PSHE at the Prep

PSHE
We believe that PSHE and citizenship should enable children to become healthier, more independent and more responsible members of society. We encourage our pupils to play a positive role in contributing to the life of the school and the wider community. In so doing we help develop their sense of self-worth. We teach them how society is organised. We teach children both about their rights and about their responsibilities. They learn to appreciate what it means to be a positive member of a diverse and multicultural society.

The objectives of PSHE and citizenship are to enable the children to:

know and understand a healthy lifestyle;
be aware of safety issues;
understand what makes for good relationships with others;
have respect for others;
be independent and responsible members of a community, such as school;
be positive and active members of a democratic society;
develop self-confidence and self-esteem, and make informed choices regarding personal and social issues;
develop good relationships with other members of the community.

Teaching and learning style
We use a range of teaching and learning styles to meet the PSHE and citizenship requirements of the National Curriculum. We emphasise active learning by including the children in discussions, investigations and problem-solving activities. We encourage the children to take part in a range of tasks that promote active citizenship, for example charity fundraising, the planning of special school events (such as an assembly or open evening), or involvement in helping other individuals or groups less fortunate than themselves. We organise classes in such a way that pupils are able, through discussion, to set agreed classroom rules of behaviour, and resolve any conflicts. We offer children the opportunity to hear visiting speakers, such as the police liaison officer, whom we invite into the school to talk about their role in creating a positive and supportive local community.

PSHE and citizenship curriculum planning
We teach PSHE and citizenship topics through the SEAL programme, other subjects and through assembly topics. For example, when teaching about local environmental issues in geography, we offer pupils the opportunity to find out who is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of local parks and cycle paths. Also, as there is a large overlap between the programme of study for religious education and the aims of PSHE and citizenship, we deliver a considerable amount of the PSHE and citizenship curriculum through our religious education lessons. Many issues concerning health are dealt with in science.

We also develop PSHE and citizenship through various activities and whole-school events. We offer a residential visit in Key Stage 2 to an outdoor adventure activity centre and to France, where there is a particular focus on developing pupils’ self-esteem, and giving them opportunities to develop leadership skills and positive group work.