“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” – Dr Seuss
At Southill, we believe that personal, social and health education (PSHE) enables our children to become happy, healthy, confident, prepared and responsible members of society. It aims to help them understand how they are developing personally and socially, and tackles many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. We are dedicated to ensuring that Southill is a happy, stimulating and caring place and we expect high standards of behaviour and good manners throughout the school. Behaviour and attitude to learning is underpinned by values that are taught through PSHE lessons, making it integral to the success of the whole school. Building the learning powers of resilience, reciprocity, reflectiveness and resourcefulness is at the heart of our school ethos and is celebrated weekly during a whole school celebrations assembly.
We encourage our children to take part in a range of practical roles and activities that promote active citizenship: School Councillor, Feel Great Mates, Reading Champions, school fundraising and engagement in school and local events. Children have opportunities to meet and work with members of the community, such as: health workers, firefighters, police officers, librarians, sports coaches, artists, authors and representatives from the local church. We are committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all pupils at Southill and provide ELSA sessions to support this.
PSHE is taught as explicit lessons using the Jigsaw scheme of work which is organised into the following themes or ‘puzzle pieces’:
1. Being Me in My World
Includes understanding my place in the class, school and global community as well as devising Learning Charters.
2. Celebrating Difference
Includes anti-bullying (cyber and homophobic bullying included) and diversity work.
3. Dreams and Goals
Includes goal-setting, aspirations for yourself and the world and working together.
4. Healthy Me
Includes drugs and alcohol education, self-esteem and confidence as well as healthy lifestyle choices.
5. Relationships
Includes understanding friendship, family and other relationships, conflict resolution and communication skills.
6. Changing Me
This puzzle includes sex and relationships education in the context of coping positively with change. (includes age-appropriate sex education)
As well as being taught discretely, PSHE is also embedded in other areas of the curriculum and day-to-day life of the school.
