Intent

At St Thomas of Canterbury Church of England Primary School, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education lies at the heart of our curriculum. We believe that developing children's character, wellbeing and relationships is just as important as their academic achievement.

Our PSHE curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead healthy, safe and fulfilling lives. Through carefully planned learning, children develop the emotional literacy, resilience and moral understanding they need to navigate an ever-changing world and become active, responsible citizens.

Our curriculum reflects our Christian vision and values of Community, Curiosity, Love, Bravery and Resilience, encouraging children to treat others with kindness, make thoughtful decisions and understand the importance of belonging, respect and service.

We aim for every child to:

• develop confidence, independence and resilience;
• understand how to keep themselves physically, mentally and emotionally healthy;
• build positive, respectful relationships with others;
• recognise and manage their emotions appropriately;
• understand how to stay safe both online and offline;
• celebrate diversity and value difference;
• understand their rights and responsibilities within school, the local community and the wider world;
• develop the confidence to ask for help and support when needed;
• become thoughtful, responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.

Through PSHE, children learn not only about themselves but also about the world around them, enabling them to make informed choices and flourish both now and in the future.

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Implementation

Our PSHE curriculum is delivered through the One Decision programme, which provides a carefully sequenced progression of knowledge and skills from the Early Years through to Year 6. The curriculum covers nine key themes:

• Keeping and Staying Safe
• Keeping and Staying Healthy
• Being Responsible
• Feelings and Emotions
• Computer Safety
• The World Around Us
• Hazards and Judgement
• Growing and Changing
• Fire Safety and First Aid

These themes are revisited throughout children's time at school, allowing learning to build progressively and ensuring that important knowledge is retained over time.

PSHE is taught through weekly lessons alongside opportunities across the wider curriculum, collective worship, Picture News, assemblies and enrichment activities. Current affairs and real-life scenarios encourage children to discuss, question and reflect on the world around them, developing critical thinking alongside empathy and respect for differing viewpoints.

Learning is engaging and interactive, making use of discussion, role play, drama, collaborative activities, scenarios and reflection, alongside written work where appropriate. Each class records key learning within a class workbook, providing opportunities to revisit previous learning and celebrate progress.

In the Early Years, Personal, Social and Emotional Development forms a fundamental part of daily practice. Children develop independence, confidence and positive relationships through carefully planned play, adult modelling and purposeful interactions. They learn to recognise and regulate their emotions, understand routines and expectations, build friendships and develop resilience through everyday experiences.

Safeguarding is woven throughout our PSHE curriculum. Children learn how to recognise risks, seek support and make safe choices both online and offline. This learning complements our Computing curriculum and fulfils our statutory responsibilities under Relationships, Health and Sex Education (RHSE), safeguarding guidance and the Equality Act 2010.

Beyond the classroom, children are encouraged to become active members of the school and wider community through opportunities such as School Council, leadership roles, fundraising, community projects and visits from organisations including the NSPCC, emergency services and other local partners. These experiences help children understand their role within society and develop a strong sense of responsibility and belonging.

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Impact

Our PSHE curriculum enables children to develop into confident, respectful and responsible young people who are well prepared for life beyond primary school.

Children leave St Thomas with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, manage challenges positively and build healthy relationships. They understand how to keep themselves safe and healthy, demonstrate empathy towards others and show increasing independence in both their learning and personal development.

The impact of our curriculum is evident through pupils' attitudes, behaviour and relationships, as well as through discussions, class workbooks and observations of learning over time. Children demonstrate increasing confidence in expressing their opinions, resolving conflict respectfully and reflecting thoughtfully on their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.

By the time children leave St Thomas, they are able to:

• understand and manage their emotions appropriately;
• maintain positive, respectful relationships;
• make informed choices that support their physical and mental wellbeing;
• recognise risks and know where to seek help;
• stay safe both online and offline;
• value diversity and challenge discrimination;
• contribute positively to their school and local community;
• demonstrate resilience, kindness and responsibility in their daily lives.

Ultimately, our PSHE curriculum helps every child to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually, preparing them to become compassionate, courageous and responsible citizens who embody our Christian vision and values.