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PSHE and Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)

Intent

At Great Ponton Church of England Primary School, our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education curriculum aims to develop confident, respectful and resilient individuals who are fully prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in modern Britain.

Through our PSHE curriculum, we support pupils' spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental and physical development, enabling them to understand themselves, build positive relationships and contribute positively to the communities in which they live. Guided by our vision, "I am strong because we are strong", we nurture children who demonstrate our core values of Curiosity, Courage, Compassion and Community in all aspects of school life.

We want every child to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to:

  • Stay safe, healthy and well.
  • Build and maintain positive relationships.
  • Understand and respect difference and diversity.
  • Manage risk and make informed decisions.
  • Develop resilience and emotional well-being.
  • Navigate an increasingly digital world safely and responsibly.
  • Become active, responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) is an essential part of this curriculum. Through age-appropriate learning, children develop the knowledge, understanding and confidence needed to form healthy relationships, understand personal boundaries, respect themselves and others, and make safe and informed choices as they grow. Our curriculum prepares children for the physical, emotional and social changes they will experience throughout their lives, whilst promoting respect, dignity and inclusion for all.

Implementation

At Great Ponton, we follow the Jigsaw PSHE programme, a progressive and comprehensive scheme of learning that integrates Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education, Relationships Education, Health Education, emotional literacy, social skills and mindfulness.

Jigsaw is delivered through six whole-school themes:

  • Being Me in My World
  • Celebrating Difference
  • Dreams and Goals
  • Healthy Me
  • Relationships
  • Changing Me

The curriculum follows a spiral approach, enabling pupils to revisit prior learning and build upon their knowledge, skills and understanding as they progress through the school.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children develop their understanding through the Personal, Social and Emotional Development area of learning, focusing on:

  • Self-regulation
  • Managing self
  • Building relationships

Across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, pupils develop knowledge and skills that help them:

  • Develop confidence, resilience and self-awareness.
  • Play an active role as citizens within their communities.
  • Lead healthy, safe and fulfilling lives.
  • Build positive relationships and respect differences between people.
  • Understand their rights and responsibilities.
  • Keep themselves safe both online and offline.
  • Develop emotional literacy and positive mental health.
  • Understand consent, boundaries and respectful relationships.
  • Prepare for the physical and emotional changes associated with growing up.

Learning is enriched through assemblies, themed events, visitors, educational visits, online safety activities, collective worship and wider curriculum opportunities. This enables children to apply their learning in meaningful and real-life contexts.

RSHE is usually taught within mixed-gender classes, although there may be occasions where small group approaches are used to best meet pupils' needs. Teachers create safe and supportive learning environments where children feel confident asking questions and discussing sensitive topics in an age-appropriate way. Safeguarding procedures are always followed where appropriate.

We are committed to ensuring that all pupils can access the curriculum successfully. Through adaptive teaching, carefully planned support and inclusive learning opportunities, pupils with SEND are supported to engage with all aspects of PSHE and RSHE and make progress from their individual starting points.

Impact

Through our PSHE and RSHE curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and character needed to flourish both now and in the future.

By the time children leave Great Ponton, they will:

  • Demonstrate confidence, resilience and self-belief.
  • Build and maintain healthy, respectful relationships.
  • Show empathy, kindness and compassion towards others.
  • Understand and celebrate diversity within modern Britain and the wider world.
  • Respect the rights, beliefs and values of others.
  • Recognise and challenge stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination.
  • Make informed choices about their physical and mental health.
  • Understand how to stay safe, both online and offline.
  • Manage risk and seek help when needed.
  • Communicate effectively and express their views respectfully.
  • Develop leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
  • Show aspiration, creativity and determination when pursuing goals.
  • Become responsible, active citizens who contribute positively to their communities.

PSHE and RSHE are taught through dedicated lessons but are also embedded throughout school life, collective worship, wider curriculum opportunities and everyday interactions. As a result, pupils are able to apply their learning in real-life situations and increasingly demonstrate the values, attitudes and behaviours needed for success in the modern world.

Assessment is ongoing and focuses on pupils' knowledge, understanding, skills and personal development. Teachers use discussion, reflection, pupil voice, observations and learning outcomes to monitor progress. Pupils are encouraged to engage in self-assessment and reflection, helping them recognise their strengths, identify next steps and take ownership of their personal development.

Through this approach, we aim to ensure that all children leave Great Ponton as happy, healthy, respectful and resilient young people, ready for the next stage of their education and life beyond primary school.