PSHE at Parochial
'Parochial Cares', our mission is to prepare children for the future by living, learning and growing together in God.
To live life... life in all its fullness (John 10:10)
Vision:
At Parochial, we aim to develop pupils’ knowledge, skills, attributes and emotions to keep themselves healthy, safe and prepared for life (being able to play an active, positive and successful role in today’s diverse society). We aim for our children to have high aspirations, self-belief and resilience to achieve anything they set their minds on. Our goal is to provide all our pupils, particularly our most vulnerable and disadvantaged, with the understanding of different factors, which might affect their world and offer positive strategies of how to deal with these, so that they thrive and have good mental health and well-being.
The PSHE curriculum at Parochial promotes the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils, preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences for later life. Our Relationships and Sex Education enables our children to learn how to be safe, and to understand and develop healthy relationships, both now and in their future lives. Our Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Education aims to develop our pupils’ attitudes to make healthy choices and create healthy behaviours in their lives. Our Citizenship Education provides opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills, which will enable children to access the wider curriculum and prepare them to be a global citizen now and in their future roles within a global community. The curriculum, including our sex and relationships curriculum is delivered through the Kapow scheme of work. We believe that this allows each child to develop thinking, questioning and reflective skills, as well as having a powerful and lasting effect on the child’s life.
Implementation:
At Parochial we are:
Educating for Wisdom, knowledge and skills in PSHE Education through the development of a progression in skills and knowledge, which builds upon strong foundations. PSHE is an integral part of the Early Years curriculum and it is deeply embedded in the curriculum, as children begin to explore the world around them.
In Key Stage 1, children begin to consider the rules we live by, healthy and respectful relationships, internet safety and harm, physical exercise and healthy eating, good mental health and well-being, as well as foundations to an economic well-being. At Parochial, we ensure that our lessons cover the topics set out in the PSHE Association’s Programme of Study.
In Key Stage 2, children continue to develop further their skills and attitudes in the areas of Health and Well-being, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. Our Friendship week allows us to delve into the themes of respectful relationships, caring friendships, recognising and tackling bullying, discrimination, injustice and inequality, promoting diversity, respect and tolerance of others. Throughout our curriculum offer, we also identify key opportunities throughout the year groups to promote aspirations, healthy lifestyles including the exploration of substance use and misuse (Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Education) and growth mindset and resilience building. Such activities include visits to a campus university, working with Primary futures and Altru drama and working with local charities including Willow Wood and Infinity Initiatives.
Educating for hope and aspiration through PSHE Education by learning and understanding ourselves, our goals, wishes and ambitions. The children receive opportunities to talk to visitors about their careers and consequently explore their own aspirations. Through the geographical and historical topics, the pupils consider achievements and successes of famous scientists, explorers, humanitarians and historical figures, which they can aspire to emulate. Our children regularly explore ideas of courageous advocates and take inspiration to engage in social action to improve local, national and global community. At Parochial, we believe that focusing on developing a growth mind set in our children will help them to build resilience, independence and confidence; embrace challenge; foster a love of learning; and increase their level of happiness. We do this through the language we use in class (Learning Pit strategies) and pointing out the examples of perseverance and determination in their actions.
Educating for community and living well together by getting actively involved in local, national and global issues. Through weekly Picture News, children regularly explore social issues, ecological and economic issues, health (both physical and mental) and relationships within the wider communities. The children are encouraged to think creatively and debate the possibilities in an open-minded manner. KS2 pupils take part in Debate Mate programme, discussing difficult contemporary themes, while continually developing their social conscience, empathy and respect towards people who might have different ethnic, religious, social and cultural background, becoming more aware of difficult social themes, being able to express themselves, support those in need and challenge discrimination and social injustice.
Educating for dignity and respect by exploring weekly Picture News, discussing the themes of equality, fairness, mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and for those without faith, individual liberty, rule of law and democracy. Through our circle time sessions, assemblies and altar themes, children have regular opportunities to explore Gospel values and learn how to treat others with care and compassion, being polite and courteous, how to share and be selfless, how to respect each other’s differences, listen and take opinions of others into consideration. Our Ethos committee are also Restorative Ambassadors who work to "restore peace in the playground." through facilitated conversations with children who may be having social difficulties.
Impact:
Our PSHE curriculum and spiral RSE curriculum equips our children with the abilities to approach and deal with a range of real life situations and apply their skills and attitudes to help navigate themselves through modern, ever-changing life. Our pupils are on their way to becoming healthier, open minded, respectful, socially and morally responsible and pro-active members of society. They are able to look after their physical and mental health and well-being, recognise and deal with their emotions, apply Fundamental British values and Gospel values in their everyday life. Our children leave us ready for the secondary curriculum as they are able to think critically about social concepts and issues. Our children have a secure knowledge about the world they live in, their impact upon it and the issues that affect people across the globe. They have the tools to tackle complex issues of healthy, safer lifestyles and are ready to further develop their confidence, self-esteem, responsibilities, to express their own views and to develop positive, healthy relationships.