Intent 

At Austwick School, the PSHE curriculum is a school subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepared for future life and work. We want them to thrive as individuals, family members and as active citizens in society.  PSHE should have an impact on both academic and non-academic outcomes for pupils. The School’s vision is integral to the PSHE and RSE curriculum. 

In addition to the National Curriculum, our PSHE and RSE curriculum: 

• Enables all pupils to shine by providing opportunities to promote spiritual development, to develop a neighbourly and loving attitude to others, whatever their views and to be actively engaged and enthusiastic in their learning. 

• Emphasises mutual respect ensuring that all are able to discuss their views in an environment where they feel safe and can ‘disagree well’. 

• Acknowledges the lack of difference and diversity in our own community and provides opportunities throughout the curriculum to address this. 

• Develops cultural capital, ensuring that our children develop the knowledge and skills needed to prepare them for the future and to enable them to flourish. 

• Promotes social responsibility and positive attitudes and encourages pupils to be courageous advocates. 

• Enables pupils to make informed decisions about their safety and risk-taking and provides the skills needed to take care of their physical and emotional well-being. 

• Promotes opportunities for personal reflection and to consider the Big Questions that arise as a result of studying this subject 

• develops team-working and critical thinking.  

• develops resilience, self-confidence and self-esteem, and make informed choices regarding personal and social issues and make the most of their abilities;  

Implementation 

At Austwick Primary School, pupils in Early Years Foundation Stage are taught using the EYFS Curriculum for Personal, Social and Emotional Development. 

In Key Stage 1 and 2, we use the PHSE Association’s Thematic Model which provides a well sequenced framework for teaching and learning. Lessons are structured into the themes of Safe Relationships, Belonging to a Community, Physical Health and Mental Well-Being, Families and Friendships, Media Literacy and Digital Resilience and Growing and Changing.  

The topics covered support our children’s Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development and provide valuable opportunities to teach essential skills and a deepening knowledge of when, who and where to turn for help and support. PSHE is taught in discrete weekly lessons throughout school. However, PSHE is not discreet in nature and flows into all areas of the curriculum. It is closely linked to our school’s vision which focuses on ensuring that all can shine as individuals. We look to adapt lessons to suit our children by using information from the Growing Up in North Yorkshire survey as well as pupil and parent surveys.  Lessons may also be changed and adapted according to current affairs or issues arising.   

EYFS 

The EYFS Curriculum for Personal, Social and Emotional Development is taught in variety of ways through adult-led and adult-supported tasks and child-initiated learning in well-resourced provision areas, both indoors and outdoors. It is taught through cross curricular themes, as well as discrete lesson activities.  

Key Stage 1 and 2 

The PSHE Association’s scheme of learning units are taught through a spiral curriculum which allows children to revisit each theme every 3 years. This enables children to recall and build on previous knowledge, skills and vocabulary whilst exploring each theme at an age and stage appropriate level. Lessons are delivered in a creative manner by using a variety of teaching methods including the use of role-play, card sorting activities, big question debates, distancing scenarios, as well as group, paired and individual work, to cater for all learning styles and abilities. Lessons are taught in Y1-3 by the Class 1 teacher and Y4-6 by the PSHE lead who attends regular PSHE training sessions to improve and update her subject knowledge and teaching practices in line with current government, local authority and PSHE Association guidance. In EYFS the PSHE content is taught as part of the EYFS framework by the class teacher. The views of pupils and parents are valuable to how we teach our PSHE at Austwick Primary School and we work closely with them to involve them in their child’s education. We use pupil voice and School Council to ensure that pupils are involved in their own learning and that this feeds through in all key stages. Lessons are differentiated to ensure that challenge is provided for all pupils, including those with SEND. The PSHE curriculum is enriched in a variety of ways including visits from other professionals such as the emergency services, Year 6 whole day workshop with Crucial Crew and work with the NSPCC 

Assessment 

EYFS 

Regular observations and assessments of learning are recorded and contribute to a summative assessment at the end of EYFS using the Early Years Outcomes for Personal, Social and Emotional Development. Sometimes it is necessary to target specific children to help them master all aspects of PSED in individual or groups work sessions 

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 

Assessment in PSHE and RSE is a crucial part of the effectiveness of the learning that has taken place. In order to assess pupils’ progress a baseline assessment is given at the beginning of each new lesson, topic or theme to identify each individual child’s starting knowledge and compare this with new knowledge and skills acquired as an end point assessment. This process allows the PSHE lead to assess learning and modify and revisit any misunderstandings or gaps in knowledge, skills and vocabulary.  

Impact 

Our PSHE scheme of work will provide children with the vocabulary, self-esteem and confidence to be able to articulate their thoughts and feelings in a clear and precise manner through an environment of safety, respect, and trust. They will have acquired the knowledge, skills and confidence to try new things, show resilience, stay safe, work cooperatively with others, and to know when and how to seek support from others. PSHE actively develops a culture that prioritises the mental health and wellbeing of everyone by empowering the children with the skills needed to evaluate and assess their own wellbeing needs – including self-care practices and how to support the wellbeing of others. This will ensure their success as positive role models throughout their school life and then in the wider world.