“What we teach in the classroom will help our pupils foster lifelong aspirations, goals and values.”
— PSHE Association
At Elburton Primary School, we aim to equip all children with the knowledge, understanding, attitudes, values and skills they need in order to reach their potential as individuals and within the community. We encourage them to learn and apply their learnt knowledge to being able to have a positive mindset and create a culture of positive mental wellbeing. We encourage children to reflect on their own experiences and understand how they are developing personally and socially, tackling many of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up.
Implementation: What our PSHE curriculum looks like and how we teach it.
At Elburton Primary School we deliver a structured, age-appropriate curriculum. We use a whole school PSHE scheme called Jigsaw. Jigsaw combines PSHE, emotional literacy, mindfulness, social skills and spiritual development. Jigsaw is designed as a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (Puzzle) at the same time. This enables each Puzzle to start with an introductory assembly, generating a whole school focus for adults and children alike.
We incorporate active and participatory learning methods to help pupils to engage with the materials taught. PSHE is integrated into the wider school ethos and culture, ensuring lessons are reinforced through assemblies, school values and pastoral care. Training and resources are available for teachers to ensure high-quality delivery of the subject. Pupils' progress is monitored, using assessments or reflections to gauge understanding and application of material, knowledge and skills taught.
Relationships & Sex Education (RSE)
An important part of the Jigsaw PSHE programme is delivered through the 'Relationships' and 'Changing Me' puzzle pieces which are covered in the summer term.
There are four main aims of teaching RSE:
• To enable children to understand and respect their bodies
• To help children develop positive and healthy relationships appropriate to their age and development
• To support children to have positive self-esteem and body image
• To empower them to be safe and safeguarded.
Each year group will be taught appropriate to their age and developmental stage. At no point will a child be taught something that is inappropriate; and if a question from a child arises and the teacher feels it would be inappropriate to answer, (for example, because of its mature or explicit nature), this information with be shared with you by your child’s class teacher. The question will not be answered to the child or class if it is outside the remit of that year group’s programme.
Below is a summary of RSE coverage within the Jigsaw scheme for each year group:
• Foundation Stage - Growing up: how we have changed since we were babies
• Year 1 - Boys’ and girls’ bodies; naming body parts
• Year 2 - Boys’ and girls’ bodies; body parts and respecting privacy (which parts of the body are private and why this is)
• Year 3 - How babies grow and how boys’ and girls’ bodies change as they go through puberty
• Year 4 - Internal and external reproductive body parts, body changes in girls and menstruation
• Year 5 - Puberty for boys and girls, and conception
• Year 6 - Puberty for boys and girls and understanding conception to birth of a baby
Further information about how the school approaches the teaching of Relationships and Sex Education through the Jigsaw programme can be found within the documents below:
Promoting British Values at Elburton Primary School
The Department for Education have recently reinforced the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.” The Government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy.
At Elburton, these values are promoted and reinforced regularly in many ways some of which are outlined in the documents below, including through a programme of whole school assemblies. We also deliver the Jigsaw PSHE programme which promotes and teaches a range of British values through the range of puzzle pieces covered through the year.
Impact: How children show that they know and remember more?
'Evidence shows that pupils who are positive about the PSHE lessons they receive at school are more likely to have positive relationships at school, as well as a strong feeling of belonging at school.'
- PSHE Association
Schools play a key role in preparing students for life in modern Britain. It’s important that schools help pupils to become well-rounded, confident young people who are ready to face the challenges of today’s world. Alongside academic success, we provide opportunities for our pupils to build a wide range of important life skills through the teaching PSHE. Teaching PSHE is crucial for helping pupils in school and the same skills will prepare them to contribute positively to the economy and to society as fully engaged, respectable. It teaches pupils to make good choices, stay safe and thrive as individuals. Alongside developing qualities such as resilience, leadership, communication, empathy and perseverance. Our schools values 'Safe', 'Respect', 'Inspire', 'Flourish', and 'Pride' are all embedding within our carefully planned out curriculum.
High-quality PSHE, including age-appropriate lessons on relationships and staying safe, is also essential for pupils’ health and safety, both in and outside school. In today’s world, where technology presents new challenges and risks, PSHE can teach young people how to protect themselves and build resilience against things like online bullying, exploitation and radicalization.
Not only does a rich PSHE curriculum teach pupils the skills and knowledge ready for wider life, it supports and can improve mental health and emotional well-being, with pupils better equipped to cope with the challenges they may face in life. We support and guide our pupils to know how to effectively ask for help or speak up about any concerns.
Our pupils are well educated about their rights and responsibilities, British Values and Protected Characteristics, therefore teaching respect, tolerance and equality. This creates a positive school environment where pupils can truly express their individuality through promoting inclusivity and therefore reducing bullying.
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Open Communication: Encourage open and honest conversations about the topics covered in PSHE, such as relationships, emotions, safety, and personal well-being. Create a safe space where you child feels comfortable discussing their thoughts and concerns.
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Model Positive Behaviours: Demonstrate the qualities taught in PSHE, such as empathy, respect, resilience, and responsibility, in everyday interactions. Children often learn by observing how their parents handle challenges and relationships.
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Discuss Online Safety: With technology playing a significant role in children’s lives, parents should regularly talk about internet safety, digital well-being, and the potential risks of social media. Encourage responsible use of technology and monitor online activity where appropriate.
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Encourage Emotional Literacy: Help children identify and express their emotions. Encourage them to talk about how they feel and help them manage emotions effectively by practicing mindfulness, relaxation, or other coping strategies.
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Promote Healthy Habits: Support healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene. Teach children about the importance of physical and mental well-being.
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Discuss Decision-Making and Consequences: Guide children in making informed choices by discussing potential consequences of different actions, whether related to peer pressure, relationships or personal safety.
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Foster Empathy and Inclusion: Engage in conversations about respecting others’ perspectives, cultural differences, and the importance of inclusion. Support your child in developing empathy and understanding towards others.
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Set Boundaries and Responsibilities: Teach responsibility by assigning age-appropriate tasks or chores at home. This fosters independence, accountability and a sense of contribution to the family and community.
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Support Learning About Finances: Discuss basic financial concepts like saving, budgeting and managing money. This can help your child develop good financial habits and prepare for adult life.
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Stay Informed: Keep in touch with what your child is learning in PSHE by speaking with teachers or reviewing curriculum materials. This helps you reinforce the lessons at home and provide consistent support.
