At Sir John Heron Primary School, we aim to provide a comprehensive and enriching PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education) curriculum that fosters the holistic development of our pupils. Our intent is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to navigate their lives as responsible, engaged, and resilient individuals within society.

We will achieve this by:

• Promoting Well-being: Creating a safe and supportive environment, where pupils’ mental health is prioritised, allowing them to thrive both academically and personally.
• Cultivating Resilience and Emotional Literacy: Teaching children how to manage their emotions, set goals, and cope with challenges, thereby enhancing their personal effectiveness.
• Encouraging Citizenship: Developing a sense of community and responsibility, empowering pupils to make informed choices and contribute positively to society.
• Addressing Key Themes: Providing a well-rounded education that includes relationships, health and wellbeing, and living in the wider world, integrating fundamental British values and the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) elements that are essential for nurturing well-rounded individuals.

The implementation of our PSHCE curriculum is dynamic, responsive, and inclusive.

• Curriculum Design: Our PSHCE curriculum is carefully structured and written based on the Jigsaw scheme of work with bespoke areas of learning created by our Leader of Learning for PSHCE which are tailor-made for the needs of our children, with clear learning outcomes outlined for each key stage. We utilise a thematic approach, allowing links between different areas of learning and making it relevant to our pupils’ experiences and the world around them. The themes include; Dreams and Goals, Keeping Safe, Celebrating Differences, Relationships, Healthy Me and Changing Me.
• Professional Development and Training: Staff are provided with regular training and resources to ensure that they feel confident in delivering the PSHCE curriculum. Teachers receive ongoing support to develop their teaching practices and to stay current with emerging issues affecting children today.
• Engaging Pedagogy: We employ a range of teaching strategies, such as collaborative group work, role play, and guided discussions, to engage pupils actively in their learning. Interactive and practical methods are used to foster critical thinking and reflection.
• Partnerships with Stakeholders: Collaboration with parents, local community leaders, health professionals, and external agencies enrich our programme. We involve parents in workshops and active participation in discussions, ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom.
• Assessment and Feedback: We implement formative assessments to understand pupils’ progress and adapt our teaching strategies accordingly. Regular feedback is given, promoting self-reflection and personal growth among students. Given that mainstream lessons are all oracy based, children are assessed on their ability to communicate their knowledge and understanding through talk, rather than written outcomes.

The impact of our PSHCE programme is measurable and evident in various aspects of school life and beyond.

• Pupil Well-being and Behaviour: Our pupils demonstrate kindness, empathy, and respect towards each other, creating a harmonious school community.
• Pupil Voice and Leadership: Pupils feel empowered to express their thoughts and opinions regarding school life and their learning experiences. Through the establishment of a School Parliament (Prefects in years 5 and 6 and class MPs elected for years 2-6), Anti-Bullying Ambassadors and Study Buddies, our children actively participate in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of belonging and agency.
• Enhanced Life Skills: Pupils consistently demonstrate the application of skills learned in PSHCE, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, both in and out of the classroom. They are equipped to deal with real-life situations and challenges confidently and competently.
• Evidence of Continuous Improvement: Regular evaluations through surveys and assessments inform our practice, leading to continuous improvement. Our PSHCE programme is consistently reviewed to integrate feedback, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful.

Sir John Heron Primary School's PSHCE curriculum is designed to be outstanding by fostering a holistic approach that integrates well-being, resilience, and citizenship into a cohesive educational experience.