PSHE ( Life Skills)
Intent
The PSHE curriculum at The Oak Tree Federation has a clear intent where our school values are at the heart of our curriculum, serving as the foundation for our overarching school vision, ‘Inspiring Learning for Life.’
Laughton Community Primary School
Imagination
Curiosity
Collaboration
Resilience
Discipline
At Oak Tree Federation, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges and opportunities life may present. Our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education program plays a pivotal role in shaping the holistic development of our pupils, equipping them with essential life skills and values necessary for success and happiness.
Implementation
The PSHE Curriculum Progression Map is planned using the PSHE Association guidance, but provides flexibility so that learning is personal and appropriate to the needs of our children. Our curriculum is progressive where throughout their school journey, pupil’s explore the 3 core themes of Health and Wellbeing; Relationships; and Living in the Wider World, allowing for the gradual acquisition of knowledge, values, and skills. This approach ensures a continuous building upon prior learning.
From September 2020, all primary schools are legally required to teach Relationships Education. Our curriculum provides opportunities for children to discuss sensitive topics in a safe space. The PSHE program is designed to align with the school's dedication to safeguarding pupils. It provides an age-appropriate curriculum that equips pupils with the necessary tools to navigate and live safely in the modern world.
We believe that our PSHE education provides crucial life skills for the development and well-being of children and it is integrated into our curriculum on a weekly basis through dedicated lessons to ensure each PSHE theme is explored in depth. Additionally, the staff at Oak Tree Federation have the flexibility to address PSHE spontaneously when issues arise within their own classes and the school environment, ensuring that our curriculum is responsive to the unique needs and development of each child.
PSHE is central to our whole school approach. In our school assemblies, PSHE holds a significant role as we delve deeper into each core value. Here, children actively learn, question, and apply these values to their own lives. Children’s thoughts on each assembly are captured in our assembly reflections journal. Pupils voice is parament to our PSHE curriculum and school life. Both schools have a school council where the council has a representative from every class from year 1 through to year 6.
PSHE plays a pivotal role in our Behaviour Policy, embodying a holistic, school-wide approach driven by Therapeutic Thinking principles. The integration of ‘The Colour Monsters’ across our school serves as an effective strategy, supporting children in comprehending, managing, and expressing their emotions while fostering a culture of support and empathy among peers.
Impact
Our PSHE curriculum fosters a positive impact on our pupils in numerous ways:
- Preparedness for Life: Through PSHE, our pupils develop crucial life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and effective communication. They learn about personal safety, healthy relationships, and mental well-being, preparing them for the complexities of life and challenges beyond the classroom.
- Instilling Values: PSHE education goes beyond academic learning; it instils in our pupils our school values. These values form the foundation of their character, guiding their interactions with others and shaping their attitudes towards themselves and the world around them.
- Promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Our PSHE curriculum promotes inclusivity and celebrates diversity. Through discussions, activities, and real-life examples, pupils learn to appreciate differences, challenge stereotypes, and embrace the richness of diversity within our school community and beyond.
PSHE education at The Oak Tree Federation is instrumental in shaping well-rounded individuals who are not only academically competent but also emotionally resilient, socially responsible, and ethically grounded. By imparting essential life skills, instilling values, and promoting inclusivity, our PSHE curriculum prepares our pupils for a future filled with possibilities, enabling them to thrive in an ever-changing world.