Leader- Christine Noonan
What is PSHE Education?
PSHE Education (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) is a planned programme of learning through which children and young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to successfully manage their lives – now and in the future. As part of a whole-school approach, PSHE Education develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.
What do schools have to teach in PSHE Education?
According to the National Curriculum, every school needs to have a broad and balanced curriculum that:
• promotes the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school;
• prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilitiesand experiences of later life;
• promotes British values.
PSHE is where most primary schools choose to teach the compulsory Relationships and Health Education topics laid out by the Department for Education, as well as the Sex Education that is recommended to be taught in Year 5 and/or Year 6.
Schools also have statutory responsibilities to safeguard their pupils (Keeping Children Safe in Education, DfE – updated annually) and to uphold the Equality Act (2010).
The Jigsaw Programme supports all of these requirements and has children’s well being at its heart.
What is Jigsaw, the mindful approach to PSHE, and how does it work?
Jigsaw is a whole-school approach and embodies a positive philosophy and creative teaching and learning activities to nurture children’s development as compassionate and well-rounded human beings as well as building their capacity to learn.
Jigsaw is a comprehensive and completely original PSHE Education programme (lesson plans and teaching resources) for the whole primary school from ages 3-11
(12 in Scotland). Developed by teacher and psychotherapist, Jan Lever MBE (services to education) and teachers, and grounded in sound psychology, it also includes all the statutory requirements for Relationships and Health Education as well as the recommended Sex Education content.
Jigsaw has two main aims for all children:
• To build their capacity for learning
• To equip them for life
Jigsaw brings together PSHE Education, compulsory Relationships and Health Education, emotional literacy, mindfulness, social skills and spiritual development. It is designed as a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (Puzzle) at the same time at their own level. There are six Puzzles (half-term units of work) and each year group is taught one lesson per week. All lessons are delivered in an age- and stage-appropriate way so that they meet children’s needs.
Each Puzzle starts with an introductory assembly, generating a whole school focus for adults and children alike. There is also a Weekly Celebration that highlights a theme from that week’s lesson across the school encouraging children to live that learning in their behaviour and attitudes.
How do we teach?
PSHE is taught weekly and can be taught in a variety of ways. We use different methods of recording, artwork, debate, discussion, acting and working outdoors as well as the use of technology. We also provide opportunities to develop new sensations and experiences for example, children get to teach a new skill; grow some food to eat; help improve the environment and volunteer in the community.
Why and when do we teach PSHE?
A good PSHE education will provide children with the knowledge, skills and understanding to lead confident, healthy, nurturing and independent lives. Children are living through unique and often stressful times. PSHE lessons help to ensure children have a variety of familiar skills to care for themselves and others now and in the future. On top of this, they will explore a sense of identity in the wider world by learning about their role within and connection to it. Exploring issues around the environment, money and diversity will give pupils greater stability when it comes to preparing for the next stages of their lives.
Since September 2020, primary schools have taught Relationships Education as part of the statutory curriculum. The children are taught to recognise different kinds of families and relationships, learn how to recognise prejudice and develop respect for themselves, their peers and their communities and well as how to be healthy.
At Poppleton Road Primary School, we aim to develop, maintain and promote a culture of kindness and support for our pupils, enabling them to feel valued in the world they find themselves living in. Through regular and good quality teaching of this subject, with lessons delivered in creative ways which include responding to children’s needs and interests, staff aim to promote kindness, a sense of belonging, valuing commitment to the community and our planet.
PSHE lessons are taught weekly in explicit lessons, which build on the skills and objectives for the curriculum. Often, you will find work, photos and videos on your child’s class Seesaw page. See the overview for more detail on these Jigsaw pieces.
The 6 Puzzle Pieces:
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development
Why do we develop SMSC in our children?
At Poppleton Road Primary school we believe that the personal development of pupils spiritually, morally, socially and culturally, plays a significant part in their ability to learn, achieve and thrive. We therefore aim to provide an education that provides pupils with opportunities to explore and develop their own values and beliefs, spiritual awareness, high standards of personal behaviour, a positive, caring attitude towards other people, an understanding of their social and cultural traditions and an appreciation of the diversity and richness of a range of cultures.
When does SMSC development take place?
At Poppleton Road Primary School, SMSC is developed through regular collective worship, during RE lessons and other curriculum areas, as well as seizing the opportunities for development that arise during the school day. We also aim, where possible, to develop each aspect of SMSC through visits and visitors.
How do we develop SMSC in our children?
Below are some examples of how we ensure that children have the opportunity for SMSC development in school.
Spiritual
We encourage spiritual development during RE lessons, collective worship and by welcoming and accepting the spiritual beliefs of others within our school community. We create opportunities for the children to reflect on, consider and celebrate the wonders and mysteries of life.
Moral
We develop moral understanding through our behaviour expectations (At Poppleton Road Primary We Are: Ready, Respectful and Safe) and through PSHE lessons. We look specifically at actions with a moral dilemma and discuss them to develop the children’s understanding. We feel it is important that children take initiative and act responsibly with consideration for others; distinguish between right and wrong and make informed and independent judgements.
Social
We have a wide variety of opportunities for social development in school including: PSHE lessons; Buddy system with older children supporting the play of younger children; Social skills intervention groups and a consistent behaviour policy with clear consequences and rewards. We ensure all pupils have a voice through an elected school council who are active in making positive changes through school. We develop an understanding of their individual and group identity, learning about service in the school and wider community and beginning to understand the need for social justice and a concern for the disadvantaged.
Cultural
The cultural development of our children is encouraged and supported through collective worship; RE lessons; understanding different cultures and in welcoming and accepting the cultural beliefs of everyone in our school community. All curriculum areas should seek illustrations and examples drawn from as wide a range of cultural contexts as possible. We recognise, respect and celebrate the value and richness of cultural diversity in Britain, and how these influence individuals and society.