Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education at Harlyn

Intent

At Harlyn Primary School we understand the importance of PSHE in our curriculum to develop children’s self-esteem, confidence and resilience. We intend to ensure that children have a secure knowledge and understanding of what constitutes a healthy lifestyle including mental health and well-being; developing respect and positive relationships with members of the school and the wider community and keeping safe. We aim to equip and empower children with the necessary skills for the challenges, opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

Implementation

As well as being taught as a discrete subject, PSHE is intrinsic throughout the life of the school. Children learn about the main core themes of Health and Wellbeing, Relationship Education and Living in the wider world through a range of opportunities and experiences. These include whole school and class assemblies, school visits and visiting speakers, sporting and music opportunities. In addition to this, the whole school participates in national events that raise awareness of a range of aspects including Anti-bullying, Mental Health and Well-being. 

PSHE in our school is implemented through a range of teaching and learning styles to enable equal access to the requirements of the National Curriculum. We emphasise active learning by including the children in discussions, investigations and problem-solving activities.  Children are given the opportunity to share their views through the School Council and the annual School Development Plan pupil questionnaire. Children’s rights are recognised and discussed throughout the year. Interactive Zones of Regulation are displayed throughout the school for children to identify and manage their emotions in order to support their mental health and well-being. Some PSHE themes (RSE) are taught within other curricular subjects e.g. Science.

Impact

At age-appropriate levels, our children demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how to keep safe in and around school (including online safety), making healthy choices, having respect for themselves and each other. Children implement strategies they have learnt to problem solve, participate in a range of extra-curricular opportunities and understand the value of differences and diversity. Further evidence of the children’s understanding can be found in their books and displays around the school.  

We expect the impact of our teaching to be that children meet age related expectations. These can be seen in the progression document below. 

Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) at Harlyn

Intent

Harlyn Primary School is committed to investing in our pupils’ health and well-being.

We value the importance of relationship and sex education to help and support children through their physical, emotional and moral development.  By delivering an effective Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) we are preparing children to make responsible and well-informed decisions about their lives.

Our key aims for RSE are to:

• nurture a responsible attitude towards personal relationships, such as mutual respect and care, and to develop sensitivity towards the needs of others;
• foster the ability to manage relationships in a responsible and healthy manner;
• promote the value of loving relationships and of family life;
• provide knowledge of human reproductive processes at a suitable level to the children’s level of maturity and understanding;
• inform children on matters of personal hygiene and related health issues;

Implementation

The RSE programme is firmly rooted within the framework for PSHE and also has cross-curricular links with other subjects e.g. Religious Education, Physical Education and more specifically Science. It is tailored to the age, physical and emotional maturity of the children and helps them learn to respect themselves and others and move with confidence from childhood through adolescence into adulthood.  The programme of study supports continuity and progression as children move through the school.

Children’s questions are answered sensitively and honestly at an appropriate level. Teachers ensure that balanced information is provided and considers the views of different faiths and avoid any negative impressions or stereotypes.

A range of teaching and learning styles are employed to meet requirements of the RSE. These include whole class and group discussions, problem-solving activities and exploring issues through role-play. Since RSE incorporates the development of self-esteem and relationships, pupils’ learning does not just take place through the taught curriculum but through all aspects of school life.

Impact

Through a structured and detailed RSE curriculum the expected outcomes for children are to know and use the correct terminology to name parts of the body and describe how their bodies work; be prepared for puberty; recognise unsafe situations, protect themselves and be able to ask for support and advice