Personal Social & Health Education

Subject Lead – Hannah Gill

PSHE-Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is an important and necessary part of all pupils’ education. All schools should teach PSHE, drawing on good practice, and this expectation is outlined in the introduction to the proposed new national curriculum.

Intent, implementation and impact of our PSHE Curriculum

At St Joseph’s Primary School, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) enables our children to become independent, aware and healthy citizens of their communities; in line with the vision of the PSHE Association ‘What we teach in the classroom will help our pupils foster lifelong aspirations, goals and values’. The programme aims to support pupils to thrive in a time of rapid change. Although the specific content of PSHE education will constantly evolve as the world changes, the curriculum is based upon three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. Therefore, PSHE aims to develop pupils, personally and socially and supports the growth of well-rounded individuals.

Intent

Our curriculum for PSHE works to meet the needs of our pupils within the diverse society they live in. The curriculum is vital in allowing children to develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally (SMSC), alongside their academic studies. An integral part of the curriculum is supporting the development of self-esteem and confidence of the pupils, supporting the self-efficacy of individuals. The curriculum also offers the opportunity for children to become prepared for the wider world including gaining an understanding of their rights and responsibilities, money and how to take care of the environment. Thus, we hope that the PHSE curriculum will allow children to be independent, curious and confident individuals.

Implementation

We believe that PSHE plays a vital part of Primary education and our Catholic values. Our PSHE curriculum is based on guidance from the PSHE Association and encourages pupils to become confident individuals who can make informed decisions about their health, environmental and social issues. PSHE is interweaved throughout our school curriculum; alongside explicit lessons; school assemblies and collective worships; visitors to school and extracurricular activities. Our PSHE curriculum capture the requirements of the Department for Education for all schools ‘to promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs’.

Impact

To ensure that children at our school are ready for life as an adult in the wider world. As stated by the PSHE Association, ‘From making informed decisions about alcohol to succeeding in their first job, PSHE education helps pupils prepare for all the opportunities, challenges, life decisions and responsibilities they'll face. This in turn achieves a 'virtuous circle', whereby pupils with better health and wellbeing can achieve better academically, and enjoy greater success.’ Thus, we aim to equip our pupils with the necessary skills that enable them to progress into healthy, independent and proactive members of their communities; who challenge stereotypes and break perceived barriers that may impact upon their future potential.

Please visit the PSHE Association for further information on PSHE teaching and learning - https://pshe-association.org.uk/

Please refer to our school policies for further information found in the Key Information tab.

PSHE in integral in our school curriculum. We provide many enrichment opportunities to enhance our curriculum. Therefore, please refer to other sections on our website found under Curriculum and Shining Stars.

What is PSHE?

• Health and Well-being: Supporting children to make healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition, exercise, mental health, and self-care.
• Relationships: Teaching children how to form positive and respectful relationships with their peers, family members, and others in their community.
• Living in the Wider World: Helping children understand their role in society, including learning about democracy, diversity, and responsibility.

What is RSE?

• Respectful Relationships: Promoting healthy relationships, including friendships, family relationships, and respectful interactions with others.
• Health and Well-being: Teaching children about the importance of physical and mental health, and how to look after their bodies.
• Puberty and Growing Up: Providing children with accurate information about changes they will experience as they grow, including physical, emotional, and social changes.

https://pshe-association.org.uk/news/the-new-statutory-rshe-guidance-whats-changed-and-what-does-this-mean-for-primary-schools

As a Catholic School, we teach our RSE curriculum through Ten Ten and the PSHE Association. Ten Ten is an ‘RSE resource in Catholic Education in England, Wales and Scotland, Ten Ten is programme in RSE for Catholic primary schools. The approach aims not be to force an Ethic – our mission will be to inspire an Ethos. This Ethos will be rooted in the wisdom and teaching of the Catholic Church and delivered in a language which is accessible and pastoral. This programme called “Life to the Full”, will inspire parents, teachers, children and young people by teaching about God’s call to love; about how God’s design for creation, especially the human body, reveals insight into His great plan for human relationships as a sign of heavenly unity. This programme will speak into the culture of children and young people and the teaching will be accessible to all. Most importantly, we will continue to use the vehicle which is at the centre of Ten Ten’s methodology: story. For it is through story – fictional, real and personal – that our work can speak into hearts and minds, and help to change the Ethos’. Further information on the RSE curriculum can be found here: 

Please contact school if you need a reminder of how to access the parental portal

https://www.tentenresources.co.uk/parent-portal/

SMSC and British Values

SMSC and British Values are the foundations of our curriculum. This poster is displayed throughout our school and children are able to highlight where these areas are being taught within the whole curriculum, including PSHE. They closely link with our Catholic Values of Love, Honesty, Trust, Respect and Friendship. These values are displayed in a Value rainbow in our cloakrooms.

 PSHE Association

Debt Aware

At St Joseph's, we believe that if children start learning the basics of money at an early age, they will be confident about managing money as they grow up. The 'Money and Work' objectives, which are part of the 'Living in the Wider World' section of the PSHE curriculum, are delivered by the Debt Aware program (a registered national debt advice and education charity).  

DebtAware Programme

• Age-appropriate content: We ensure that all content is tailored to the developmental needs of each age group, ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need at the right time.
• A focus on positive relationships: RSE is about more than just the physical aspects of growing up. It emphasises the importance of kindness, respect, and healthy communication.
• Respect for diversity: We teach children to appreciate and respect the diverse range of relationships and family structures that exist in our society.

• Start conversations at home: Discuss what your child has learned in PSHE and RSE lessons and encourage open, honest dialogue.
• Reinforce key messages: Support your child in applying what they've learned, particularly when it comes to managing relationships, emotions, and well-being.
• Stay informed: Keep an eye on communications from the school regarding upcoming topics.