PSHE

Curriculum Intent

We consider PSHE to be an extremely important part of our curriculum.

We intend that children will develop a positive self-image and learn to be loving to others and accepting and appreciative of differences.  We want them to learn how they can be positive citizens in the world.  We aim for children to obtain the knowledge, skills and experience to help them to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Curriculum Implementation

We deliver a ‘spiral programme’ which introduces new and more challenging learning, while building on what has gone before, and reflects and meets the personal development needs of the children. We adopt a coordinated, positive approach which does not attempt to induce shock or guilt but focuses on what children and young people can do to keep themselves and others healthy and safe, and to lead happy and fulfilling lives.

We start learning from children’s understanding by identifying what they already know.  We include planned opportunities for reflection and self-assessment of learning.  To ensure that PSHE is part of a whole school approach we are using the Jigsaw PSHE scheme, which is quality assured by the PSHE association.  There are 6 themes which are covered at the same time throughout the year by all children:  Being Me in My World, Celebrating Difference (including anti-bullying), Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships, Changing Me (including Sex Education).  Each theme has two learning intentions: one is based on specific PSHE learning (covering the non-statutory national framework for PSHE Education) and one is based on emotional literacy and social skills.  The content is relevant to children living in today’s world as it helps them to understand and be equipped to cope with issues like body image, cyber and homophobic bullying and internet safety. 

We embed PSHE education within a whole school approach to ensure all children and young people including the most vulnerable, have positive relationships with adults and feel valued and supported.  We have achieved the Hertfordshire Healthy Schools Award which advocates this approach.