PSHE Curriculum
‘Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.’ – Dalai Lama
Intent
PSHE is taught through regular, dedicated lessons using SCARF, alongside opportunities across the wider curriculum, assemblies and everyday school life. Our curriculum supports pupils’ personal, social, emotional and physical development, while meeting the statutory requirements for Relationships and Health Education.
Children learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy, build positive relationships, manage their emotions and make informed decisions. They develop respect for themselves and others and learn to appreciate different families, cultures, beliefs and ways of life. Our PSHE curriculum helps children understand their rights and responsibilities and prepares them for the opportunities and challenges they may encounter as they grow.
Why is PSHE important?
At WJS, we want every child to feel safe, valued and confident. PSHE gives pupils the knowledge, language and skills they need to express their feelings, seek help, develop healthy relationships and respond to difficult situations.
Children learn about physical and mental health, friendships, families, online safety, personal boundaries and respectful behaviour. They are encouraged to recognise and celebrate difference, challenge stereotypes and understand the importance of equality and inclusion. Through PSHE, pupils develop the confidence, resilience and independence needed to participate positively in school, their community and the wider world.
Implementation – How is our PSHE curriculum enriched at Westbury Junior School?
We use SCARF as the basis of our PSHE curriculum. Learning is revisited and developed through six themes:
- Me and My Relationships
- Valuing Difference
- Keeping Myself Safe
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Being My Best
- Growing and Changing
Lessons are adapted to reflect the age, maturity and needs of our pupils. Children take part in discussion, role-play, stories, collaborative activities and opportunities for reflection. Clear ground rules help to create a safe and respectful environment in which pupils can share ideas and ask questions.
PSHE learning is strengthened through assemblies, Thrive, pupil leadership, our behaviour curriculum, safeguarding education and links with external professionals and community organisations. Children are taught how to identify trusted adults and where to find further help when they need it.
Impact – Ultimately our PSHE Curriculum is designed to:
- Enable children to build safe, healthy and respectful relationships
- Develop confidence, resilience, independence and a positive sense of self
- Give pupils the vocabulary to recognise, understand and communicate their emotions
- Teach children how to keep themselves and others safe, including online
- Support positive physical and mental health and wellbeing
- Help pupils make informed, responsible and age-appropriate choices
- Celebrate diversity and promote equality, inclusion and mutual respect
- Develop an understanding of rights, responsibilities and British values
- Prepare children for change, transition and the next stage of their education
- Empower pupils to seek help, speak up and contribute positively to their school and wider community
Through PSHE, our children develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to become thoughtful, respectful and responsible individuals. These qualities support our WJS values and help every child to belong, participate, achieve and let their light shine.