The PSHE Association describes Personal, Social and Health Education as giving pupils the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, preparing them for life and work in modern Britain. It teaches pupils about transferable skills including self awareness, empathy, communication and teamwork, supports pupils in their wellbeing and helps them to manage issues which could affect their ability to learn, such as anxiety and unhappy relationships.
At Aston Rowant CofE Primary School, PSHE is delivered in three complementary ways:
By the end of their time in Key Stage 2, our aim is that children will be able to demonstrate that they recognise their own worth and that of others, to express their views confidently and listen to and show respect for the views of others. They will be able to identify positive ways to face new challenges, discuss changes they will go through and demonstrate some ways of dealing with these in a positive way. They will explain how they will develop skills to work in the future and make choices about how to develop healthy lifestyles for body and mind. They will make judgements and decisions, list ways of resisting negative peer pressure and explain how to manage risks in different familiar situations.
Children will be able to explain how their actions have consequences for themselves and others. They will be able to describe the nature and consequences of bullying, and express ways of responding to it. They will be able to respond to negative behaviours such as stereotyping and aggression and demonstrate respect and tolerance towards people different from themselves.
Following the overview provided by the PSHE association, each year group from 1-6 takes a focus each term on Health & Wellbeing, Relationships and then Living in the Wider World. The objectives and expectations are then mapped by year group and term. There are common themes in each year but they are taught in a progressive and age appropriate manner.
Teaching approaches vary and include (but are not limited to): discussions and debates, group/ individual research & presentation, draw & write, drama & role play, group/individual writing tasks and circle times. In addition, other ongoing class practices and collective worship themes can also address and teach the objectives.
As part of the class community, teachers are often the best placed professionals to teach PSHE to the children they work with for the year. However, other professionals, visits and visitors and can add to the provision and provide expert knowledge and memorable experiences, for example the school nurse, fire safety officers, PSCOs and paramedics.
The benefits for pupils from PSHE education are relevant both now and in the future. Knowledge and skills such as being able to sustain healthy & safe relationships, establishing a good sense of self awareness, together with an ability to manage risk, experience change and communicate effectively are helpful for pupils being able to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. It will help children to manage many significant opportunities and challenges they will face growing up. Some of these are detailed in this linked document produced by the PSHE association.