PSHE

What is PSHE education and why is it important?

Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education plays a central role in our curriculum. It is a planned programme of learning through which children and young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives. At St John’s, as part of a whole school approach, PSHE develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.

The benefits to pupils of such an approach are numerous as PSHE prepares them to manage many of the most critical opportunities, challenges and responsibilities they will face growing up in such rapidly changing and challenging times. It also helps them to connect and apply the knowledge and understanding they learn in all subjects to practical, real-life situations while helping them to feel safe and secure enough to fulfill their academic potential.

How does PSHE education support pupils’ personal development?

PSHE education makes a significant contribution to children and young people’s personal development but is not synonymous with it.  The promotion of pupils’ personal development (which includes their social development) is a fundamental aspect of education and underpins other learning. Personal development is enhanced as children and young people develop the skills they need to grow and develop as individuals and members of society. All aspects of a child’s experience at home, in school and out of school contribute to personal and social development. It is a function of all subjects and curriculum areas.

PSHE education contributes to personal development by helping children and young people to build their personal identities, confidence and self-esteem, make career choices and understand what influences their decisions including financial ones. Developing self-understanding, empathy and the ability to work with others will help young people to enjoy healthy and productive relationships in all aspects of their lives.

St John’s PSHE Curriculum

PSHE education cannot and should not exist in isolation; it must be part of a whole school approach. The relationship between our PSHE education provision and our school ethos is hugely important. We endeavour to ensure that:

• there is effective relationships between all members of the school community
• pupils to play an active part in decision making
• school policies to be compatible with what is taught in PSHE education

See details of what is covered by children at St John’s Primary School in the documents section.