Approaches to PSHE
How is PSHE taught at Lydbrook Primary School?
At Lydbrook School we are children who thrive!
During their time at Lydbrook School, through the subject of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) our children will be encouraged and given the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. It is hoped that our pupils will leave school equipped with skills they will need throughout later life, in line with our vision statement where ‘anything is possible.’
Intent: Why is Lydbrook School teaching this?
Although teaching the entire scope of PSHE is not a statutory requirement for Primary Schools in England, the subject makes a vital contribution to areas where schools do have a duty. By the time the children leave us at the end of Year 6, our school development plan outlines that we aim to ‘produce confident, independent learners ready for their next steps in their educational journey.’ We will do this through the following:
- To support pupils to explore and discuss a variety of PSHE topics in order to understand themselves better and the lives and cultures of the world around them.
- To provide a platform to voice their own opinions and to learn to listen and respect the opinions of others.
- To help children to develop a positive sense of themselves and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others.
- To develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour and to have confidence in their own abilities.
- To grow in confidence through embedding our learning principles through the Secrets of Success: to be curious, concentrate, show resilience, co-operate and to improve.
- To establish a learning culture where children have a growth mindset, meta-cognitive skills and the belief that all can succeed.
National Curriculum Purpose for PSHE
The national curriculum states that ‘all schools should make provision for personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE), drawing on good practice'. PSHE education contributes to schools' statutory duties outlined in the Education Act 2002 and the Academies Act 2010 to provide a balanced and broadly-based curriculum. It enables pupils to develop skills and attributes such as resilience, self-esteem, risk management, team working and critical thinking in the context of health and wellbeing, relationships and living in the wider world (including economic wellbeing and aspects of careers education).
PSHE education is a school subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepare for life and work in modern Britain. Evidence shows that well-delivered PSHE programmes have an impact on both academic and non-academic outcomes for pupils.
Links with the National Curriculum Aims for PSHE
We believe that it is important to tailor our PSHE programme to reflect the needs of our pupils, and equip our pupils with a sound understanding of risk and with the knowledge and skills necessary to make safe and informed decisions.
Lydbrook School offers a curriculum which is balanced and broadly based and which:
- Promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society.
- Prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.
- Makes provision for personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE), drawing on good practice.
Relationships Education:
Relationships Education is learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up.
Relationships Education is an important part of PSHE education and is now compulsory in primary education. High quality Relationships Education can help create a safe school community in which our pupils can grow, learn and develop positive, healthy behaviour for life.
The objectives of Relationships Education are:
- To provide the knowledge and information to which all pupils are entitled
- To clarify/reinforce existing knowledge
- To raise pupils’ self-esteem and confidence, especially in their relationships with others
- To help pupils understand their sexual feelings and behaviour, so they can lead fulfilling and enjoyable lives
- To help pupils’ develop relevant skills (in language, decision making, assertiveness) and make the most of their abilities
- To provide the confidence to be participating members of society and to value themselves and others to help gain access to information and support
- To develop skills for a healthier, safer lifestyle
- To develop and use communication skills and assertiveness skills to cope with the influences of their peers and the media
- To respect and care for their bodies
- To be prepared for puberty and adulthood
Links with EYFS –.
Self-confidence and self-awareness: Children are confident to try new activities, and say why they like some activities more than others. They are confident to speak in a familiar group, will talk about their 2 ideas, and will choose the resources they need for their chosen activities. They say when they do or don’t need help.
Managing feelings and behaviour: Children talk about how they and others show feelings, talk about their own and others’ behaviour, and its consequences, and know that some behaviour is unacceptable. They work as part of a group or class, and understand and follow the rules. They adjust their behaviour to different situations, and take changes of routine in their stride.
Making relationships: Children play co-operatively, taking turns with others. They take account of one another’s ideas about how to organise their activity. They show sensitivity to others’ needs and feelings, and form positive relationships with adults and other children. [Early Years Framework]
Implementation: How PSHE is taught at Lydbrook School
In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in PSHE, we implement a long term, progressive curriculum where PSHE is taught as part of termly themes ensuring coverage of the knowledge and skills outlined in the National curriculum. The planning is based on a yearly cycle, taking into account a mixed age class. The themes are engaging and ensure PSHE is not only taught as discrete subject but alongside other subject areas, such as science, where the skills and knowledge can be applied.
The PSHE curriculum is supported by our ‘Healthy School’ as well as ‘Mental Health Champions’ awards status where we have been recognised for promoting the children’s physical, social, emotional and mental health. We involve the whole school community, parents, governors, staff and pupils in improving the children's health, wellbeing and happiness, helping them to get the most out of life.
Key calendar dates also support our work in PSHE, and provide rich and exciting learning opportunities. These annual events include ‘Children’s Mental Health Week’ and ‘Healthy Eating Week’.
The 5 Ways to Wellbeing (Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Give) underpin our emotional health and wellbeing at Lydbrook School. Activities and learning are related to each of the five areas, and are promoted throughout the school through assemblies and displays.
The teacher’s thematic learning plans include the following five drivers: Diversity, (including British values), the environment, growth mindset, the community and wellbeing. These further ensure that the relevant PSHE objectives are being consistently met.
In our school, we choose to deliver Personal, Social, and Health Education using Jigsaw, the mindful approach to PSHE.
Objectives/Pupil learning intentions:
Jigsaw PSHE will support the development of the skills, attitudes, values and behaviour, which enable pupils to:
- Have a sense of purpose
- Value self and others
- Form relationships
- Make and act on informed decisions
- Communicate effectively
- Work with others
- Respond to challenge
- Be an active partner in their own learning
- Be active citizens within the local community
- Explore issues related to living in a democratic society
- Become healthy and fulfilled individuals
Impact: What is the effect on Lydbrook School pupils?
The subject leader ensures that both knowledge and skills are taught simultaneously through the monitoring of PSHE across both key stages. We use Jigsaw’s guidelines as the basis for curriculum planning; it provides primary schools with a clear and progressive PSHE curriculum. Like many primary schemes it is written for schools with single year group classes. We have adapted the scheme to fit into mixed age classes retaining all the core elements and the progressions. The teacher can then assess whether the pupils in each year group have achieved the “expected” standard.
Links are also made to termly themes and other curriculum subjects where appropriate.
PSHE education is taught by class teachers who take responsibility for planning, resourcing and delivering the PSHE curriculum. The subject leader oversees the implementation by talking to children, reviewing planning and work, visiting lessons, book scrutinises and taking feedback from staff.