‘Even the smallest person can change the course of the future’.

J.R.R Tolkein

 

INTENT

At Barnburgh, we recognise the importance of PSHE and RSE in every aspect of daily life. As one of the foundation subjects taught in our primary curriculum, we give the teaching and learning of PSHE and RSE the prominence it requires. Our intent for teaching Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education is to develop children who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive as responsible and compassionate members of society. Through our RSE curriculum, we want to  provide our children with accurate and age-appropriate information about relationships and sexuality, enabling them to make informed choices about their bodies, relationships, and health. Our PSHE and RSE curriculum encourage critical thinking about societal issues and personal choices, guiding children to take responsibility for their actions and the impact they have on others and the world around them. Ultimately, we want to empower children to develop the knowledge, skills, and values that will enable them to flourish both personally and socially, shaping truly great children who are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of life.

Our Core Values provide the platform on which we have built our curriculum offer at Barnburgh Primary Academy. Our PSHE and RSE curriculum is underpinned by our Core Values in the following ways;

COURAGE

We teach our children to develop courage to express their thoughts and feelings openly, confront challenges, and make positive choices, even in difficult situations. Through role-play, discussions, and real-life scenarios, children learn to advocate for themselves and others, stand up against bullying, and navigate their emotions with resilience. By celebrating acts of courage within the school community, we foster an environment where children feel empowered to take risks and support one another in their personal growth.

 

PERSEVERANCE

We teach our children to develop the value of perseverance in PSHE and RSE by helping children understand the importance of persistence in achieving their goals and overcoming obstacles. Through goal-setting exercises, reflective discussions on challenges, and role-playing scenarios, children learn to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth and continue striving towards their objectives. By fostering a supportive environment that celebrates effort and resilience, we encourage children to develop a mindset that values determination and hard work.

 

AMBITION

We promote the core value of ambition in PSHE and RSE by encouraging children to set personal goals and aspire to reach their full potential in various aspects of their lives. Through activities such as career exploration, storytelling of role models, and discussions about future aspirations, we inspire children to envision possibilities and take proactive steps towards their dreams. By creating an environment that celebrates achievements and fosters a growth mindset, we empower children to pursue their ambitions with confidence and determination.

 

RESPECT

We promote our core value of respect in PSHE and RSE by teaching children to recognise and value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and feelings of others. Through collaborative activities, discussions on empathy, and role-playing scenarios, we encourage our children to practice active listening and considerate communication in their interactions. By modelling and reinforcing respectful behaviour within the school community, we cultivate an atmosphere where every individual feels valued and included.

 

INDEPENDENCE

We promote our core value of independence in PSHE and RSE by encouraging our children to make their own decisions and take responsibility for their actions. Through activities such as setting personal goals, problem-solving exercises, and self-reflection tasks, we empower children to develop confidence in their abilities and decision-making skills. By fostering a supportive environment that allows for exploration and self-discovery, we help children become more autonomous individuals who can navigate challenges effectively.

 

IMPLEMENTATION

Teaching our Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) curriculum, alongside Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), is a carefully structured process designed to ensure comprehensive coverage and meaningful engagement for all children. We achieve this by:

Carefully Planned Curriculum Timetable: We meticulously plan a timetable for every class across the school to ensure that all key components of the PSHE and RSE curricula are covered without gaps in learning. This systematic approach allows us to build upon children's knowledge and skills year by year, ensuring a progressive and cohesive learning experience.

Structured Lesson Sequences: Our lessons are designed with clear objectives and sequences that align with educational standards. This structure enables teachers to deliver content effectively, catering to the diverse needs of children and facilitating active participation and understanding.

Health and Well-Being Education: We collaborate with the school nurse to deliver vital components of health education, including topics such as wellbeing, puberty, safe touch, and birth and conception. This partnership provides children with trusted information in an environment that encourages open discussion and questions.

Drama in Relationship Education: To teach relationship skills, we employ drama as a powerful tool for engagement. Through role-play and dramatic scenarios, all children can explore complex social situations, develop empathy, and practice critical skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and cooperation.

Crucial Crew Experience: Our Year 6 children participate in the Crucial Crew initiative, which enriches their curriculum under the "Living in the Wider World" theme. This experiential learning opportunity exposes them to real-life scenarios, empowering them with essential skills for navigating challenges they may encounter in their communities.

Careers Week: We host an annual careers week that introduces children to different professions and helps them understand various pathways available to them. This initiative is designed to inspire them to think about their futures and the skills needed for various careers, promoting aspirations and ambition.

Virgin Grow £5 Project: As part of our commitment to financial literacy and entrepreneurship, we conduct the Virgin Grow £5 project with our Year 6 cohort. This project encourages children to plan and execute their own business ideas, cultivating skills in budgeting, teamwork, and innovation while also fostering a sense of responsibility and initiative.

By integrating these components into our PSHE and RSE curriculum, we create a comprehensive and engaging educational experience that equips children with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for their personal development and future success. Our careful planning and diverse teaching methods ensure that every child receives a well-rounded education in personal, social, health, and economic awareness.

 

IMPACT

The impact of our PSHE and RSE curriculum is profound, as it equips our children with vital life skills and empowers them to navigate personal, social, and emotional challenges with confidence. By fostering critical thinking, emotional resilience, and strong interpersonal relationships, our curriculum helps our children make informed decisions and develop a strong sense of self-worth. Additionally, the emphasis on our core values such as respect, ambition, and independence cultivates a supportive and inclusive school environment, ultimately preparing children to thrive both academically and as responsible, compassionate members of society.