Our PSHE Curriculum

Intent

At St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, personal, social and health education (PSHE) enables our children to become healthy, independent and responsible members of a 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 provide our children with opportunities for them to learn about rights and responsibilities and appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society. Our children are encouraged to develop their sense of self-worth by playing a positive role in contributing to school life and the wider community.

The intent of our PSHE curriculum is to deliver a curriculum which is accessible to all and that will maximise the outcomes for every child so that they know more, remember more and understand more. As a result of this they will become healthy, independent and responsible members of a society who understand how they are developing personally and socially, and give them confidence to tackle many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. We provide our children with opportunities for them to learn about rights and responsibilities and appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society. Our children are encouraged to develop their sense of self-worth by playing a positive role in contributing to school life and the wider community.

Implementation

The Jigsaw scheme is based upon a whole school approach to PSHE which is progressive and sequential. The scheme is structured into 6 half-termly units of work, mapped out like puzzle pieces. These comprise of the units;

• 'Being Me in My World',
• Celebrating Differences',
• 'Dreams and Goals',
• 'Healthy Me',
• 'Relationships'
• 'Changing Me'.

There are 6 Jigsaw puzzle friends, one for each year group.

• Jenie: Ages 3-4 (Nursery/Preschool) and Ages 4-5 (Reception)
• Jack: Ages 5-6
• Jo: Ages 6-7
• Jino: Ages 7-8
• Jaz: Ages 8-9
• Jez: Ages 9-10
• Jem: Ages 10-11

Every year group works on the same theme each half term. This enables progression and for the learning message to be reinforced through whole school activities, such as assemblies.

Due to the structure of our school, in Years 3 and 4, the scheme is taught in a two year cycle:
Cycle A: Year 3
Cycle B: Year 4  (2023-2024)

As a Catholic school, we use both Jigsaw and ‘Life to the Full’ by ‘Ten Ten’ to deliver RSE in our school. Ten Ten is a Catholic educational organisation that is well-respected and very experienced in this field of work, this scheme has been approved by our diocese. All the sessions are age-appropriate and meet the needs of all pupils in the class.

The Life to the Full programme is based on ‘A Model Catholic RSE Curriculum’ by the Catholic Education Service, which was highlighted as a work of good practice by the Department of Education. Therefore, we have confidence that combining both Jigsaw and Ten Ten schemes of work it will be fit for purpose in supporting the growth and development of the children at St Joseph's.

British Values

All schools are required by law to promote the fundamental British values of:

• democracy;
• the rule of law;
• individual liberty;
• mutual respect;
• tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs;

This is taught through Jigsaw, assemblies throughout the year, and through work of the School Council. 

Impact

By the time children leave us they will: 

• Demonstrate kindness and respect towards themselves and others. 
• Have the courage and ability to try new things, challenge themselves and persevere.  
• Take responsibility for their actions. 
• Have a good understanding of how to stay safe, healthy and how to develop positive relationships now and in the future.  
•  Understand the physical aspects involved in RSE at an age appropriate level.
• Be  able to understand and manage their emotions.
• Be able to look after their mental health and well-being.
• Have an appreciation of what it means to be a positive member of a diverse, multicultural society.  
• Demonstrate and apply the British Values of Democracy, Tolerance, Mutual respect, Rule of law and Liberty. 
• Be able to approach a range of real life situations and apply their skills and attributes to help navigate themselves through modern life.
• Be inspired to reach for the stars.

At St. Joseph's, we prioritise physical and mental health and wellbeing, providing children with skills to evaluate and understand their own wellbeing needs, practice self-care and contribute positively to the wellbeing of those around them. We are committed to creating a positive, safe and nurturing environment, where all members of the school and wider community will be respected and valued.  Children are enabled to develop the vocabulary and confidence needed to clearly articulate their thoughts and feelings openly and know when and how they can seek the support of others whom they trust and respect. They will apply their understanding of society to their everyday interactions, from the classroom to the wider community.

We continuously assess the implementation and impact of our PSHE curriculum in order to achieve the highest outcomes possible across all year groups and ensure we provide the support that is necessary for all children to achieve.

Our PSHE approach has a positive impact on the whole child intellectually, morally, socially and spiritually.  Through our PSHE curriculum, we believe we can enhance children’s education and help them to become caring, respectful, responsible and confident individuals and citizens.

SMSC and Emotional Literacy

Jigsaw provides a structured programme of personal development to nurture the ‘whole child’ and increase learning capacity, underpinned by mindfulness philosophy and practice. Every Jigsaw lesson from Early Years to upper primary offers opportunities for children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development, and this is clearly mapped and balanced across each year group.

Likewise, Jigsaw is designed to provide structured opportunities in every lesson to practise and enhance the five skills associated with the emotional literacy (self-awareness, social skills, empathy, motivation and managing feelings).