Intent

At Riverley, we have structured our PSHE learning with the intention of supporting our children in developing into strong-minded individuals. Our intent is to use an hour of weekly PSHE to deliver the PSHE curriculum whilst also providing pupils with the time to reflect and focus on their wellbeing. The children at Riverley are encouraged to take part in numerous class discussions and to share their honest opinions on the topics of our PSHE lessons, without judgement. The ability to openly express themselves and discuss though-provoking topics will give the children the confidence they need to widen their horizons and explore all of the opportunities that life has to offer.

Our PSHE 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 in later life. Our Relationships and Sex Education enables our children to learn how to be safe, and to understand and develop healthy relationships, both now and in their future lives.

Implementation

The PSHE curriculum is monitored by the subject lead to promote continuous improvement by reviewing, evaluating, sharing best practice as well as undertaking continuous professional development (CPD) to stay at the forefront of developments within the subject. Teachers are supported by the PSHE lead and utilise the Lifewise programme of study to plan and deliver an engaging curriculum.

At Riverley, we consider ourselves not only be teachers but to be facilitators of learning experiences. Our facilitators are enthusiastic about PSHE and recognise its importance in supporting the children’s learning and personal growth. This means that they are careful to include the full hour in their timetables once a week, as well as smaller targeted class sessions, when needed – sometimes to discuss news, current events and issues in the wider community.

Facilitators are experienced in planning engaging, creative lessons which draw out meaningful, thought-provoking conversations Our facilitators’ ability to challenge children to justify their thinking in these lessons teaches them to be articulate individuals who can defend their own opinions as well as empathise with others.

In addition to social skills, our PSHE lessons teach children to apply real life skills such as writing a CV, choosing career paths and mapping out next steps towards their goals. This helps children to prepare for the future and beyond. We also run assemblies, twice weekly, in which different cultures, current news topics and appropriate ways to behave in society are discussed using Picture News, Stories and a wide range of additional resources.

The values that underpin and are explored in our PSHE lessons are embedded in our entire curriculum. Facilitators plan lessons following the carefully designed curriculum map with ambitious and broad topics to cultivate curiosity. These topics are our over-arching themes for our learning and our broad to encourage Big Questions creating a culture of critical thinking and enquiry. Big Questions that are used throughout our curriculum, present many opportunities to problem solve and think creatively about an issue or topic that are often linked to the topics we explore in PSHE lessons.

The characteristics of effective learning, which we have rebranded as Learning in The Deep, also support the children’s ability to articulate their learning as they play and explore, develop active learning and think creatively and critically. As a result, this promotes the spiritual, moral and cultural development of our children. How we express our ideas and opinions is a vital skill in our development in PSHE. Riverley children develop their Oracy skills to support their articulation, communication and the presenting of ideas, learning to listen and discuss respectfully and clearly. In addition, at Riverley, we embrace our outdoor environment and discuss with the children the benefits of nature through Forest School and Outdoor Learning experiences.

Pupil leaders support the teaching and learning of PSHE as our children ensure that our curriculum reflects their needs and interests. Our Wellbeing and R.E. pupil leadership team, including a family representative, provides opportunities for our children to develop leadership skills through a variety of projects associated with ensuring High Achievement, establishing Proud Traditions and Widening Horizons for our entire school community.

Impact

Our children leave Riverley with a sense of belonging, championing our Riverley values of Creativity, Ambition, Responsibility and Empathy. Our children understand the Proud Traditions of their own family and school community, can justify why these traditions take place and can articulate the sense of belonging evoked by these traditions. They empathise with others and understand when and how to offer help in difficult situations.

They are prepared for their body to grow and develop and understand that the mind is constantly developing and changing. As a result, our children grow and evolve – feeling confident in their understanding of how their bodies change.

Our PSHE curriculum aims to teach the children how to take care of their physical health as well as emotional. This allows them to grow and develop into healthy, happy adults. Our children have an appreciation of what it means to be a positive member of a diverse, multicultural society: to have a strong self-awareness, interlinked with compassion of others.

Curriculum Documents