PHSE

Intent

The Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) curriculum at Lowercroft is designed to promote the holistic development of our pupils, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Our intent is to foster well-rounded individuals who are confident, resilient, and able to navigate the complexities of modern society.

We aim to:

·      Provide a safe learning environment, creating a welcoming and safe atmosphere where pupils can freely discuss sensitive issues and facilitate their personal growth.

·      Promote positive relationships, encouraging pupils to form respectful and healthy relationships with peers and adults, understanding the importance of empathy, tolerance, and diversity.

·      Embed fundamental British Values, instilling the core values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect throughout the PSHE curriculum.

·      Prepare for life’s challenges, equipping pupils with essential life skills, including decision-making, problem-solving, and financial literacy, enabling them to manage life’s challenges both now and in the future.

·      Promote active citizenship, developing a sense of responsibility, whilst instilling the importance of contributing positively to their community and the wider world.

Implementation

Our PSHE curriculum is systematically integrated across all year groups through a thematic approach, ensuring continuity and progression in learning. This is achieved using Jigsaw, a comprehensive PSHE programme for primary school children aged 3-11 years.

Jigsaw brings together PSHE Education, compulsory Relationships and Health Education (within the Changing Me Puzzle, summer term), emotional literacy, mindfulness, social skills and spiritual development. It is designed as a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (puzzle) at the same time. There are six Puzzles (one per half term) and each year group is taught one lesson per week. All lessons are delivered in an age-appropriate way so that they meet children’s needs. Each puzzle starts with an introductory assembly, generating a whole school focus at the beginning of each half term.

Here are the six puzzles covered each half term:

Term 1: Being Me in My World

Term 2: Celebrating Difference (including anti-bullying)

Term 3: Dreams and Goals

Term 4: Healthy Me

Term 5: Relationships

Term 6: Changing Me (including Sex Education)

Within each lesson a range of pedagogical techniques, including role-play, group discussions, in class competitions and games, are employed to engage all learners. Each lesson also follows a four-part sequence:

Open my mind – a mindfulness activity to focus children's thoughts on the lesson topic.

Tell Me or Show Me – when children will be taught new skills or information.

Let Me Learn – children will be given the chance to put these skills or information into practice.

Help Me Reflect – an opportunity to think about how they feel about their learning and progress.

PSHE is also interwoven with other subjects such as English, Science and Geography, promoting a deep understanding and awareness of themes such as relationships, emotional well-being, environmental awareness, and global citizenship.

Impact

Pupils demonstrate a secure understanding of PSHE topics and can articulate their learning effectively through discussions, photographs on Seesaw and written work. The impact of our PSHE education is evidenced through pupils' positive behaviour and relationships. We have a significant reduction in incidents of bullying and conflict, alongside evidence of positive peer relationships and social cohesion within the school environment. Pupils report feeling safe and supported, with heightened emotional literacy. This is reflected in their ability to express their feelings. Pupils take part in various additional responsibilities throughout school and beyond, reinforcing their sense of community and responsibility. Their involvement in initiatives such as charity fundraising shows their commitment to making a positive impact. Academic performance is positively influenced too as pupils acquire vital skills that support their learning. Children comment that they enjoy PSHE lessons at Lowercroft as they enjoy the discussions and practical elements to the lessons as they learn about the wider world, and they feel it prepares them for life beyond the classroom.

Through thoughtful intent, strategic implementation, and measurable impact, we ensure that our pupils are well prepared for their future.