Intent

PSHE is an important part of the curriculum at Applebee Wood (from EYFS to Year 11). It supports the physical and emotional development and well-being of our pupils. We are committed to providing the highest quality PSHE education in order to prepare all our pupils for opportunities and responsibilities of life (physically, socially and emotionally).

We have signed a school charter, in association with the PSHE Association - which, in line with the PSHE three core themes of their education programme: Health and Wellbeing; Relationships; Living in the wider world, Economic wellbeing and being a responsible citizen -  shows we are committed to every pupil being able to say:

My PSHE education programme…

• Builds on my real-life experiences
• Revisits themes and topics progressively challenging my thinking, beliefs and extending my learning
• Provides me with information that is accurate, balanced and relevant
• Offers a wide range of teaching styles
• Is teaching me knowledge, understanding, language, strategies and skills I need to manage my own life
• Is helping me understand what my peers really think and do
• Helps me recognise my progress and achievement
• Is part of my whole curriculum that provides planned opportunities for my personal, social, health and economic development
• Is located within a ‘health promoting school’
• Connects with my wider experience
• Enables me to feel safe and confident to fully engage with learning
• Is underpinned by a comprehensive pastoral system

Implementation

Teaching of PSHE in Foundation Stage

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, PSHE is referred to as personal, social and emotional development. Within the Early Years Foundation Stage, activities and experiences for children are based on the seven areas of learning and development. The PSED area of your child's learning is concerned with wellbeing – knowing who you are, where you fit in and feeling good about yourself. It is also about developing respect for others, social competence and a positive disposition to learn.

Teaching PSHE  KS1 and KS2

Pupils have a dedicated PSHE lesson each week. They follow the PSHE Association SEND module (introduced Sept 2022).

There are 6 themes and follow on through the different stages of learning.

Themes

Self-Awareness

Self-Care, Support and Safety

Managing Feelings

Changing and Growing

Healthy Lifestyles

The World I Live In

Stages of learning:

Encountering

Foundation

Core

Development

Enrichment

Enhancement

Teaching PSHE in KS3

Pupils have a dedicated PSHE lesson each week. Pupils will develop their PSHE understanding through the delivery of three core themes:

Core theme 1: Health and Wellbeing

This core theme focuses on:

1. first aid
2. alcohol and drug misuse
3. managing peer pressure
4. mental health including body image
5. transition
6. diet and exercise
7. puberty
8. managing conflict

Core theme 2: Relationships

This core theme focuses on:

1. rights and responsibilities
2. age and disabilities discrimination
3. value for money and financial decisions
4. enterprise
5. career stereotypes
6. budgeting

Core theme 3: Living in the Wider World

This core theme focuses on:

1. racism and religious discrimination 
2. online safety
3. sexuality
4. consent and contraception
5. sexting and pornography
6. self esteem
7. exploring family life
8. diversity, prejudice and bullying
9. on and offline friendships

Year 9 also undertake ASDAN modules linked to their personal development program. The modules include: 

• keeping safe on line 
• road safety
• personal hygiene
• physical activity
• anti social behaviour
• community links

Teaching PSHE in KS4

Pupils have a dedicated PSHE lesson each week. Pupils will develop their PSHE understanding through the delivery of the ASDAN qualification 'Raising Aspirations'.

The modules taught are:

• looking after myself
• engaging in my community
• being independent
• awareness of the world including work experience

There are also AQA units from the AQA Unit Award Scheme. 

Although PSHE is taught as a stand-alone subject the topics covered are very much part of our children’s everyday lives. As a result, cross-curricular links are common, particularly in PE, Science, Computing and project-based learning topics.

PSHE education is delivered by school staff, our school nurse and outside providers such as NSPCC, Addaction, Role models and our community PCSO.

Impact

Through the teaching of PSHE in this way it is hoped that we offer both explicit and implicit learning opportunities and experiences which reflect pupils’ increasing independence and physical and social awareness as they move through primary school. It builds on the skills that pupils acquire during their primary years to develop effective relationships, assume greater personal responsibility and manage personal safety, including online. PSHE education helps pupils to cope with the changes at puberty, introduces them to the wider world and enables them to make an active contribution to their communities.