PSHE

'Therefore encourage on another and build one another up, just as you are doing.'

Thessalonians 5:11

Introduction

Children at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School are offered a high quality PSHE curriculum which involves a wide range of different elements and experiences. Our PSHE curriculum is rooted in our vision and values as a faith school and reflects our Catholic Ethos. At St Mary’s, children are offered a wide variety of different opportunities and experiences within the PSHE curriculum which is comprised of many different elements. Some of the curriculum is pupil led, some teacher led and some is led by outside professionals and members of the wider community. We work closely with our parish community and this offers many opportunities to enrich our PSHE curriculum.

Intent

In PSHE, children will gain the skills to grow in confidence and to develop a sense of responsibility within themselves. They develop their own God-given attributes, form positive relationships with others built on respect and develop a healthy and safe lifestyle. The personal development of each pupil will be nurtured within the ethos of our Catholic School through their on-going PSHE education. Opportunities will exist for children to access outside professionals to discuss topics such as healthy lifestyles, personal safety, relationships, diversity, citizenship and the wider world. Our diverse society will be represented and children will develop a real understanding and appreciation of the world.

Implementation

Pupils will follow carefully designed schemes of learning which offer consistency and progression as pupils move through the school. PHSE is taught both through explicit lessons but is also embedded in other areas of the curriculum and in the day to day life of the school. It is taught and recorded through a variety of mediums including presentations, art, drama, photography and the innovative use of technology.  The school participates in National Awareness and Fundraising events such as Anti-bullying week and the MacMillan Coffee Morning.

Impact

Children have a clear understanding of what constitutes physical and mental well-being and understand how to live a balanced lifestyle. They understand the importance of eating a balanced diet, enjoying regular exercise and having sufficient sleep. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene and how to prevent the spread of disease. They understand the importance of developing relationships with others based on respect. At St Mary’s, children know how to let adults know if they feel unsafe and know how to report bullying. Children learn how to maintain their personal safety both in and outside of school and they have an awareness of the risks posed by the internet.

Cultural Capital

The rich, creative and varied PSHE curriculum supports children in developing cultural capital. They are given opportunities to learn about British Society and the Wider World and are given an understanding about the diversity of our society and different cultures and religions. Children are taught about rights, responsibilities and duties at home, in school and towards the wider community. Children are taught about money and how it can be used for different purposes and the role it can play in people’s lives.

British Values

In PSHE, children are taught about British Values and democracy. They learn about why there is a need for rules and laws and how to take part in making and changing laws.

Children are taught about social justice and the importance of showing respect to all members of society. They are taught to understand and respect diversity and different religious and cultural practices. Diversity within St Mary’s School is celebrated.

Over the years, St. Mary’s has developed a range of curricular and cross-curricular opportunities for children to develop in PSHE. These include:

• School councils that meet once a term
• Circle time opportunities
• Yearly drama performances
• School trips
• Guest speakers
• Charity fund raising activities
• Gardening experience
• Involvement with visiting the local community
• After school and weekend sports activities
• Electing pupils for positions of responsibilities
• Residential religious retreats and sports activities

Emotional support at St Mary's

We have developed our own in-house Early Help Offer.  The purpose of early help is to provide support to our children and families as soon as a problem emerges. Early help prevents issues and problems from becoming serious and harmful to a child or young person, their family, and the community. When children and families need this extra support, they often need it quickly. If you have a problem at home, please get in touch, we can support you in lots of ways.  Details of our Early Help Offer, can be found in the ‘Parents’ section of our website.