PSHE
Intent
What are the aims of PSHE?
At Hetton Lyons Primary School we believe that PSHE is an important subject to teach, it is vital if pupils are to learn how to keep safe and healthy in an ever changing world.
By teaching PSHE we aim to promote the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental and physical development of all our pupils, preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.
Throughout our PHSE cuuriculum children learn how to keep themselves safe in everyday situations, including at home, at school, and in the wider community. Through age-appropriate discussions and stories, pupils begin to identify risks, make safe choices, and know when and how to ask for help. The unit nurtures aspiration by encouraging children to believe in their ability to make responsible decisions and look after themselves. Through practical activities, they show endeavour by working hard to develop lifelong safety habits. Expression is a key focus as children practise using clear, confident language to communicate worries and seek help from trusted adults. This unit lays the foundations for independence, responsibility, and personal wellbeing in line with national PSHE expectations.
The National Curriculum and PSHE
While PSHE as a whole is not statutory, Relationships Education and Health Education have been compulsory for all primary schools in England since September 2020. At Hetton Lyons we teach PHSE lessons weekly following a bespoke curriculum named FRIDAYS ARE which has been designed with the children at the forefront, ensuring the curriculum is relevant to our children, parents and local area.
The Relationships aspect of our curriculum focuses on families, friendships, respectful, healthy relationships, online safety and how to seek help. The Health Education aspect includes physical health, mental wellbeing, healthy lifestyles and understanding how bodies change as children grow (including puberty – this is included in our PHSE curriculum alongside our Year 5 science curriculum) and for this part of our curriculum we are supported by the School nursing team.
Implementation
What skills are covered?
At Hetton Lyons Primary School PSHE lessons help develop a wide range of essential skills to support children on their journey through life enabling them to be happy, healthy and safe.
Children are taught to empathise with others, to develop and manage their own emotions and assess risks including online risks. They will also learn vital skills such as active listening, problem solving, working collaboratively and celebrating each other's achievements.
Opportunities to raise children's aspirations are planned for, they are given opportunities to work with real employers , ask them questions to find out about their roles and the skills and qualities they need to fulfill their ambitions.
How is PHSE Taught?
We teach PHSE through a planned programme called FRIDAYS ARE... which was developed within school, built around the needs and insterests of the children, allowiong them to gain an holistic view of the world and grow into a well-rounded adult who is respectful towards others. The programme provides a clear and progressive approach building on knowledge and skills each year. The work is divided into 7 different strands:
Relationship and Sex Education (RSE)
Health and Wellbeing (including children's mental health)
British Values
The Wider World
Raising Aspirations
Keeping Safe
National and International Events
Within each strand, are age appropriate topics for the different year groups. All strands are covered throughout every half term, long term and termly plans can be found below.
To support our teaching of these strands we use supporting materials from the Pol-Ed programme. A programme which has been expertly designed by teachers in co-ordination with Northumbria Police Education with the sole purpose to deepen children's understanding of the law, risks and building resilience. The programme has designated lessons around safeguarding, identification of healthy relationships as well as recognising personal boundaries. We use lessons from the programme that are age appropriate and relevant. To find out more about this programme click here
We priortise the teaching of the 9 protected characteristics embedding these into our weekly PHSE lessons. As well as embedding these into the curriculum - all children take part in a weekly assembly focussing on the protected charactistics and British Values. The assemblies are carefullly planned to ensure all characteristics and British Values are discussed throughout each term. To support the planning of these assembiles we use supporting resources from The No Outsiders charity - creating an inclusivity, acceptance, and cohesion within the community. To find out more about the aims and values of No Ousiders; click here.
Aims and Intent of teaching Relationship and Sex Education (RSE).
“Today’s children and young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world and living their lives seamlessly on and offline. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities, but also challenges and risks. In this environment, children and young people need to know how to be safe and healthy, and how to manage their academic, personal and social lives in a positive way.” (DfE, RSE Guidance Document). With this in mind, we aim to deliver regular teaching of RSE and PSHE so that our pupils gain a holistic view of the world they live in and they are given the opportunity to ask questions and share their opinions in a safe environment where their comments are valued.
Impact
Our PHSE curriculum plays a vital role in supporting pupils’ personal development and wellbeing. Through a carefully planned and age-appropriate programme, pupils gain the knowledge and skills they need to stay healthy, build positive relationships and make informed, responsible choices. The curriculum helps pupils develop confidence, resilience and emotional literacy, enabling them to manage challenges, express their views respectfully and seek support when needed. Pupils learn about mental and physical health, online safety, relationships, preparing them for real-life situations both in and beyond primary school and within the community. As a result, pupils show increased self-awareness, empathy and respect for others, contributing to a positive and inclusive school culture. Our PHSE curriculum supports good behaviour, engagement and readiness for future learning, helping pupils to become responsible, informed members of society.
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