Intent

Our curriculum aims to develop skills and attributes such as resilience, self-esteem, risk management, team working and critical thinking. Our philosophy behind our approach underpins our curriculum and our intent for children to be emotionally literate. It helps children to learn how and when to lead or guard their hearts and develop the ability to bounce back when faced with challenges. We believe that all children should have the same rights and opportunities, which prepare them for life and enable them to fulfil their potential. We value and celebrate everybody.

At Emsworth Primary school children learn to process feelings to ensure they do not live in constant grief, disappointment and hurt. Pupils are taught to understand that negative emotions are part of life and it is okay to not always feel okay. We develop strategies with our pupils to deal with disruptions in their lives and to show empathy and compassion towards others.

We provide children with the courage to tell the truth, to communicate boundaries and share their vulnerabilities appropriately.

The world for all new people looks very different from the way it did 20 years ago when this curriculum was last updated-these changes bring the context into the 21^st century. Our PSHE curriculum is a vital tool in preparing children for life in society now and the future. Our schemes of work celebrate each and everybody’s value in society, enabling them to develop their identity and self-esteem as active, confident members of their community.

At Emsworth Primary, we believe that understanding of such values is integral to supporting and developing positive attitudes towards each other and insuring positive emotional wellbeing.

 Implementation

Our scheme of work combines HeartSmart and the three core themes: health and wellbeing, relationships and living in the wider world (including economic well-being and aspects of careers education). Throughout our lessons children will learn how to stay safe and healthy, build and maintain successful relationships and become active citizens, responsibly participating in society.

The units are taught in a spiral curriculum that revisits each theme. This enables children to recall and build upon previous learning, regularly exploring the underlying principles of PSHE education in depth that is appropriate for the age and stage of the child.

Our lessons use many creative approaches such as role-play, discussion and games. These activities enable children to build confidence and resilience. Lessons signpost key words, building a rich vocabulary to develop understanding.

At Emsworth Primary School we are constantly aware of adapting content to accommodate our cultural capital and the changing world around us.  Under section 78 of the Education Act 2002 and the Academies Act 2010, schools must provide a ‘balanced and broadly based curriculum’ which promotes ‘the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society, and prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life’. The themes and topics also provide children with protective teaching on essential safeguarding issues, developing their knowledge of when and how they can ask for help.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is a statutory element of the curriculum and forms part of lifelong learning about physical, sexual, moral and emotional development. This curriculum links to PSHE, science and our HeartSmart programme. It is about the understanding of the importance of stable and loving relationships, respect, love and care for family life.

Impact

Empathy is our ability to understand and share someone else's feelings. It builds stronger, kinder communities. It is a crucial life skill that children need in order to learn, thrive and contribute. Children spent the day building their empathy skills with a variety of activities across our year groups.

Being kind to others and receiving kindness is a great way to feel amazing about ourselves.