PSHE, RSHE & SMSC

PSHE at DWJS: Vision and Intent

PSHE education is a subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy, safe, and prepared for life and work. Pupils develop an understanding of themselves as responsible citizens and an awareness of other people in society.

PSHE is taught in order to equip children with a sound understanding of risk and with the knowledge and skills necessary to make safe and informed decisions to enjoy a healthy lifestyle in a multicultural society.

PSHE Curriculum Overview: Implementation

The SCARF Programme embeds a comprehensive PSHE and Wellbeing programme throughout the primary years. SCARF is a whole-school approach that builds essential foundations crucial for children to achieve their best, academically and socially, promoting: safety, caring, achievement, resilience, friendship.

At DWJS, we dedicate a day each half-term to well-being, incorporating a PSHE theme and focusing on PSHE lessons throughout the day. These themes are as follows and details of what is covered in each year group throughout the half term can be found in the documents below:

Me and My Relationships
Valuing Difference
Keeping Myself Safe
Rights and Responsibilities
Being My Best
Growing and Changing

PSHE Outcomes: Impact

PSHE learning impacts on physical and mental wellbeing, helps pupils to build and maintain positive relationships, and prepares them to become responsible citizens. PSHE supports pupils to reach their full potential by reducing barriers to learning, and developing skills and attributes - such as confidence and a positive attitude.

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)

The school has an agreed policy on RSHE which meets the updated (2020) statutory requirements.

The objective of RSHE is to help and support young people through their physical, emotional and moral development. A successful program, firmly embedded in PSHE lessons and appropriately linked to other curriculum areas will help young people to respect themselves and others and move with confidence through adolescence into adulthood. Although Sex Education itself is taught in Year 5, pupils learn about relationships and how to maintain good physical, emotional and mental health throughout their time at Darrick Wood Junior.

In accordance with the law parents have a right to withdraw their child from Sex Education lessons. If this is the case we would encourage you to discuss the matter with the class teacher before making a final decision. Should you choose to withdraw your child from these lessons please notify the school in writing of your decision. Parents wishing to view the Sex Education and Relationships Policy should contact the school office.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development (SMSC)

The Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development of our pupils is central to the education that we seek to provide our children at Darrick Wood Junior, and it always has been.

Whilst there will be elements of the children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development that are provided for discretely, it is our aim for SMSC to be a central thread that runs through all aspects of our curricular and extra-curricular provision. Teachers identify opportunities to develop SMSC themes as part of the pupils’ wider planned learning opportunities and in doing so we ensure that SMC is woven into the fabric of learning at DWJS, wherever that learning may take place.

The school’s commitment to both the rights of children (primarily through the Rights Respecting Schools initiative) and the promotion of fundamental British values, including the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, are also key aspects of the school’s provision in this regard.