“Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is an important and necessary part of all pupils’ education….Schools should seek to use PSHE education to build, where appropriate, on the statutory content already outlined in the national curriculum, the basic school curriculum and in statutory guidance on: drug education, financial education, sex and relationship education (RSE) and the importance of physical activity and diet for a healthy lifestyle.”
DfE, Sept 2021
PSHE & RSE CURRICULUM STATEMENT
At Alfriston Primary School, we believe that teaching Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is integral to providing a board and balanced curriculum. We believe that good quality PSHE education & RSE prepares children for opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life, whilst also supporting the well-being of the children throughout their school career.
The Jigsaw PSHE & RSE scheme taught at our school, covers many Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) issues that affect the children as they progress in their school career. Additionally, the Jigsaw scheme significantly contributes to the British Values agenda through direct teaching of information and through the experiential learning the children take part in.
Our PSHE & RSE curriculum equips children with an age appropriate understanding, stretching from EYFS to Year 6. In addition, our Relationships Education at Alfriston teaches the fundamental building blocks and characteristics of positive relationships, with particular reference to friendships, family relationships, and relationships with other peers and adults.
OUR CURRICULUM INTENT FOR PSHE & RSE
With these aspirations, our intent for the PSHE & RSE curriculum are:
- To promote children’s moral, social, spiritual, cultural and physical development through a broad and balanced PSHE & RSE curriculum.
- To allow children to develop safe and healthy relationships now and in the future.
- To develop children’s self-confidence and self-esteem so they can be active and happy members of the school and wider community.
- To provide children with opportunities for gaining cultural capital (either within school or in the local community).
- To understand factors which allow us to have a healthy lifestyle.
- To understand the importance of British values.
Our PSHE & RSE curriculum is planned to develop children’s wellbeing and help them grow into active, healthy, safe, responsible and enterprising individuals.
HOW WE IMPLEMENT OUR INTENTIONS
The Jigsaw scheme is based upon a whole school approach to PSHE & RSE which is progressive and sequential. The scheme is structured into 6 half-termly units of work, mapped out like puzzle pieces. These comprise of the units; 'Being Me in My World', Celebrating Differences', 'Dreams and Goals', 'Healthy Me', 'Relationships' and 'Changing Me'.
Mindfulness activities are key components of the Jigsaw PSHE & RSE lessons. The children reflect on their experiences and understand how they are developing personally and socially, tackling issues that are part of growing up. The Jigsaw PSHE & RSE lessons help the children develop their self-belief, realise their value and encourages them to become increasingly responsible for their own learning. In addition, the children develop understanding of their place within the wider community, and are taught how to resolve conflicts, develop collaboration skills and respect for others.
PSHE/RSE is taught weekly at a level appropriate to the child's age, maturity and understanding.
The school has a clear policy on Relationship & Sex Education (RSE). The children gain an understanding of the working of their bodies, including human reproduction using correct vocabulary. This is a gently progressive curriculum as the children move through the school, meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum.
Relationship & Sex Education is always presented in the context of family life, of loving relationships and respect for one another. Children are able to ask questions which teachers answer in a manner appropriate to the age and maturity of the children. In Key Stage 2, smaller groups of boys and girls are given the opportunity to work separately and ask questions, which they may feel uncomfortable to ask in the presence of the whole class.
Parents are given the opportunity to view the teaching resources prior to the lessons and to meet with the class teacher if required.
