PSHE
Intent
At Ruswarp C of E Primary School, our intent for Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is to foster well-rounded, confident, and responsible citizens who are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. We aim to provide our pupils with a secure understanding of their own identity, relationships, and the values of diversity and tolerance within our community and beyond.
Our PSHE curriculum is designed to:
• Promote emotional literacy and resilience, enabling children to manage their feelings and relationships positively.
• Foster an understanding of healthy relationships, safeguarding, and respect for self and others.
• Equip pupils with the knowledge of how to stay safe and make informed decisions, particularly with respect to their physical and emotional health.
• Encourage active citizenship and community involvement, instilling a sense of responsibility and respect towards the environment and the society in which they live.
• Support spiritual development by encouraging self-reflection, exploration of beliefs, and understanding the interconnectedness of people and the world.
We strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where children feel valued and empowered to express themselves. Our PSHCE and RSE programme aligns with the statutory requirements and best practices as outlined in the DfE guidance and supports our school’s wider goals of promoting equality and inclusion.
British Values
In addition to the core elements of our PSHE and RSE curriculum, we embed the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. These values underpin our educational philosophy and help to shape the behaviour, attitudes, and relationships within our school community.
We promote British Values through:
• Class discussions and activities that encourage pupils to express their views and engage in democratic decision-making.
• Teaching about the importance of laws and rules, both in school and society, and how these contribute to safety and order.
• Fostering an environment where individual freedom is celebrated, and pupils are encouraged to make choices within a safe framework.
• Promoting respect and understanding for diverse cultures and beliefs, ensuring all pupils feel valued and included.
Implementation
The implementation of our PSHE and RSE curriculum is thoughtfully integrated within the school day and extends beyond the classroom through a variety of approaches:
1. Curriculum Design:
We have developed a progressive, age-appropriate curriculum that is mapped out across each year group. Learning is sequenced to build on prior knowledge, ensuring that key concepts are revisited and reinforced. Our curriculum encompasses:
o Personal Development
o Health Education
o Emotional Wellbeing
o Relationships Education
o Spiritual Growth
2. Pedagogical Strategies:
Our teachers use a variety of engaging pedagogical strategies to facilitate
learning, including:
o Interactive lessons that promote discussion, role-play, and collaborative activities.
o The use of real-life scenarios to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
o Incorporation of multimedia resources to create a dynamic learning experience.
o Live lessons which are run through the BBC and give the children chance to communicate with other schools nationally, sharing their ideas.
3. Assessment:
Formative assessment is integral to our approach. Teachers regularly assess pupils’ understanding through observations and reflections, which inform planning and interventions tailored to individual needs.
4. Staff Training:
Continuous professional development is provided for staff to ensure they are
confident and competent in delivering the PSHCE and RSE curriculum. External experts are invited to provide specialised training on topics such as emotional literacy, safeguarding, and spiritual education.
5. Community Involvement:
We engage with local organisations such as health services and charities, (these include: Whitby Library, Whitby Fire Service, Local Dental Surgeries, Whitby Lifeboat, Crucial Crew for Year 6 children) to offer additional resources and workshops that enhance our PSHCE and RSE offering.
Impact
The impact of our PSHE and RSE programme is evident in numerous ways:
1. Pupil Wellbeing:
Evidence collected through surveys and pupil voice initiatives indicates an
increase in emotional wellbeing and resilience among pupils. They report feeling more confident in expressing their feelings and concerns and in managing friendships and conflicts.
2. Behaviour and Attitudes:
Our positive school culture, reflected in low levels of bullying and high
attendance rates, showcase the effectiveness of our PSHCE and RSE curriculum in promoting respect, tolerance, and empathy.
3. Academic Achievement:
We observe that pupils who are well-equipped with PSHCE skills tend to
perform better academically; their social and emotional readiness contributes to enhanced focus and engagement in learning.
4. Safeguarding:
Our rigorous approach to safeguarding education has empowered children to articulate issues related to safety, consent, and respect. They demonstrate a strong understanding of boundaries and healthy relationships.
5. Spiritual Awareness:
Pupils exhibit a heightened awareness of spiritual matters, reflecting on
personal beliefs, values, and the interconnection between themselves and the world around them. They show growth in empathy and compassion.
6. Feedback from Stakeholders:
Feedback from parents, staff, and the local community highlights
the positive impact of our PSHCE and RSE education. Stakeholders acknowledge that our pupils leave school better prepared for the challenges of adolescence and adulthood.
By ensuring our PSHCE and RSE curriculum is relevant, impactful, and continuously evolving, we aim to achieve outstanding outcomes for our pupils, laying a firm foundation for their future success and wellbeing.
PSHE and RSE (Relationships and Sex Education Policy