PSHE
Intent:
At Barnack, our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education) curriculum is designed to inspire and empower every student, aligned with our commitment to changing lives and achieving excellence. Embedded in our core values of wholehearted growth and community, our curriculum fosters an enriching environment where children from Nursery to Year 6 are equipped with the essential skills, knowledge and learning behaviours needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world. By exploring crucial themes such as family and relationships, health and well-being, safety, citizenship and economic understanding, we nurture self-awareness, resilience, empathy and the ability to make informed, responsible choices. Centred around our guiding termly questions—What makes us who we are? and How can the choices we make impact the world?—our PSHE curriculum prepares children to embrace life to the fullest, cultivate emotional intelligence and make meaningful contributions to society.
Our bespoke PSHE curriculum has been designed using the National Curriculum and the Cambridgeshire PSHE scheme, employing a rich variety of engaging teaching pedagogy. We incorporate role play, drama, mindfulness activities and reflective practices to create a vibrant and interactive classroom atmosphere. Additionally, we enhance learning through collaborative projects, interactive workshops and contributions from external experts, including thought leaders in mental health and community advocacy. Themed weeks and assemblies further enrich our curriculum, making complex social issues accessible and relatable to children. We assess learning through teacher assessment, post quizzes, Kahoot quizzes, and pupil voice reflections, allowing us to adapt our approach to meet the unique needs of each student. Our extensive resources, including literature, community partnerships and expert workshops, ensure that children are engaged and inspired while connecting PSHE lessons to real-world contexts.
Implementation:
Impact:
The impact of our PSHE curriculum at Barnack is transformative, equipping children with the competencies they need to flourish in all aspects of their lives. By the end of their primary education, children will have a strong sense of identity, emotional literacy, and resilience, ready to face the challenges of an ever-evolving world. They will possess a deep understanding of healthy relationships, personal safety and civic responsibility, empowering them to manage personal, social, and health-related issues with confidence. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate not just responsible and empathetic citizens but also innovative thinkers who respect diversity and contribute positively to society. We measure our success through robust academic performance, enthusiastic student engagement in PSHE activities, and the active use of PSHE vocabulary, alongside a genuine curiosity about living responsibly and thriving in the world. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that our curriculum remains relevant and responsive to our children' needs, ultimately preparing them to become influential change-makers in their communities and beyond. Through this holistic approach, we strive to develop well-rounded individuals who excel academically while also being socially and emotionally equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world.