Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE), Citizenship and Relationships, Sex & Health Education (RSE)

At Birch Hill Primary we have introduced a whole school PSHE scheme called Jigsaw. Jigsaw combines PSHE, emotional literacy, mindfulness, social skills and spiritual development.

PSHE is taught as a key part of the curriculum at Birch Hill . Specific elements of PSHE are taught discretely but links are also made to in many other subjects.

Within the curriculum, children's spiritual, social, moral and cultural needs are addressed across the range of subjects taught.

Children are encouraged to be reflective about their own beliefs and religion and use their understanding to inform their own perspective on life and their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values. Children continuously discuss and develop their awareness and understanding of reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and appreciate the viewpoints of those around them. 

Celebrations are a key element within the school community and children are keen to involve themselves in national celebrations, raising awareness and monies for charities helping them to contribute positively to life in school, the local community and on occasions the global community.  Children understand and appreciate the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their own heritage and that of the school community around them.  There is a willingness from all children to participate in and respond positively to artistic, sporting and cultural opportunities that are offered. 

In our school, we value our Golden Rules; Be safe, Be respectful, Be ready to learn and Be honest. Everyone is expected to show good manners at all times and care for each other and the school environment. Through PSHE, children explore and develop their skills of sharing, caring, tolerance and respect for others and ourselves.

At Birch Hill, we place an emphasis on active learning, using a range of teaching and learning styles including circle time, discussions, role-play, investigation and problem solving activities.  Children are provided with opportunities to meet and speak to visitors from a range of different agencies, including Church and other world faith groups, Community Police, Fire Service, local and national/ worldwide charities and fund raising groups. In addition to this, outside agencies are invited to contribute to the delivery of PSHE, including Road Safety, Bike ability, Dental Health Care and local supermarkets. All programmes are delivered in partnership with teachers, parents and the children.

Citizenship

We teach the children to have respect for themselves and others, valuing the differences and similarities between people. Encouraging children to take a responsible role in society, this includes developing the children’s awareness of their personal safety and the process by which they can seek help and information as well as learning the behaviour expected of them as responsible citizens. We aim to develop awareness of social, economic, political and ecological issues.

Relationships, Sex & Health Education (RSHE) 

"The focus in primary school should be on teaching the fundamental building blocks and characteristics of positive relationships, with particular reference to friendships, family relationships, and relationships with friendship is, what family means and who the people are who can support them. From the beginning of primary school, building on early education, pupils should be taught how to take turns, how to treat each other with kindness, consideration and respect, the importance of honesty and truthfulness, permission seeking and giving, and the concept of personal privacy. Establishing personal space and boundaries, showing respect and understanding the differences between appropriate and inappropriate or unsafe physical, and other, contact – these are the forerunners of teaching about consent, which takes place at secondary."                                                                                                  (Department of Education 2019)     

Our lessons reflect each stage of the child’s development. We are committed to the education of the whole child; teaching relationships and sexuality needs to be reflected in each relevant part of the curriculum. For example, some aspects of RSE will be more appropriately explored in science lessons and some more appropriately explored in RE lessons, each should be informed by the other.

Our programme ensures there is a clear development between year groups and also enables parents have a full understanding of what our curriculum entails.                               

Where possible, teachers will integrate this into other areas of the curriculum such as religious education, science and PSHE. Parents are given the opportunity to discuss what their child will be learning so that they can support their child’s work at home. Any questions that children ask are answered sensitively and in a caring manner. Lessons and resources are always chosen to suit to the age of the children.

Please our Scheme of Work for PSHE and SRE, along with our school policy and additional material on the folder to the right.