PSHCE

Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education

Aims of the Subject

PSHCE encompasses all areas designed to promote children’s personal, social and health development.  It gives children the knowledge, skills and understanding that they need to stay healthy and safe, develop worthwhile relationships, respect differences, develop independence and responsibility, and make the most of their own abilities and those of others.  This subject is taught throughout the school from Early Years until Year 8.

There are 3 interrelated strands:

  • Social and moral responsibility
  • Community involvement
  • Political literacy.

These are taught to prepare children to play an active role as members of a democratic society, to develop independence and responsibility, and to make informed choices about their own lifestyle.  The subject is taught in standalone lessons and dedicated times, but its very nature means that it is embedded in every area of the school curriculum and way of life.  Our school ethos promotes spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepares all pupils for the opportunities and responsibilities encountered in their lives.  PSHCE ensures that we address the 5 strands of Every Child Matters.  Namely, that every child has the right to: Be Healthy, Stay Safe, Enjoy and Achieve, Make a Positive Contribution and Achieve Economic Wellbeing.

Assessment Methods

Formal assessment does not take place in this subject.  Assessment is ongoing and teacher led and based.  Levels of understanding are assessed through questioning and discussion.  Tasks set are monitored to ensure that the aims of the subject are being addressed and that the children are developing their skills in all aspects of the PSHE curriculum.

Teaching Techniques

The major part of our PSHCE curriculum, from Early Years to the end of Year 6, is delivered using the SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) programme.  For Years 7 and 8, PSHE is taught using the Your Life programme, which is specifically designed to ensure coverage of all Key Stage 3 requirements for PSHE, Citizenship and Economic Education.

SEAL is a teaching resource created to assist children in their personal, social and emotional development.  Six themes are taught during the year, with activities appropriate to each age group.

The themes are:

  • New Beginnings
  • Getting on and Falling Out
  • Going for Goals
  • Good to be Me
  • Relationships
  • Changes.

There is also another topic called 'Say No to Bullying', taught to coincide with National Anti-Bullying Week.

SEAL helps children to develop self-awareness, motivation, social skills and the ability to manage their feelings.  These skills will help our children to become better learners, build better relationships with other people and be responsible citizens. They are part of every area of life.

Areas not covered by SEAL resources (such as Sex and Relationships and Drugs Education) are addressed through focused and age appropriate PSHE sessions.

Years 7 and 8

The Your Life resource used in Years 7 and 8 forms a comprehensive course in all aspects of PSHE Citizenship and Economic education.  The resources are divided into four main themes:

Personal wellbeing – understanding yourself and handling relationships
Personal wellbeing – keeping healthy
Economic wellbeing and financial capability
Developing as a citizen.

The content of this subject is delivered in a number of ways.  It is taught in whole class and group activities using appropriate resources, e.g. videos, worksheets etc.  We use assemblies for introducing new themes.  In some areas, PSHCE is taught through other subjects; for example, health and healthy living are incorporated in Science and Food Technology, and RS includes many opportunities to include PSHCE principles.  Much of this subject is taught through discussion and role play activities, and speaking and listening sessions in English can be used to enhance the teaching of PSHCE.  Where appropriate, guest speakers are brought in to reinforce material taught in school.  Recent speakers have addressed issues such as Internet Safety, Dental Health and Interpersonal Skills.

Use of ICT within the Subject

IT is used extensively in this subject. SEAL is a visually based learning tool, using photos, video and film clips etc. as integral parts of its delivery, as is the Your Life programme for Years 7 and 8.  Children use IT to create campaigns, posters, leaflets etc. related to areas of the PSHCE curriculum.  IT is used for research and statistical investigation and representation.  Children are able to work interactively using online and school resources.  In Years 7 and 8 in particular, children have the opportunity to use IT resources available in, for example, financial management and political awareness.