PSHE
PSHE Curriculum (Primary)
Subject Lead: Meg Stacey Email: meg.stacey@northstar-academy.co.uk
Intent
The intent of the PSHE curriculum in primary is to:
- Develop pupils’ understanding of themselves, their relationships and the world around them.
- Teach pupils how to stay safe, healthy and well both in school and beyond.
- Build confidence, resilience, self-esteem and emotional literacy.
- Develop pupils’ knowledge of healthy relationships, personal safety and responsible decision-making.
- Introduce pupils to citizenship, rights, responsibilities and their role within the wider community.
- Support pupils to communicate effectively, manage feelings and develop positive social interactions.
- Prepare pupils for increasing independence and future adulthood through age-appropriate life skills.
- Support the achievement of EHCP outcomes relating to communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, self-care and independence.
- Promote the school’s values and characteristics whilst meeting statutory Relationships Education and Health Education requirements.
Implementation
The PSHE curriculum in primary is implemented through the The Pol-Ed curriculum framework, delivered through weekly PSHE lessons and complimented by assemblies.
Four key curriculum strands:
- Relationships (including Relationships and Sex Education in KS2)
- Wellbeing
- Understanding the law
- Keeping Safe
A carefully sequenced curriculum that revisits and builds upon previous learning.
- Age-appropriate lessons which develop awareness of risks, safety, citizenship and positive decision-making.
- Discussion, role play, social stories, visual resources and practical activities.
- Real-life learning opportunities that help pupils apply knowledge in meaningful contexts.
- Explicit teaching of emotional regulation, communication and self-advocacy skills.
- Adapted teaching approaches, scaffolding and communication supports to ensure accessibility for all learners.
- Ongoing assessment through observation, pupil voice, learning outcomes and progress towards EHCP targets.
Staff use a range of strategies and resources to ensure learning is engaging, accessible and personalised. Learning is delivered in a safe and supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to explore ideas, ask questions and develop the confidence to apply their learning in everyday situations.
Impact
The impact of the PSHE curriculum is demonstrated by:
- Progress from individual starting points across personal, social and emotional development.
- Increased confidence, resilience and self-awareness.
- Improved communication and relationship skills.
- Greater understanding of keeping safe online, offline and within the community.
- Increased ability to make positive choices and manage risks appropriately.
- Development of independence and readiness for future learning.
- Progress towards EHCP outcomes and personal development targets.
Pupils being well prepared for transition into secondary education.
Parental Right to Withdraw from Sex Education in PSHE
Parents/carers have the legal right to request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of the sex education elements of the PSHE curriculum that go beyond statutory Relationships Education and Health Education. Sex education delivered as part of the science curriculum is not subject to withdrawal. Requests must be made to the headteacher and will be considered in line with Department for Education guidance. Appropriate alternative provision will be provided where withdrawal is agreed.
