Intent
At Whitmore Park, we teach Personal, Social, Health Education as a whole-school approach to underpin children’s development as people and supports their learning capacity. The intent is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that equips pupils with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make informed decisions about their lives. The overarching aim is to promote pupils’ well-being, develop resilience, and prepare them for life in modern Britain.
The school’s PSHE curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils, regardless of background or ability, and is inclusive of diverse cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles. It places a strong emphasis on promoting British values, tackling discrimination, and fostering respect for others.
Jigsaw, the mindful approach to PSHE/Health and Well-being, fulfils all the requirements for the statutory Relationships and Health Education curriculum (as announced by the Department for Education in England in 2019, as implemented from September 2020). This programme also supports the “Personal Development” and “Behaviour and Attitude” aspects evaluated under the Ofsted Inspection Framework, as well as significantly contributing to the school’s Safeguarding and Equality Duties, the Government’s British Values agenda and the SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural) development opportunities provided for our children.
Implementation
The PSHE curriculum is taught using the Jigsaw Programme which offers us a comprehensive, carefully thought-through Scheme of Work which brings consistency and progression to our children’s learning in this vital curriculum area.
Over the course of the year, there are six Puzzles in Jigsaw designed to progress in sequence from the beginning of each academic year:
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 Puberty and Human Reproduction Education)
Each puzzle is taught at the same time throughout the school using age-related resources. Weekly lessons are well-structured, sequential and progressive that covers a wide range of topics, including relationships education, health education, and financial education. Lessons are delivered in a safe and supportive environment that encourages pupils to explore sensitive issues with confidence.
Children share their opinions and understandings through a variety of strategies including discussions, group activities, role-play and real-life scenarios.
PSHE is integrated across the curriculum, with opportunities to reinforce learning in other subjects. Cross-curricular links are made to demonstrate the interconnectedness of topics and embed learning in real-life contexts.
Impact
In Whitmore Park, the impact of PSHE is far-reaching and transformative. Pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of key concepts related to health, relationships, and financial well-being. They are able to articulate their thoughts and feelings, listen respectfully to others, and negotiate solutions to conflicts effectively.
Pupils exhibit behaviours that reflect a positive attitude towards themselves and others, as well as a strong sense of responsibility towards their own well-being and that of the wider community. They are able to identify risks and make informed decisions to safeguard their health and safety. Our Junior Leadership Team is a result of how children take on extra responsibility across the school.
The school’s commitment to PSHE is reflected in the positive attitudes and behaviours of its pupils, as well as in their academic achievement and personal development.
Furthermore, ongoing assessment and reflection are essential components of implementing the Jigsaw PSHE curriculum effectively. Class PSHE books are created to show evidence of children’s learning and understanding of each lesson. Children also make links within their learning to ‘British Values’ and the school’s ‘Golden Values’.
Please click here to see a full copy of our RHE intent statement.