Intent
At North Lancing Primary School, we believe that PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education is a crucial part of a child’s education. It gives children access to critical information about themselves and the diverse world around them. In our school, we aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that meets the unique context of our school. We give pupils access to big ideas and conversations, alongside practical experiences to develop children’s independence, collaboration, perseverance, individuality and resilience in line with our school values. Our aim is to develop children’s knowledge, self esteem and emotional wellbeing to help them to form and maintain worthwhile and positive relationships. Children are taught to have respect for themselves, and for others, within our local, national and global communities. The information provided is relevant and appropriate to the age and maturity of pupils as we prepare them for adult life, allowing them to develop fully as emotional mature human beings.
Implementation
Our curriculum is based on the frameworks of the National Curriculum and the PSHE Association, with tailored weighting to specific strands to support the personal development of children living within our local community in West Sussex. The PSHE curriculum is split into the three key themes of Health and Well-being, Relationships (incorporating the RSE guidance) and Living in the Wider World. These three themes have equal importance within teaching, and topics are taught on a rolling, spiral basis. Topics are revisited across year groups, and understanding is deepened. This allows for progression and retention of key skills and knowledge, and also the introduction of some concepts at an age-appropriate point. This progression is detailed in the PSHE knowledge map. PSHE education is taught on a weekly discrete basis (either one hour lesson, or two 30 minute lessons), with some content also being taught through other subject areas, and within other contexts, such as assemblies, ‘circle time’ or ‘class meetings’ and E-safety is taught during our Computing lessons. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from sex education, but not from health or relationships education.
Impact
The impact of a strong PSHE education forms the preparation for adult life, enabling children to understand and face the challenges, relationships, complexities and questions that arise in a diverse world. Children will leave North Lancing Primary School with the ability to recognise and develop good relationships. They will have an understanding of the importance of positive mental and physical health and an understanding how their body will change and grow. Additionally, they will have built respect and tolerance for all, and have a comprehensive understanding of society and the role of the individual in a community. These are the skills that will equip our children for life.