PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education)

Intent (before the teaching)

At Wendell Park Primary School, PSHCE is at the core of what we do and enables pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes to become independent, confident, healthy and responsible members of society, as well as developing the ‘whole child’ intellectually, morally, socially and spiritually. Through our whole-school approach to PSHCE, it is our belief that excellence in these areas will lead to excellence across the curriculum and beyond in later life.

This curriculum reflects the DfE Statutory Guidance for Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education (2025).

PSHCE is taught across the school from Reception - Year 6 on a weekly basis and as a school, we follow the Cambridgeshire PSHCE scheme. As part of a whole-school approach, PSHCE education develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.  Our PSHCE curriculum equips pupils with relevant and meaningful content, which is supported through a strong emphasis on emotional literacy, building resilience and nurturing mental and physical health. In an ever-changing society, we are able to provide our pupils with a strong understanding of the diverse world around them and support them in playing a positive role in contributing to the school and the wider community.

Weaving through the heart of our PSHCE teaching, is a passionate commitment to learning and recognition of the uniqueness of individual learners.  It is driven by our desire to offer the best possible education for our pupils in partnership with parents and the local community.  We believe a collaborative culture is fundamental in enabling pupils to develop personally and emotionally, and as young citizens of the world.

Implementation (subject in action)

Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all pupils, regardless of background, ability or additional needs, to flourish and become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be.

PSHCE plays a key role in safeguarding by supporting pupils to recognise safe and unsafe situations, understand personal boundaries and seek support from trusted adults.

The curriculum is supported by a clear progression of knowledge and skills, which is carefully sequenced across year groups.  This ensures that knowledge and skills are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all pupils.  The Cambridgeshire PSHCE framework directs our aim of developing the ‘whole child’ through a spiral curriculum approach to developing knowledge, skills and understanding in the following areas:

• Myself and My Relationships
• Citizenship
• Healthy and Safer Lifestyles
• Economic Wellbeing

Whilst the Cambridgeshire Framework distinguishes four separate core themes, learning from one area may be related and relevant to others.  This includes learning about online safety, respectful digital communication and managing risks in online environments.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, PSHCE is delivered through the Cambridgeshire framework and embedded across the curriculum, particularly within Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED).

Pupils in KS1 and KS2 use floor books to record their responses to and progress in PSHCE sessions.  These books travel with the pupils as they move to the next year group so they can look back at their learning and the next teacher can see the starting points.

AIMS

The primary aim for PSHCE education is to provide pupils with:

• Accurate and relevant knowledge
• Opportunities to turn that knowledge into personal understanding
• Opportunities to explore, clarify and if necessary, challenge their own and others’ values, attitudes, beliefs, rights and responsibilities
• The skills and strategies they need in order to live healthy, safe, fulfilling, responsible and balanced lives

Impact (after the teaching)

What will this look like?  By the time pupils leave Wendell Park Primary School, they will:

• demonstrate a willingness to try new things and resilience when faced with challenge
• have a good understanding of how to stay safe, healthy and develop respectful relationships

What helps us stay healthy? What keeps us safe? How do we grow and change? How can we manage risk in different places?

• have an appreciation of what it means to be a positive member of a diverse and multicultural society

What makes a community?  How can our choices make a difference to others and the environment?  How can we look after each other and the world?  What jobs do people do?

• have a strong sense of self-awareness, interlinked with compassion for others

How do we treat each other with respect?  Who is special to us? What is the same and different about us?  How can we be a good friend?  How can friends communicate safely?

Pupils leave school with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions, manage risk and seek help when needed.

Progression of skills and knowledge

Our ‘PSHE subject progression of skills and knowledge  ‘ document gives further information about what the children are taught in this subject by year group

Progression of skills and knowledge

Long Term Plan 

Our long term plan gives a detailed overview of what children will be covering throughout each half term. 

Statutory Guidance

If you would like to know more, please visit Statutory Guidance for PSHCE