Personal, Social, Health, Economic and Relationships Education (PSHERE) at the West Exmoor Federation
At the West Exmoor Federation, we believe that PSHERE is an important and necessary part of a childs' education. To enable our children to enjoy happy and successful adult lives, they need knowledge that will enable them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships and to build their self-efficacy. Our children need to develop the capacity to make sound decisions when facing risks, challenges and complex contexts. Everyone faces difficult situations in their lives and the subjects covered within PSHERE can support our children to develop resilience, to know how and when to ask for help, and to know where to access support.
Intent
Through our PSHRE Lessons we aim to:
- Give our children the knowledge and develop the self-esteem, confidence and self-awareness to make informed choices and decisions;
- Encourage and support the development of social skills and social awareness;
- Enable our children to make sense of their own personal and social experiences;
- Promote responsible attitudes towards the maintenance of good physical and mental health, supported by a safe and healthy lifestyle;
- Enable effective interpersonal relationships and develop a caring attitude towards others within the context of our CARIS values;
- Encourage a caring attitude towards and responsibility for the environment;
- Help our children understand and manage their feelings, build resilience and be independent, curious problem solvers;
- Understand how society works and the laws, rights and responsibilities involved.
Implementation
Across the Federation we follow the Coram Life Education Scarf Scheme as the main vehicle for delivering our PSHERE programme. This ensures that all of the statutory requirements for the teaching of PSHERE are taught in a systematic and consistent way.
Lessons are taught by adults who are familiar to the children, usually once a week throughout the whole year in their usual classes, in mixed sex groupings, using a range of interactive teaching methods, e.g. activity sheets, films, songs, online games, and drama techniques. Each year the children consider the following topics, building progressively upon their knowledge at an age appropriate level:
- Me and My Relationships
- Valuing Difference
- Keeping Myself Safe
- rights and Responsibilities
- Being my Best/Living in the Wider World
- Growing and Changing
To ensure that children feel comfortable to learn about a range of topics, we create a safe learning environment which is underpinned by our CARIS values. Teachers will answer children’s questions factually and honestly in an age appropriate way and respond to any disclosures following the federations’ safeguarding procedures. Support is provided to children experiencing difficulties on a one-to-one basis, via our teachers and teaching assistants as appropriate.
Our programme of PSHERE is further supported by an annual visit from the Life Education Team. Also, where appropriate, links are made across the curriculum, eg, through science and RE, and themes are also explored during Collective Worship.
Impact
Through our deliver of PSHERE, our children will:
- develop positive and healthy relationships with others both now and in the future.
- be aware of ways to keep physically, mentally and emotionally safe.
- understand the physical aspects involved in RSE at an age appropriate level.
- have respect for themselves and others.
- have positive body images.
- understand a range of emotions and how to deal with them.
- develop self-confidence and self-esteem.
- be thoughtful and responsible members of their community and their school.
- become active members of our democratic society.