PSHE & RSE
At Northwood Park Primary, our PSHE curriculum is rooted in our core values:
Be Kind, Be Brave, Be Proud. We strive to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to stay safe, healthy, and prepared for life in modern society. We support children’s emotional wellbeing, build resilience and promote respectful relationships, including an understanding of diversity and inclusion. Through a progressive and age appropriate approach, it empowers pupils to make informed choices and become responsible, confident members of their community.
Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) at Northwood Park
At our school PSHE, including Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), aims to provide a high quality, progressive curriculum that equips all pupils with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to stay safe, be healthy and prepare for life in modern Britain.
PSHE and RSE are closely aligned within our curriculum. This ensures a cohesive and comprehensive approach to pupils’ personal development, relationships and health education. The curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ resilience, enabling them to problem solve, think critically and respond appropriately to a range of real life situations. At Northwood Park, we build our curriculum offer through the Golden Thread of Reading: contextually relevant links are made to our PSHE offer. We adopt a responsive approach to curriculum design, using analysis of data and emerging trends to adapt provision and address the evolving needs of our school community.
Our PSHE curriculum is underpinned by our core school values of being Brave, Kind and Proud, which are explicitly taught and consistently modelled. Pupils are encouraged to be brave in sharing their views and facing challenges, kind in their interactions with others, and proud of their identity and achievements. These values are closely aligned with and support the teaching of British Values including: democracy; the rule of law; individual liberty and mutual respect; tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
The curriculum is coherently planned and sequenced to build knowledge and skills progressively over time. We personalise the Kapow scheme of work and tailor it to reflect the specific needs and context of our pupils and local community. Our curriculum is structured around key strands: Families and Relationships; Citizenship; Economic Wellbeing; Safety and the Changing Body (RSE); Health and Wellbeing; and Transitions. This ensures comprehensive coverage and enables pupils to develop a secure understanding of how to form and maintain healthy relationships.
PSHE is at the heart of life at Northwood Park. Every day is a learning opportunity for our children to become well-rounded citizens both in school and in their wider lives.
EYFS
PSHE sits within the PSED (Personal, Social and Emotional Development) curriculum and plays a vital role in supporting our youngest learners as they grow and thrive. Through carefully planned activities, children develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of self. They are encouraged to build positive relationships with their peers, learn to manage their emotions and understand the importance of kindness and respect.
At Northwood Park we aim to build children's independence whilst ensuring they feel safe, valued and listened to. We also introduce early concepts of wellbeing, healthy choices and understanding the world around them. Reception children undertake several school trips and local walks as well as engaging with adults who visit school such as: the fire service; nurses; vets and police. By laying these foundations, we support children in becoming happy, independent and resilient learners both in school and beyond.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, PSHE helps children to understand themselves, build positive friendships and learn how to stay healthy and safe. Pupils explore emotions, relationships, teamwork and ways to make responsible choices in school and beyond, especially in a modern, digital environment. Through stories, discussions and practical activities, children are encouraged to be kind by showing respect, empathy and care towards others. They learn to be brave by trying new things, speaking up and developing confidence in themselves. PSHE also supports children to be proud of their achievements, individuality and contributions to the school community. Pupils visit our local library, care home and places of worship. Lessons create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, listened to and ready to thrive.
Key Stage 2
In Key Stage 2, PSHE supports pupils in developing the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to navigate an increasingly complex world. Through engaging lessons and discussions children learn about healthy relationships both in person and online. Children develop a great understanding of their own and others’ emotional wellbeing, and the importance of both respect and diversity. They are encouraged to think critically, manage risks and make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle. Our curriculum also promotes resilience, self awareness and confidence: this helps pupils to cope with challenges and change. We provide opportunities for pupils to explore their role within the wider community and understand their responsibilities as active citizens. Children visit our local area and contribute to the community by organising food banks, litter picking and singing at our local care home. By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are equipped with the tools they need to stay safe in the real word and online, build positive relationships and prepare for the next stage of their education.
We understand the impact that the online world has on our children. As we aim to keep up to date with online technologies, we form partnerships with our local police team and PCSO, specialist online safety advisory services and other schools.
Through this carefully sequenced, inclusive and discussion rich curriculum, pupils leave our school as confident, respectful and responsible individuals who are well prepared for the next stage of their education and life in modern Britain.
