Intent

At Higham, our vision for PSHE is to enable all pupils to flourish in the world around them. We endeavor to ensure that all pupils have a range of social and interpersonal skills that will help them to succeed in life as well as being positive citizens. We will also equip them with the necessary knowledge to support and enhance a healthy lifestyle and mind-set. We believe that a broad and balanced PSHE education is the entitlement of all pupils, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, class, aptitude or disability. It is our vision that all pupils will display our key values throughout their time at the school. These values are: respect, teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, kindness and creativity. The values will form the focus of assemblies and awards each term.

Implemenation

PSHE will be covered through weekly Jigsaw lessons discretely taught throughout the school, from FS to Yr. 6, to give depth and breadth to the curriculum.

The Jigsaw scheme of learning, which includes statutory Relationships and Health Education (England), is a spiral, progressive and fully planned scheme of work. This comprehensive programme gives children relevant learning experiences to help them navigate their world, to develop positive relationships with others and have an awareness of their own strengths and skills.

The six Jigsaw pieces (half-termly units) are designed to enable the whole school to study the same learning themes at the same time. Each year group learns the through the units at an age appropriate level. The pieces are sequential and developmental throughout each academic year. The Puzzle units are: Being Me in My World, Celebrating Difference, Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships and Changing Me.

This comprehensive programme ensures that all pupils are challenged to fulfil their potential. PSHE lessons are rich in resources, vocabulary, questioning and content. They encourage all children to be resilient and to understand how to keep themselves safe and happy in their world leading to a successful future.

Lessons have a strong emphasis on emotional literacy, nurturing the children’s mental and physical health. Mindfulness aspects encourage the children to advance their emotional awareness, concentration and focus. The Jigsaw resources allow teachers at Higham Primary School to deliver engaging and relevant PSHE within a whole-school approach.

In addition to the Jigsaw lessons, circle time is used as required, to address specific issues and concerns which may occur either in the classroom or on the playground, as well as allowing pupils the opportunity to discuss current affairs.

At Higham, we have an active school council with two representations from each class (Years 1 to 6). The council meets regularly throughout the year to discuss school issues, forthcoming events, fundraising activities and are involved in the appointment of some new staff. The school council allows all pupils to have a voice and to be heard. Children gain an understanding of the democratic process, and can see the positive impact the council has on school life.

Impact

The impact of the PSHE curriculum can be evidenced in various ways. Such as social skills, personal skills, respect towards others and themselves, as well as their ability to live in the ever changing world around them. It will be assessed through the jigsaw puzzles themes: Being Me in My World, Celebrating Difference, Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships and Changing Me, and all children will:

• have an ability to try new things
• push themselves and persevere
• understand how to stay safe and healthy
• develop good relationships
• have an appreciation of what it means to be a positive member of a diverse, multicultural society
• have a strong self-awareness, interlinked with compassion of others.

The school leadership team, subject leaders and governors relentlessly drive the PSHE curriculum forward and monitor it vigorously.