Rationale

Our school curriculum aims to give children the knowledge, skills and attitudes that they need to effectively navigate the complexities of life in the 21^st Century. The curriculum covers key areas which will support children to make informed choices now and in the future around their health, safety, wellbeing and relationships and will support them in becoming confident individuals and active members of society.

Westcliffe Primary’s RSE/PSHE curriculum covers the Relationships and Health Education statutory guidance (as set out by the DFE), including non-statutory sex education. This is delivered by qualified representatives though Big Talk.

Children’s learning at Westcliffe Primary School through our curriculum significantly contributes to their personal development and supports the four fundamental British values which reflect life in modern Britain: democracy; rule of law; respect and tolerance and individual liberty.

Quality PSHE and RSE teaching is an important element in helping schools to carry out their duty of care with regards to safeguarding, including online safety.

Aims

The statutory guidance states that by the end of Primary, children will know about –

• Families and people who care for me
• Caring friendships
• Respectful relationships
• Online relationships
• Being safe

How the subject is taught:

PSHE is taught by the class teacher each week. We have a 2 year cycle: Cycle A and Cycle B. The curriculum allows the children to explore the key areas though a mixture of approaches e.g. discussions, role play, designing informative posters etc. Each area is visited at least once over the 2 years, some elements are revisited each year to allow children to build on their knowledge, skills and understanding. In Key Stage 1, the children are taught PSHE by both their class teacher and during PPA time. In KS2 aspects of the curriculum are progressively planned so that the children have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding through visiting key topics as suggested by the North Lincolnshire Spiral Curriculum. The lessons are based upon the statutory requirements for RSE. 

As part of our approach to raising children’s awareness of mental health, weekly ‘Strengths’ assemblies take place in each class, as well as the opportunity to carry out meditation. We also work closely with the Local Authority: With Me In Mind. A number of workshops and sessions are run in Upper Key Stage 2. More information is available here. 

In Early Years, children are supported to manage emotions, develop a positive sense of self, set themselves simple goals and have confidence in their own abilities. Through regular adult modelling and guidance, they learn how to look after their bodies, including healthy eating, and manage personal needs independently. Through, stories, role play and supported interaction with other children, they learn how to make good friendships, co-operate and resolve conflicts peaceably. These attributes provide a secure platform from which children can achieve at school and in later life.

If you walk into a PSHE lesson, you will see:

• Children giving well informed balanced views
• Children discussing how they could utilise key knowledge and skills in different scenarios within daily life
• Children demonstrating good manners and being respectful
• Tolerance and understanding of other cultures

If you have any further enquiries about PSHE in our school, please contact Miss Mel Troop.