At Wavendon Gate School, we see Personal, Social Health and Economic Education (PSHE) as being the centre of all we do. We acknowledge that an outstanding PSHE curriculum is an important and necessary part of all pupils’ education. The promotion of pupils’ personal development (which includes their social development) is a fundamental aspect of our curriculum and underpins all learning. Through our knowledge rich curriculum, our school environment and our school ethos, we promote pupils’ self-esteem and emotional well-being and help them to form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships, based on respect for themselves and for others, at home, at school, at work and in the community.
Our progressive PSHE curriculum follows the Framework for PSHE in the National Curriculum 2014 and has been updated to reflect the new statutory Health Education and Relationships and Sex education expectations for 2020. During timetabled PSHE time, an emphasis is placed on active learning through planned discussions, circle-time, investigations, role-play activities, group-work and problem-solving. Key concepts are introduced in the younger years and built upon as pupils formulate personal views based on evidence they research and discuss. Our curriculum follows a progressive approach that is dependent on children’s age and stage of development.
All of our teachers endeavour to provide a safe learning environment through the establishment of clear ground rules which are made explicit to the children and consistently reinforced. Visiting speakers such as the clergy, police and health workers also contribute to the taught curriculum. Beyond timetabled PSHE lessons, pupils are supported in applying the skills they are learning, in real life situations as they arise: e.g. resolving conflicts; working as part of a group on a project and sharing their thoughts on a school matter to a wider group.
Our pupils are encouraged to take part in a range of practical activities to promote active citizenship, e.g. charity fund-raising; the planning of special events at school; making class rules; school council meetings; attending house meetings; and by taking on roles of responsibility for themselves, for others and for the school. The children strive to earn values reward pebbles, which encourage personal and social development as well as creativity. Postcards are used to celebrate personal achievements with regard to developing positive attitudes to learning and by demonstrating our core values, with parents and carers. Learning opportunities are matched to the individual needs of our pupils.
We pride ourselves that, at Wavendon Gate School, our pupils treat each other as valued members of our community and develop empathy for each other. Through experiencing a knowledge rich PSHE curriculum, our pupils are provided with a solid foundation for life and future learning.