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Bowdon
Church School

  • Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)

    "I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship."

    Louisa May Alcott

    Intent

    At Bowdon Church School, we are committed to providing a comprehensive PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) curriculum that equips our students with the essential knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to navigate life's challenges and seize opportunities. We believe that our PSHE and RSE curricula are essential in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to society. By instilling values of respect, responsibility, and resilience, we aim to empower our students to navigate their lives with confidence and integrity. Our Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) curriculum is an integral part of this framework, addressing various aspects of relationships, including family dynamics, friendships, peer and adult interactions, healthy and unhealthy relationship patterns, online interactions, and the emotional, social, and physical aspects of growing up.

    Aims of the PSHE and RSE Curriculum

    Through an age-appropriate and open Relationships Curriculum, we aim to help pupils develop into healthy, independent, and responsible members of society. Our PSHE and RSE curricula are designed to ensure that students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to stay safe, healthy, and prepared for future endeavours. We prioritise pupils’ well-being, happiness, and safety, seamlessly integrating RSE into a balanced educational experience.

    Key Objectives

    We strive to provide children with:

    1. Understanding of Risks:

      • Students will gain a solid understanding of potential risks, enabling them to make informed decisions in their daily lives.

    2. Awareness of Healthy Lifestyles:

      • Emphasising the importance of a healthy lifestyle, we promote responsible attitudes toward mental and physical health.

    3. Respect and Relationship Building:

      • Our curriculum fosters respect for others and encourages a positive approach to building effective relationships.

    4. Understanding Diverse Societies:

      • We aim to instil an understanding of diverse societies, along with the rights and responsibilities that come with being a part of these communities.

    5. Emotional Management:

      • Students will develop skills to manage and express their feelings appropriately, enhancing their emotional intelligence.

    Preparing Students for the Future

    Our goal is for students to leave Bowdon Church School with the knowledge and emotional readiness to take on active, positive roles in today’s diverse society. We encourage high aspirations and self-belief, helping them understand that with determination and effort, they can achieve their goals.

    In a rapidly changing world, we prepare our students to be aware of the factors affecting their lives and equip them with the tools necessary for maintaining good mental health and well-being.

    Holistic Development

    Our PSHE curriculum fosters the acquisition of knowledge and skills that prepare children for global citizenship, promoting their spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, and physical development for future opportunities and responsibilities. Ultimately, our Relationships and Sex Education program teaches children how to stay safe and cultivate healthy relationships in both their current and future lives.

    Implementation

    Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

    In the EYFS, PSHE and citizenship are seamlessly integrated into our topic work, focusing on the Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED) statements from Development Matters and the PSED Early Learning Goals. In Reception, we utilize the Jigsaw Scheme of Work, which supports our teaching by providing a structured framework for discussing key topics related to identity, relationships, and emotional well-being.

    Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

    In Key Stages 1 and 2, we teach PSHE through a comprehensive scheme that aligns with the National Curriculum. Our curriculum covers three core areas: Health and Well-Being, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World, as outlined in the PSHE Association’s Programme of Study. This ensures that we meet the statutory requirements for Health Education and Relationships Education.

    Jigsaw Program

    Pupils engage with the Jigsaw program, which is designed to prepare children for life by helping them understand their identity and relationships in a changing world. The curriculum emphasises:

    • Emotional Literacy: Helping students recognise and express their emotions.

    • Resilience: Teaching them to bounce back from setbacks.

    • Mental and Physical Health: Promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being.

    • Mindfulness Practices: Enhancing emotional awareness and concentration.

    Sex Education and Diverse Relationships

    Alongside Relationships Education, we also address aspects of Sex Education within our Science Curriculum. Students learn about diverse relationships, including same-sex relationships and gender identity, ensuring they are well-prepared for life in modern Britain. Topics related to Sex Education are also covered through the Jigsaw program.

    Curriculum Themes

    Our PSHE curriculum is organised into six themes, with each year group studying the same unit simultaneously, tailored to their developmental level:

    • Autumn 1: Being Me in My World

    • Autumn 2: Differences (including anti-bullying)

    • Spring 1: Dreams and Goals

    • Spring 2: Healthy Me

    • Summer 1: Relationships

    • Summer 2: Changing Me (including Sex Education)

    These themes link to British Values and Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development, reflecting the school’s aims and ethos.

    Wider Curriculum Integration

    We emphasise fostering a Growth Mindset in children to help them build resilience, independence, and confidence. This mindset encourages students to embrace challenges and develop a love of learning, supported by positive reinforcement and encouraging language. This is used alongside Zones of Regulation to support children in recognising their feelings and managing them appropriately. 

    PSHE, SMSC, and British Values are integral to our whole school curriculum and are often taught alongside other subjects. We invite visitors, such as emergency services personnel and the school nurse, to enhance the learning experience and provide real-world context.

    Impact

    By the time our children leave Bowdon Church School, they will be well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of modern life. Our comprehensive PSHE curriculum equips them with the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to navigate various real-life situations effectively. Our objectives for our students include:

    • Practical Skills for Real Life: Students will be equipped to handle a variety of real-life situations, applying their skills and attributes to navigate the complexities of modern life.

    • Healthy, Open-Minded Attitudes: They will be on their way to becoming healthy, open-minded, and respectful members of society who are socially and morally responsible.

    • Appreciation of Diversity: Our pupils will appreciate differences and diversity within their community, understanding the value of inclusion.

    • Understanding British Values: They will recognise and uphold the British Values of Democracy, Tolerance, Mutual Respect, Rule of Law, and Liberty, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility.

    • Emotional Management: Students will learn to understand and manage their emotions effectively, leading to improved mental health and well-being.

    • Healthy Relationships: They will develop the skills necessary to cultivate positive and healthy relationships with their peers, both in the present and future.

    • Age-Appropriate RSE: Pupils will gain an understanding of the physical aspects of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) at an age-appropriate level, enabling them to make informed decisions.

    • Respect for Self and Others: They will learn to respect themselves and others, which is fundamental to building strong relationships.

    • Positive Self-Esteem: Students will be encouraged to maintain positive self-esteem and a healthy outlook towards school and their personal development.

    Monitoring Progress

    At Bowdon Church School, we aim for children to know more and remember more about PSHE. We foster a positive outlook towards school, themselves, and their peers, preparing them for adulthood in a wider world. We monitor progress in PSHE through various methods, including:

    • Floor Books: Collaborative records of learning experiences that allow students to reflect on their understanding and growth.

    • Pupil Voice/Conferencing: Engaging students in discussions about their learning, enabling them to share their perspectives and experiences.

    • Continuous Observation: Regularly observing children’s responses and interactions both in and out of school to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement.

    • Pupil questionnaire: Each term, pupils will undertake a short questionnaire where they will answer questions about feeling safe, bullying, adults who help us and friendships.