We believe that PSHE and citizenship should enable children to become healthier, more independent and more responsible members of society. We encourage our children 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 and governed. We ensure that the children experience the process of democracy through participation in the Picture News and school council. 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 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.
We teach PSHE and Citizenship in a variety of ways. The school uses the Protective Behaviours toolkit and follows the Discovery Education Health and Relationships programme for Years 1 – 6, adapting it to the children’s needs as necessary. Sometimes, for example when dealing with issues in drugs education, we teach PSHE and citizenship as a discrete subject. On other occasions we introduce PSHE and Citizenship topics through teaching in other subjects. There is a large overlap between the programme of study for Religious Education and the aims of PSHE and Citizenship therefore we make links between these subjects. E-safety is taught throughout the curriculum and teachers remind pupils of safe internet use whenever the devices are in use. We also take time to educate parents about the importance of being highly vigilant when their children are using devices at home.
The school provides pupils with a wealth of opportunities to broaden their learning experiences through extra-curricular and enrichment activities. Pupils take part in a wide range of sporting activities, theatrical and musical opportunities, include the choir and orchestra and talent shows organised by our Shakespeare Ambassadors. Pupils are understanding and supportive of the needs of others through their commitment to charitable fundraising. Pupils take responsibility for their role in society by participating in the school council, Eco council, Antibullying ambassadors, Shakespeare ambassadors, reading ambassadors, play leaders, librarians and as house captains. They know that their views are listened to and valued. The provision of Forest Schools within the timetable has enabled pupils to develop skills of resilience, cooperation, team-work and problem-solving which is reflected in their enjoyment of the wider curriculum. We offer two residential visits in Key Stage 2, where there is a particular focus on developing pupils’ self-esteem, and giving them opportunities to develop leadership skills and positive group work.
We also develop PSHE and citizenship through various activities and whole-school events, for example the school council representatives from each class meet regularly to discuss school matters and understand the value of democracy in action. Our assemblies focus on developing our children’s understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Recently we have introduced, Picture News during class assembly time which gives children opportunities to discover talents and interests further through news stories that inspire them. Using Picture News exposes children to a range of current issues including political, religious, cultural, environmental, social, moral, spiritual. British Values is made relevant and meaningful and develops links between personal, school and community values.
The Foundation Stage:
In Reception, the Early Years Framework focuses on Personal, Social and Emotional Development and building relationships. Our teaching in PSHE and citizenship matches the aim of developing a child’s personal, emotional and social development as set out in the ELGs. We also support citizenship education in reception classes, when we teach ‘how to develop a child’s knowledge and understanding of the world’.
Partnership:
The school values working in partnership with parents and carers and the wider community and sees this as an essential element of PSHE and Citizenship. Partnership working is promoted through school visits for Reception children in the Autumn term, use of the local community as a resource, reporting to parents, parents’ evenings and the use of Partnership Centres.
There is a highly effective curriculum for personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. This is taught very well and helps pupils to understand how to keep themselves safe in a range of situations. Pupils say that they feel safe in school. Pupils show a strong understanding of what to do if they feel threatened and are confident that they can say, ‘Stop it please,’
The school has high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and conduct, supported by our Newburgh values. Pupils are polite, behave well and are confident to share their learning with visitors. Pupils show a high level of tolerance and respect and understand that everyone is treated equally regardless of race, gender and faith. Pupils are proud of their school. Strong and positive relationships are apparent between all pupils and staff. Merit awards and Rotary Star awards are given as rewards for exemplary examples of our Newburgh Values. Over the last few years, significant training for staff has taken place to embed a whole school approach in supporting the inclusion and wellbeing of children and young people affected by early trauma and unmet attachment needs. Our Relationships and behaviour policy has been implemented and shared with pupils and parents, incorporating our reviewed provision following training in Restorative Practice, Emotion coaching, Zones of regulation.
Our strong Pastoral team support children where they face challenges in their emotional lives, and this enables them to build their self-confidence and self-esteem and learn to manage their emotions appropriately. A school counsellor and Voluntary mentors (Transforming Lives for Good) work in school to meet the increased needs of the children. A full-time sports coach enhances provision at breaks and lunchtimes and has improved behaviour and enjoyment.
Attendance is closely monitored and any concerns over absences and lateness are addressed swiftly by the leadership team who work closely with the Warwickshire Attendance Service. The school work with parents to break down barriers to attendance. Parenting support and classes are offered in school by our Pastoral team. We support a number of families through our pastoral support and Early Help offer. We have a Pastoral email account for parents to gain direct and confidential access to the team for support. Pastoral2325@welearn365.com
