PSHE and RSE Intent - This is What We Want for your Child

At our school, we believe that Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, including Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), plays a vital role in preparing pupils for life both within and beyond school. Through our PSHE curriculum, we aim to develop confident, respectful, resilient and responsible individuals who are equipped to make informed decisions, build positive relationships and contribute positively to society. 

We use the Kapow Primary PSHE and RSE scheme as the foundation for our curriculum. The scheme has been carefully selected because it provides a well-sequenced, progressive curriculum that fully meets the statutory requirements for Relationships Education, Health Education and the National Curriculum. Teachers adapt lessons where appropriate to meet the needs of our pupils and our local community, ensuring learning remains relevant and meaningful. 

The curriculum aims to: 

• Promote pupils' physical, emotional, social and mental wellbeing. 

• Develop respectful, healthy and positive relationships. 

• Equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe, both offline and online. 

• Foster resilience, self-esteem and emotional literacy. 

• Encourage pupils to become responsible, active and informed citizens. 

• Develop pupils' understanding of diversity, equality, inclusion and British Values. 

• Prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. 

The curriculum is carefully sequenced so that knowledge and skills build progressively from the Early Years through to Year 6, revisiting key themes to deepen understanding and support long-term learning. 

PSHE and RSE Implementation - Bringing Learning to Life in the Classroom 

Our PSHE curriculum is delivered using the progressive sequence provided by Kapow Primary, with adaptations made where necessary to reflect the needs of our pupils. 

The curriculum is organised into age-appropriate units which develop pupils' knowledge, understanding and personal skills over time. 

Learning includes: 

• Self regulation  

• Building relationships  

• Managing self  

• My healthy self  

• Connecting with others  

• The online world  

• Citizenship  

• Staying safe  

• Growing up  

• Health protection 

• Sex education (year 6)  

Teachers establish positive classroom environments where pupils feel safe, respected and confident to discuss sensitive issues appropriately. 

 

Teaching and Learning 

Lessons encourage pupils to: 

• Participate in discussion and debate. 

• Reflect on their own experiences. 

• Consider different viewpoints respectfully. 

• Solve problems collaboratively. 

• Develop empathy and emotional understanding. 

• Practise decision-making. 

• Build confidence in expressing their opinions. 

Teaching strategies include: 

• Discussion. 

• Role play. 

• Scenarios. 

• Collaborative learning. 

• Reflection activities. 

• Retrieval of prior learning. 

• Age-appropriate videos and resources. 

• Opportunities for independent thinking. 

Teachers ensure that learning is inclusive, factual and appropriate to pupils' age and stage of development. 

 

Curriculum Progression 

The curriculum has been carefully sequenced so that pupils progressively develop: 

• Self-awareness. 

• Emotional regulation. 

• Healthy relationship skills. 

• Personal safety strategies. 

• Financial awareness. 

• Citizenship knowledge. 

• Respect for diversity and equality. 

• Understanding of physical and emotional changes as they grow. 

Key concepts are revisited throughout the curriculum, enabling pupils to strengthen understanding and apply learning confidently in different contexts. 

 

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) 

Our RSE curriculum meets all statutory requirements and is delivered in accordance with government guidance. 

Pupils learn about: 

• Healthy and respectful relationships. 

• Families and caring relationships. 

• Consent and personal boundaries. 

• Online relationships and digital safety. 

• Physical and emotional changes during puberty. 

• Reproduction in an age-appropriate way. 

• Keeping themselves safe. 

• Respect, kindness and inclusion. 

• Emotions and wellbeing  

Sensitive topics are taught using clear, factual language within a supportive and respectful environment. 

Parents and carers are informed about the curriculum and work in partnership with the school to support pupils' learning. 

 

Assessment 

Assessment is primarily formative and focuses on pupils' understanding, participation and personal development. 

Teachers assess through: 

• Discussion. 

• Questioning. 

• Observation. 

• Reflection activities. 

• Scenario responses. 

• Retrieval activities. 

• Pupil self-assessment where appropriate. 

Assessment informs future planning while recognising that pupils may choose not to disclose personal experiences. 

 

Inclusion 

Our curriculum reflects the diverse society in which we live and promotes equality, respect and inclusion. 

Teachers: 

• Adapt learning where necessary. 

• Ensure all pupils feel represented. 

• Challenge stereotypes appropriately. 

• Promote respectful discussion. 

• Support pupils with SEND through appropriate adaptations. 

• Ensure every child can participate safely and confidently. 

The curriculum celebrates diversity and encourages pupils to value similarities and differences. 

 

Enrichment 

PSHE and RSE are enhanced through: 

• Assemblies. 

• Anti-Bullying Week. 

• Children's Mental Health Week. 

• Safer Internet Day. 

• School Council. 

• Charity fundraising. 

• National awareness events. 

• Links with safeguarding and pastoral support. 

These experiences reinforce classroom learning and help pupils apply their knowledge in real-life situations. 

 

PSHE and RSE Impact - The Lasting Benefits for our Children

The impact of our curriculum is demonstrated through pupils who: 

Know More 

Pupils understand: 

• How to maintain positive physical and mental health. 

• How to build and maintain respectful relationships. 

• How to recognise and respond to unsafe situations. 

• Their rights and responsibilities as citizens. 

• The importance of equality, diversity and inclusion. 

• How to make informed and responsible choices. 

 

Understand More 

Pupils develop: 

• Emotional literacy. 

• Empathy. 

• Confidence. 

• Resilience. 

• Respect for others. 

• An understanding of healthy lifestyles. 

• Financial awareness appropriate to their age. 

• Strategies for managing risk safely. 

 

Become Responsible Citizens 

Pupils demonstrate: 

• Respect for themselves and others. 

• Positive behaviour. 

• Confidence in seeking help when needed. 

• Responsible decision-making. 

• Safe online behaviours. 

• Active participation in school life. 

• Appreciation of diversity and inclusion. 

They are increasingly able to recognise healthy relationships, manage emotions effectively and contribute positively to their community. 

 

Evidence of Impact 

Leaders evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum through: 

• Lesson observations. 

• Learning walks. 

• Pupil voice. 

• Teacher assessment. 

• Floor books and class reflection records (where used). 

• Planning scrutiny. 

• Monitoring of curriculum coverage. 

• Safeguarding monitoring. 

• Behaviour and wellbeing data. 

• Participation in wider school initiatives. 

• This evidence demonstrates that pupils leave our school with the knowledge, understanding and personal skills needed to stay safe, maintain healthy relationships, make informed choices and contribute positively to modern British society. They are well prepared for the next stage of their education and for life beyond primary school.