Our PSHE extends beyond the classroom and is infused into the ethos and culture of the school. It aims to equip children with essential skills and knowledge for life. At West Kirby, we aim to develop the whole child by developing the knowledge, skills and attributes children need to protect and enhance their well-being. Children will learn how to stay safe and healthy, build and maintain successful relationships and become active citizens, responsibly participating in society around them. Successful PSHE curriculum coverage is a vital tool in preparing children for life in society now and in the future.
West Kirby pupils will leave our school happy and confident, with a strong and positive view of themselves. They will have a good grasp of the social and emotional aspects of their learning, exhibit positive learning behaviours and high levels of social, moral, spiritual and cultural development as well as the protective knowledge on essential safeguarding issues, developing the knowledge of when and how to ask for help.
Implementation
We use Coram Life Education’s planning ‘SCARF’ which uses evidence-based creative methods and resources to simulate curiosity and imagination in children. This planning is aligned with the PSHE Association’s programme of study and the Relationships and Health Education statutory requirements.
Each class has a 30 minute lesson per week, but we recognise that PSHE happens in many more ways such as whole school themes delivered through assemblies and focus weeks; regular practise of calming activities and through the ethos of our school. Assessment for learning opportunities are built into each lesson and at the start and end of each unit. Self-evaluation and reflective learning is also encouraged through the use of the pupil’s reflective diaries.
Staff model the behaviour and values we hope to instil in the pupils and they are vigilant in providing a three tired approach to meet our pupil’s well-being needs:
1. High quality, whole school teaching of an age appropriate, spiral curriculum as well as teaching and modelling positive learning behaviours and values.
2. Targeted in-school interventions.
3. External support and interventions.
Impact
Our PSHE supports the active development of a school culture that prioritises physical and mental health and well-being, providing pupils with skills to evaluate and understand their own well-being needs, practise self-care and contribute positively to the well-being of those around them. Our effective curriculum for well-being is felt in the culture of the school. 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. Pupils feel positive about themselves, their lives and their relationships. By developing the whole child, we also see a positive impact on academic development and progress by mitigating any social and emotional barriers to learning and building confidence and self-esteem. Our 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. Ultimately, the school vision is achieved - to create a happy, caring community where all members are included, secure and confident, have an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential and to develop the skills necessary to make a valuable contribution to society, both now and in the future.
PSHE Subject Leader: Mr Procter