PSHE

Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact in PSHE

Intent

PSHE / CITIZENSHIP

At Downe Manor Primary School we follow the Ealing Borough PSHE scheme of work which aims to equip pupils with essential skills for life. It intends to develop the whole child through carefully planned and resourced lessons that develop the knowledge, skills and attributes pupils need to protect and enhance their well-being. Through tailored lessons, pupils will learn how to understand and implement the key values of a PSHE curriculum independently. This will include staying safe and healthy, building and maintaining successful relationships – and becoming active citizens who participate in society responsibly – now and in the future.

The curriculum reflects the specific needs of the pupils who attend Downe Manor– and the current climate ‘post Covid’. A huge national focus has been placed upon the repercussions and effects on pupils' well-being after such a disruptive and unknown period in their lives. There has been much research that looks at the potential impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting lockdown on children and young people.

Many pupils who attend our school have specific needs and have suffered trauma. Therefore, the timing and delivery of the sessions need to reflect the background of the pupil. Some topics may need to be taught individually to ensure their needs are being met. The PSHE Association states: "The need for high-quality provision through a broad and rich curriculum," and "aims to support the future success of all individuals, with a focus on supporting those from disadvantaged backgrounds".

Teaching about mental well-being is central to ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead of them. Our curriculum will equip pupils with the knowledge and capability to take care of themselves and show them how to get support if a problem arises.

We aim to foster pupil well-being and develop resilience and virtues that are fundamental to pupils being successful, productive members of society.

We acknowledge that pupils are growing up in an increasingly complex world where many people live their lives seamlessly on and offline. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities, but also raises many challenges and risks. Pupils need to know how to be safe and healthy and how to manage their academic, personal and social lives in a positive way. Our PSHE scheme covers the three core overarching themes of

Relationships

Health and Wellbeing

Living in the wider world

Implementation

The sequence of work is intended to be taught in units to enable pupils to build upon previous learning and explore areas both relevant and appropriate to their level.

The units are designed to be delivered in a creative way, using many approaches such as role play, discussion and games with groups of various sizes. The activities should help pupils to build confidence and resilience.

RHE (Relationships and Health Education)

Our lessons follow the Ealing RHE framework and cover various topics such as health and wellbeing, healthy and unhealthy relationships (including bullying and harassment), living in the wider world, migration, charity, mental health and resilience, homelessness, drugs and alcohol education, online safety and risk of harm. These lessons teach essential skills for building positive, enjoyable, respectful and non-exploitive relationships and for staying safe both on and offline.  Throughout these lessons, we place emphasis on safeguarding, SMSC, and British values, which serve as the golden threads tying the curriculum together.

In Downe Manor, parents have the right to withdraw their child from one Sex Education lesson which is taught in Year 6 that does not form part of the Primary Science curriculum. Prior to this lesson being taught during the Summer Term, parents are invited to attend an informative workshop which gives details of the curriculum and its content.

Impact

Downe Manor’s sequence of work provides an effective curriculum for well-being. Pupils develop the vocabulary and confidence needed to clearly articulate their thoughts and feelings in an environment of openness, trust and respect, and know when and how they can seek the support of others. They will apply their understanding of society to everyday interactions in the classroom and in the wider community.

PSHE education can have a positive impact on the whole child (including their academic development and progress) by lessening any social and emotional barriers to learning and building their confidence and self-esteem. PSHE education also helps disadvantaged and vulnerable pupils to achieve more by raising aspirations and empowering them with the skills to overcome any barriers they face.

As part of our safeguarding lessons we teach pupils about the NSPCC Pants rule. Please see the below link for more information. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/pants-underwear-rule/