PSHE
“A good beginning is of great importance.” Catherine McAuley
Sample Pupil Voice, Spring 2023
What makes a good PSHE student?
A passion for dialogue and an openness to listen to new ideas and concepts. A willingness to share thoughts and to learn from others, with an ability to emphasise. An openness and honesty within themselves and with others. An ability to consider society and what’s best for the whole, rather than the self.
About Our Vision for PSHE
At St. Wulstan’s RC Primary School, personal, social and health education (PSHE) enables our children to become healthy, independent and responsible members of a society. It aims to help them understand how they are developing personally and socially, and tackles many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. We provide our children with opportunities for them to learn about rights and responsibilities and appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society. Our children are encouraged to develop their sense of self-worth by playing a positive role in contributing to school life and the wider community. They will be given the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to keep themselves safe and they will be prepared for life in modern Britain.
Curriculum
At St. Wulstan’s, we aim to give children, the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to be healthy, independent and responsible members of society. We encourage all our pupils to play a positive role in contributing to school life through the School Council/Pupil Voice, fundraising events and involvement in community activities. Our pupils are given opportunities in PSHE lessons and assemblies to develop confidence, self-motivation and an understanding of their rights and responsibilities within our diverse society.
At St. Wulstan’s, we have very high expectations for behaviour and using excellent manners. To encourage this, the whole school follow the same set of school rules and playground rules.
As part of our PSHE and citizenship work, the children are encouraged to develop independence and a sense of responsibility for themselves and others. We teach PSHE in a variety of ways: as a discrete subject, via assemblies and through other subjects such as RE, history, geography, English, maths and science, as well as through outdoor educational visits, community work and activities.
RSE AT ST. WULSTAN’S
Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) forms part of the Science and Personal, Social and Health curriculum. Starting with simple family relationships in Reception and Key Stage One, relationships are discussed throughout the primary years. It is only in the older year groups that children learn about aspects of puberty and reproduction.
It is generally accepted that children become ‘educated’ about sexual matters from a very early age. They receive information (either explicitly or implicitly) from family, peers, the media and the general values and attitudes they encounter in society. This approach can lead to misconceptions. There are many advantages of school-based SRE. It provides a structured programme matched to the ages and development stages of pupils. It can combat ignorance and fear and clarify existing knowledge by providing accurate information. It can provide opportunities to discuss feelings, emotions and attitudes in a safe, non-threatening situation. It can also help to create a natural attitude towards sexuality and to develop the skills needed to manage relationships. By providing opportunities to exchange ideas, it can promote tolerance and understanding of others. The sharing of ideas can contribute to the development of values and a personal sense of morality.
We are fully aware of the moral, legal, cultural and ethnic dimensions of the subject and the importance of parents’ / carers’ views in relation to SRE is well recognised. Information regarding the structure of the lessons and materials available and the school’s policy is always available for any parent to view. Parents / carers have the choice of withdrawing their children if considered necessary – we always advise parents in advance when issues of a sensitive nature are being covered.
SPIRITUAL, MORAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development underpins all that we do at St. Wulstan’s, promoted not only through all the subjects of the curriculum, but also through the ethos and mission statement of the school.
Each class has the opportunity each year to perform to the rest of the school and their parents through a themed class assembly, musical performances and religious celebrations.
Friendship, respect and tolerance are taught as part of our Personal, Social, Health Education program as well as being embedded in our core school values.
Through a combination of approaches, the school is able to ensure that children develop an understanding of the key British Values: Democracy, Rule of Law, Mutual Respect, Personal Liberty and Tolerance of other faiths and cultures.
We promote a tolerance of and respect for people of all faiths (or those of no faith), cultures and lifestyles through the effective spiritual, moral social and cultural development of pupils, including through the extent to which our school engage our pupils in extra-curricular activities and volunteering in the local community.
As a school we welcome children from all backgrounds and are proud of how children and their families from other cultures are welcomed by our children and the rest of the school community.
In all teaching, the teachers look to inspire and enthuse children. Teachers look to develop a love of learning and a working atmosphere where children enjoy their learning journey.
Children are given opportunities to take on responsibility around the school: lunch time helpers, School Council, Eco-Warriors, class monitors, gardening projects, Playground Pals, House Captains, and after school clubs.
This school has a clear behaviour policy that sets high expectations and promotes a good moral understanding, mutual respect, tolerance and understanding.
If you have any questions about the PSHE curriculum within school, please come into school and ask to speak to Mrs. Sturgess, our PSHE Lead.
St. Wulstan's Personal Development Overview - click here to read more
St. Wulstan's PSHE Intent, Implementation and Impact
Below is a link to Childline, for help and support for Children and Young People who are being bullied:
Below is a link to Bully Busters, for information and practical advice for Kids on bullying:
Below is a link to Young Minds, for information and practical advice for Kids on Mental Health:
