PSHE
Intent
The PSHE Association describes PSHE as ‘learning through which children and young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives, now and in the future.’
At Willowbrook we believe it is important that children and young people have the skills they need to grow up as healthy individuals who can make informed decisions about their lives. Our PSHE curriculum is tailored specifically to the needs of children in our community helping them to be safe and healthy, to be informed and engaged citizens, to understand their rights and responsibilities, and to build positive relationships.
Implementation
At Willowbrook, we use Jigsaw to deliver our whole-school approach to PSHE. Jigsaw is a detailed and comprehensive scheme of learning which provides well-structured, progressive learning and aims to prepare children/young people for life, helping them really know and value who they are and understand how they relate to other people in this ever-changing world. Jigsaw has a strong emphasis on emotional literacy, building resilience and nurturing mental and physical health. Jigsaw lessons also include a focus on mindfulness, allowing children to advance their emotional awareness, concentration, and focus.
The Jigsaw scheme of work is split in to 6 ‘Puzzles’. One puzzle is delivered per term; these are Being me in my world, Celebrating Difference, Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships, and Changing me. Each puzzle piece builds year on year.
Children also learn about being active citizens, advocacy and making a positive difference through cross curricular activities. Children learn about democracy informally through taking part in activities such as class councils and Trowbridge Youth Parliament. In addition, children learn about some of the democratic processes and structures in the UK including parliament and elections. This year, the children have voted and elected their student council.
PSHE lessons at Willowbrook promote the spiritual, moral, 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.
PSHE is taught weekly with teachers editing and amending Jigsaw plans as required. Lessons are largely discussion based allowing for the free-flowing discursive nature of the lessons to really flourish. Children use their jigsaw journal to complete any written tasks and reflections as appropriate.
Impact
The children really enjoy their weekly PSHE lessons. We know this because they tell us. By the time children leave our school they have developed their social skills and have an appreciation of what it means to be a positive member of a diverse, multicultural society. They are more emotionally literate and have a clearer understanding of mental health, knowing how to keep themselves safe and happy. They have a ready willingness and ability to try new things, push themselves and persevere. They will be able to develop good relationships and have a strong self-awareness, interlinked with compassion of others.
