PSHE

At Cardinham School, we believe that Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education plays a vital role in preparing children for life both now and in the future. We aim to develop confident, resilient and responsible learners who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Our intention is for all children to become lifelong learners with the confidence to embrace new experiences, overcome challenges and adapt to unfamiliar situations. We seek to help pupils understand their place within their school, local community and the wider world, recognising the value of diversity, inclusion and mutual respect.

Through a whole-school approach to PSHE, we place a strong emphasis on emotional literacy, mental health and wellbeing, resilience and positive relationships. We aim to nurture children who are self-aware, compassionate and respectful, enabling them to make informed choices, manage risks and contribute positively to society. Our curriculum supports pupils in developing the qualities and values needed to become active, responsible citizens who understand their rights, responsibilities and role within the global community.

Implementation

At Cardinham School, PSHE is delivered through the LifeWise programme, which provides a comprehensive and progressive whole-school approach to personal development. Lessons are carefully planned and delivered within individual year groups to ensure that content is age appropriate and meets the developmental needs of pupils.

Children participate in regular PSHE lessons, with learning revisited and reinforced throughout the year where necessary. Teachers respond to the needs of their classes, adapting learning and revisiting key themes when relevant issues or opportunities arise.

Our curriculum provides pupils with opportunities to:

• Acquire accurate, relevant and age-appropriate knowledge.
• Develop personal understanding and self-awareness.
• Explore and reflect upon a range of beliefs, values and attitudes.
• Understand their rights and responsibilities as members of society.
• Develop the skills and strategies needed to lead healthy, safe, happy and fulfilling lives.
• Build resilience and learn how to manage challenges and setbacks positively.
• Understand and maintain positive mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Develop healthy relationships based on respect, kindness and empathy.
• Appreciate diversity and celebrate differences within their community and the wider world.
• Develop an understanding of British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.

We recognise the unique context of our school and tailor elements of our PSHE curriculum to meet the specific needs of our pupils. For example, road safety is prioritised for Year 1 children due to the need to travel between school sites. Our long-term planning remains flexible to ensure that emerging issues, current events or cohort-specific needs can be addressed in a timely and meaningful way.

PSHE is further enhanced through assemblies, themed events, visitors, wider curriculum opportunities and everyday interactions, ensuring that the values and skills taught are embedded throughout school life.

Impact

By the time children leave Cardinham School, they will have developed the knowledge, skills and personal attributes needed to confidently navigate modern life and make positive contributions to their communities.

Our pupils will:

• Apply their learning to a range of real-life situations and make informed, responsible choices.
• Be healthy, open-minded, respectful and socially responsible members of society.
• Understand and value diversity, treating others with kindness, empathy and respect.
• Recognise and manage their emotions effectively.
• Develop positive strategies to support their mental health and wellbeing.
• Build and maintain healthy, positive relationships both now and in the future.
• Understand age-appropriate Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and how this contributes to their personal safety and wellbeing.
• Demonstrate resilience, independence and confidence when facing challenges.
• Show respect for themselves, others and the world around them.
• Possess a strong sense of self-worth and positive self-esteem.
• Understand their role as active citizens and feel prepared for the next stage of their education and life beyond primary school.

Through high-quality PSHE provision, our children leave Cardinham as confident, respectful and compassionate individuals who are well prepared to succeed in an increasingly complex and diverse world.