PSHE

Intent

At CVIS the aim of PSHE is to equip the children with essential skills for life; it intends to develop the whole child to provide them with the knowledge, skills and attributes children need to protect and enhance their wellbeing. Through these lessons, children will learn how to stay healthy, be mindful of their wellbeing, build strong relationships and develop an understanding of being a member of the community whilst living in the wider world. Our objective at CVIS is to develop a curiosity for developing ourselves as individuals and citizens; we promote strong, positive views of ourselves which is focused on during our units ‘Think Positive’ and ‘Be Yourself’, we see each and everybody’s value in society, from appreciation of others in units such as ‘Diverse Britain’ and in our work on British Values. PSHE provides a platform for the children to develop their opinions and to be able to express these during discussion times. We are committed to ensuring children understand the value and importance of PSHE in the wider community, and are able to use their skills, knowledge, and experiences to involve themselves in PSHE, in a variety of different contexts.

Implementation

The PSHE curriculum ensures the children learn about their own health and wellbeing, building relationships and living in the wider world. This is embedded in discreet PSHE lessons, classroom activities, in other subjects including P.E and Science, Wellbeing Days, Healthy Living Week, visits and visitors, play times, assemblies, our Enrichment programme, local and international community projects, every day communication with adults and peers and extra-curricular activities. PSHE is taught within lessons allowing the children to build on previous language and knowledge thus preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. It also encompasses many of the elements of effective SMSC provision.

EYFS specific

The children gain a firm understanding of what PSHE is through following strands of Development Matters (2021): Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development and Understanding the World. Children start to build up their knowledge of the world around them, they show sensitivity to other’s needs and feelings and form positive relationships with adults and other children, are aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and begin to get a sense of their own identity within their families and wider community. Children receive discreet teaching on these areas in addition to continuous provision in the classroom. This is embedded in general classroom discussions as and when the learning opportunity arises.

KS1

Our PSHE curriculum is taught through Twinkl Life’s PSHE scheme of work which we supplement with carefully planned and resourced lessons created by our year group teachers. This includes the statutory content: Relationship Education. As a school, we have decided which thematic units are most relevant to each year group from the Twinkl scheme. Each unit, which consists of six lessons and is taught over a half-term period. Lessons sign post key words, building rich vocabulary to develop understanding. This is embedded through circle time discussions and if time allows: roleplay and games with various group sizes. Each lesson begins with a discussion of the children’s existing knowledge and experience and ends with the opportunity to consolidate and reflect upon their learning.

Impact

Whilst in school, children have access to a varied programme, which allows them to discover areas of strength, as well as areas they might like to improve upon. Children are enabled to develop the vocabulary and confidence needed to clearly articulate their thoughts and feeling in a climate of openness, trust and respect and know when to seek the support of others. They will apply their understanding of society to their everyday interactions, from the classroom to the wider community of which they are a part. Our PSHE curriculum supports the active development of our school culture which prioritises physical and mental health and wellbeing, providing the children with skills to evaluate and understand their own wellbeing needs, providing children with skills to evaluate and understand their own wellbeing needs, practised self-care and contribute positively to the wellbeing of those around them. Our PSHE curriculum is a whole-school approach to positively impact wellbeing, safeguarding and SMSC outcomes. This can ensure all children are able to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to succeed at school and in the wider world.