PSHE
Our intention is that when children leave Mackie Hill, J & I School, they will do so with the knowledge, understanding and emotions to be able to play an active, positive and successful role in today’s diverse society. We want our children to have high aspirations, a belief in themselves and realise that anything is possible if they put their mind to it. In an ever–changing world, it is important that they are aware, to an appropriate level, of different factors which will affect their world and that they learn how to deal with these so that they have good mental health and well-being.
Our Personal, Social, Health & Economic curriculum develops learning and results in the acquisition of knowledge and skills which will enable children to access the wider curriculum and prepare them to be a global citizen now and in their future roles within a global community. It promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils, preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences for later life.
Our RSE/PSHE curriculum is taught in all classes throughout school. We have created our own long-term plan adopted from one produced by the National PSHE association. To further complement our schemes of work, we are using 1decision to deliver aspects of the PSHE/RSE curriculum. It is a comprehensive programme which provides a range of topics and modules to support PSHE/RSE from Reception to Year 6. From January 2023, we introduced the use of floor books in every year group to record a summary of each PSHE lesson and include samples of the work completed in the lesson (including photos of practical work), a blurb to contextualise the learning and evidence of pupil voice and their reflections.
We teach from the long-term plan but also tackle any issues which arise in individual classes, from whole school concerns or national festivals & initiatives. Opportunities for PSHE-linked visits are planned for, as well as visits from guest speakers and organisations in the local community (emergency services). This also includes themed days/events, such as Anti-Bullying Week, Children’s Mental Health Week.
Cross-curricular links are planned for and allow children to deepen their understand of PSHE/RSE across the curriculum, including using technology safely in Computing, the role of money in Maths and how key historical figures have actively brought about positive change in History lessons.
RSHE - Relationships, Sex and Health education is part of the PSHE curriculum. All classes take part in a series of lessons concerning health education, sex and relationships education. It is a crucial part of preparing children for their lives now and in the future, as adults and parents. The teaching programme uses materials and resources from the national PSHE Association and the 1 Decision website. All of the SRE is delivered to ensure children acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to accept their own and others sexuality in positive ways, showing mutual respect and responsibility, free from abuse.
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from SRE education if they wish to do so, they are requested to consult with the headteacher, Mrs Haren, before they withdraw their child. Please see the policy for more information.
Process for RSHE Policy Development
This policy has been developed in consultation with staff, pupils and parents/carers. The consultation
and policy development process involved the following points:
1. Review – the head teacher pulled together all relevant information including relevant
national and local guidance
2. Staff consultation – all school staff were given the opportunity to look at the policy, the plans, the resources and the proposed teaching arrangements,
and make recommendations
3. Parent/stakeholder consultation – parents/carers and any interested parties were
invited to look at the policy, plans for delivery, timescales and resources.
4. Pupil consultation – we investigated what exactly pupils want from their RSE
5. Ratification – once amendments were made, the policy was shared with governors
and ratified.
We await final guidance from the DFE (draft consultation July 2024) and will then review our offer and undertake a future round of consultation.
If you wish to carry out further reading around RSE, the following documents may be of use to you: Government Guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education