Intent

PSHE at the Whinless Down Academy aims to equip children with essential skills for life; it intends to develop the whole child through carefully planned and resourced lessons that develop the knowledge, skills and understanding children need to protect and enhance their wellbeing. Through these lessons, children will learn how to stay safe and healthy, build and maintain successful relationships and become active citizens, responsibly participating in society around them.

We believe that successful PSHE curriculum coverage is a vital tool in preparing children for life in society now and in the future. Using the guidance from the PSHE association, we have started to develop a scheme of work which is based on the foundation of seeing each and everybody’s value in society, from appreciation of others explored in units such as ‘What makes a community?’  to promoting strong and positive views of self in units like, What is the same and different about us?

Our PSHE units aim to cover a wide range of the social and emotional aspects of learning, enabling children to develop their identity and self-esteem as active, confident members of their community. The questions and over-arching topics support social, moral, spiritual and cultural development and provide children with protective teaching on essential safeguarding issues, developing their knowledge of when and how they can ask for help.

All of the planning and resources used are fully in line with the Learning Outcomes and Core Themes provided by the PSHE Association Programme of Study which is widely used by schools in England and is recommended and referred to by the DfE in all key documentation relating to PSHE provision in schools. This scheme of work covers all of the required objectives and follows the three core areas of Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. The scheme of work fulfils the requirements of 2020 Statutory Relationships and Health Education, setting these learning intentions in the context of a broad and balanced PSHE curriculum.

Implement

Our PSHE scheme of work is designed to be taught through a question model, which consist of a sequence of lessons, each with supporting materials including a Planning Overview and Knowledge Organiser. Lessons also signpost key words, building a rich vocabulary to develop understanding. All PSHE units are designed to be delivered in a creative manner, using many approaches such as role play, discussion and games with groups of various sizes. These activities enable children to build confidence and resilience.

Assessment for learning opportunities are built into each lesson and enhanced by the Key question outlined for each unit, which enable self-evaluation and reflective learning and allow teachers to evaluate and assess progress.

Impact

Our PSHE curriculum provides pupils with an effective start for wellbeing. Children are enabled to develop the vocabulary and confidence needed to clearly articulate their thoughts and feelings in a climate 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 their everyday interactions, from the classroom to the wider community of which they are a part. This supports the active development of a school culture that prioritises physical and mental health and wellbeing, providing children with skills to evaluate and understand their own wellbeing needs, practise self-care and contribute positively to the wellbeing of those around them. Successful PSHE education can have a positive impact on the whole child, including their academic development and progress, by mitigating any social and emotional barriers to learning and building confidence and self-esteem. Evidence suggests that successful PSHE education also helps disadvantaged and vulnerable children achieve to a greater extent by raising aspirations and empowering them with skills to overcome barriers they face.