PSHE at Oldfield

The PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education) curriculum at Oldfield supports pupils' personal development, health, and well-being. While PSHE is not a statutory subject under the National Curriculum, aspects of it are compulsory through Relationships Education, Health Education, and statutory guidance. The curriculum helps children develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to manage their lives, relationships, health, safety, and future economic well-being.

Aims of the PSHE Curriculum

The PSHE curriculum aims to ensure pupils:

1. Develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding to lead healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives.

2. Build resilience, confidence, and independence.

3. Understand how to form and maintain positive relationships.

4. Learn to make informed decisions regarding their physical, mental, and emotional health.

5. Prepare for future responsibilities, including aspects of economic well-being and career education.

Core Themes of PSHE

The curriculum typically focuses on three overarching themes:

1. Health and Well-being

   • Understanding the importance of physical health (e.g., exercise, nutrition, hygiene).

   • Recognising and managing emotions and mental well-being.

   • Learning about safety, including online safety, road safety, and managing risks.

   • Understanding the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco (age-appropriate).

2. Relationships

   • Learning about different types of relationships, including friendships, family relationships, and respectful behaviour.

   • Developing skills in communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork.

   • Understanding personal boundaries and the concept of privacy.

   • Learning about online relationships and appropriate use of technology.

3. Living in the Wider World

   • Developing a sense of community and responsibility, including caring for the environment.

   • Understanding the importance of rules, rights, and responsibilities.

   • Learning basic economic concepts, such as saving, spending, and making financial decisions.

   • Exploring aspirations, career goals, and the importance of education for future opportunities.

Statutory Relationships and Health Education

From 2020, aspects of Relationships Education and Health Education are statutory in all primary schools. Key content includes:

• Relationships Education: Teaching children about families, friendships, respect, online safety, and recognising unhealthy relationships.

• Health Education: Supporting pupils’ understanding of mental health, emotional well-being, physical health, puberty, and hygiene.

Progression and Integration

PSHE is a developmental and spiral curriculum, meaning that topics are revisited and built upon as pupils progress through the school. It is often delivered through a combination of dedicated lessons, assemblies, and cross-curricular learning, with links to subjects such as science (health and nutrition) and computing (online safety).

By the end of primary school, pupils are equipped with the skills, values, and knowledge to make informed choices about their health, relationships, and future, enabling them to become confident, responsible, and respectful individuals.