Infant and Junior School PSHE Policy

This policy applies to all children in the Infant and Junior School, including the EYFS and takes into account the ages, aptitudes and needs of all our children.

Purpose

At Sheffield High School we aim to promote pupils' personal, social and emotional development, as well as their health and wellbeing by giving the children the knowledge and skills they need to lead confident, healthy and independent lives. The skills learnt will allow them to be able to develop and manage their feelings, build positive relationships and having mutual respect for others. At the same time aiming to help them understand how they are developing as citizens both personally and socially, and thinking about how to approach many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. PSHE education is a school subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepare for life and work in modern Britain.

Aims

• To think and talk about issues relating to concepts they encounter in their own lives, the lives of others, and as depicted in the media and in literature
• To develop the children’s skills in formulating, expressing and justifying their opinions
• To develop their skills in taking turns in a conversation, and in listening to and finding out more about the opinions of others
• To ensure that the children have a good awareness of keeping themselves safe online

PSHE is linked to the six competencies of our Fusion Curriculum and aims to develop skills and attributes such as resilience, self-esteem, risk-management, team working and critical thinking in the context of learning grouped into three core themes: health and wellbeing, relationships and living in the wider world (including economic well-being and aspects of careers education). The programme is influenced by our Growth Mindset and Positive Project initiatives, and has also been linked to our commitment to being a UNICEF Rights Respecting School.  

Teaching & Learning

Delivery of PSHE at all phases may be through circle time, planning a talk or demonstration, designing a display or website, producing resources for younger pupils, demonstrating skills through role-play or simulation, writing letters to local councillors or MPs, writing articles for school or local newspapers, making a recording – either visual or sound of an event, participating in a class or school council meeting, recording an interview with community members, planning a visit or arranging for a visiting speaker. Teachers will choose the method most appropriate for their whole class to meet the objectives of the lesson. 

Curriculum

The curriculum has been written to ensure that we are meeting the requirements of the EYFS as well as following the National Curriculum statutory framework and guidance. The PSHE programme also contributes to the school’s promotion of fundamental British Values, Prevent and influences SMSC. This is achieved through the implicit and explicit teaching and learning within year groups as well as through enrichment days, speakers and assemblies. PSHE makes links to all curriculum areas as well as other aspects of the school life such as assemblies and the Form and School Councils. The curriculum leader is responsible for ensuring that there is progression throughout the Infant and Junior School.

Differentiation and special needs

All children have equal access to the PSHE curriculum and developmentally appropriate materials. Delivery will be differentiated appropriately. Resources are sensitive to the needs and backgrounds of the children. Work will be planned according to the needs and abilities of the pupils, challenging individual children to achieve their full potential in this subject.

Assessment

Assessment is an integral part of effective teaching and learning in all subjects including PSHE education. It allows progress to be recognised and celebrated and it informs the next steps and priorities. Two broad areas for assessment:

a) Children’s knowledge and understanding

b) How well children can use their knowledge and understanding in developing skills and attitudes.

It should not be a judgement on the worth, personality or value of an individual child or their family. Attention should be given to the non-statutory end of key stage statements describing what most pupils are expected to know by the end of each key stage. 

ICT

ICT is used as a tool for learning throughout the school. In PSHE, children are given the opportunity to use ICT to support, extend, and promote aspects of PSHE, for example, by designing a display or websites or by producing resources for younger pupils. We also incorporate e-safety into the PSHE curriculum.