:
- Knowledge: Pupils gain an understanding of a wide range of topics that are relevant to their everyday lives.
- Skills: Pupils develop essential life skills, including effective communication, problem-solving and making informed decisions.
- Attributes: Pupils build important personal qualities, such as resilience, self-confidence and empathy.
Our RSE and PSHE curriculum plays an important role in preparing pupils for the future by helping them develop the skills, knowledge and qualities needed to succeed in life. Our values of respect, curiosity, resilience, inclusivity and ambitiousness are at the heart of everything we do. Children will be supported to be happy, healthy and safe, equipping them for adult life and to make a positive contribution to society.
We take account of the age of our children, their physical and emotional maturity and keep in mind any children with special needs or disability. As with all other curriculum areas, our Quality First Teaching, which is adapted and personalised, enables all children to access all aspects of this curriculum.
At Elmtree School, every teacher is a teacher of SEND. As such, inclusion is a thread that runs through every area of the school. As part of our broad and balanced curriculum, PSHE lessons will be delivered by the class teacher and taught sessions will take place once a week. It is, however, important to note that due to the nature of the subject and the age of our children, much work in this area is happening every day through the ‘hidden curriculum.’
We use resources from Kapow Primary to support the delivery of our RSE and PSHE curriculum. Further information for parents and carers is available on the Kapow Primary website: RSE and PSHE Parent Information. For children in EYFS these objectives will be taught alongside the PSED aspect of the EYFS Development Matters as we work towards the Statutory Early Learning goals.
For further details about our PSHE curriculum, please click on the links below.
Implementation
Our curriculum is underpinned by our school vision, which is to provide a positive, safe and nurturing environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is supported to shine and reach their full potential.
PSHE is taught through a spiral curriculum, with key themes and topics revisited throughout the pupils’ time at school. This approach enables children to build on prior learning, deepen their understanding and develop their knowledge progressively over time.
Lessons are carefully adapted to ensure that all pupils can participate in learning, access the curriculum and experience appropriate challenge. Teaching takes account of pupils’ individual needs, including their age, maturity and existing knowledge and understanding.
A range of teaching approaches is used to engage pupils and support their learning, including:
- Discussion: Encouraging pupils to share their ideas, opinions and feelings while listening to and respecting the views of others.
- Role-play: Providing opportunities for pupils to explore different situations, develop empathy and consider ways to manage challenging emotions.
- Problem-solving: Helping pupils to strengthen their decision-making skills and think about how to respond to different situations.
- Creative activities: Using approaches such as writing, drawing and drama to enable pupils to express themselves and explore their thoughts and emotions.
Circle time is also used to provide a safe, inclusive and supportive environment in which pupils can share their experiences, thoughts and feelings. These sessions offer opportunities to explore current events, address concerns such as bullying, resolve issues and strengthen positive relationships within the school community.
By combining our PSHE curriculum with regular circle time sessions, we provide pupils with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and personal attributes they need to lead healthy, safe and fulfilling lives.
Impact
The assessment of PSHE is very different to that of subjects of the National Curriculum but is no less important. Throughout the EYFS, children are assessed against the Development Matters and the Early Learning Goals for PSED.
By the time children leave Elmtree Infant and Nursery School they will be able to:
· Make healthy choices
· Be more resilient
· Be better at communicating
· Be more responsible
· Understand and manage their feelings