Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE)

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly"

Buckminster Fuller

Intent

At Our Lady and St John PSHE education helps our children to stay safe, healthy and prepared for life's challenges and opportunities.

PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) education is a school curriculum subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. PSHE education helps pupils to stay healthy, safe and prepared for life and work in modern Britain. PSHE also helps pupils to achieve their academic potential. Research shows that pupils who are emotionally healthy do better at school. PSHE education helps children to achieve their potential by supporting their wellbeing and tackling issues that can affect their ability to learn, such as anxiety and unhealthy relationships. PSHE education also helps pupils to develop skills and aptitudes — like teamwork, communication, and resilience — that are crucial to navigating the challenges and opportunities of the modern world, and are increasingly valued by employers.

Implementation

Our PSHE scheme of work is designed to be taught in thematic units, which consist of six lessons, each with supporting materials including a Planning Overview, assessment statements, Learning Journey Record and display materials. It is suggested that these units are taught in a spiral curriculum that revisits each theme every two years. This enables children to recall and build upon previous learning, exploring the underlying principles of PSHE education regularly at a depth that is appropriate for the age and stage of the child. Lessons also signpost key words, building a rich vocabulary to develop understanding. Our PSHE units are designed to be delivered in a creative manner, using many approaches such as role play, discussion and games with groups of various sizes. These activities enable children to build confidence and resilience. Resources are also provided for communicating with parents and carers about how and why each theme is covered and suggestions for extending the learning at home. Assessment for learning opportunities are built into each lesson and enhanced by the Learning Journey Records included in each unit, which enable self-evaluation and reflective learning and allow teachers to evaluate and assess progress. Each lesson begins with a discussion of children’s existing knowledge and experience, providing an opportunity for baseline assessment. Each lesson ends with an opportunity to consolidate and reflect upon learning. Tools are provided for summative assessment, allowing progress to be recorded and tracked.

What PSHE looks like at Our Lady & St John’s

PSHE is taught weekly. 1hr at KS1 & KS2)
During these lessons we encourage children to join in discussions and to feel safe to discuss feelings and thoughts on emotional subjects.

Teachers will assess children’s learning through discussion and self assessment activities at the end of each topic. Progress is tracked by the class teacher and Curriculum Coordinator.
Before new topics begin a short quiz/assessment will be delivered to identify children’s starting points.

In the Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception classes) the PSED (Personal, Social and Emotional Development) aspects of the children’s work is delivered through the six areas of learning. (See Foundation Stage policy).

We give all the children ample opportunity to develop their

Self-confidence and self-awareness
Managing feelings and behavior
Making relationships

through varied activities and play allowing them to enjoy, explore, practice and talk confidently.

Impact

Our PSHE scheme of work provides schools with an effective curriculum for wellbeing. Children are enabled to develop the vocabulary and confidence needed to clearly articulate their thoughts and feelings in a climate of openness, trust and respect, and know when and how they can seek the support of others. They will apply their understanding of society to their everyday interactions, from the classroom to the wider community of which they are a part. The PSHE scheme of work supports the active development of a school culture that prioritises physical and mental health and wellbeing, providing children with skills to evaluate and understand their own wellbeing needs, practice self-care and contribute positively to the wellbeing of those around them. Successful PSHE education can have a positive impact on the whole child, including their academic development and progress, by mitigating any social and emotional barriers to learning and building confidence and self-esteem. Evidence suggests that successful PSHE education also helps disadvantaged and vulnerable children achieve to a greater extent by raising aspirations and empowering them with skills to overcome barriers they face. The PSHE and Citizenship scheme of work can be used as a whole-school approach to positively impact wellbeing, safeguarding and SMSC outcomes. This can ensure that all children are able to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to succeed at school and in the wider world.