PSHE & RSE
PSHE Education (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) and RSE Education (Relationships and Sex Education) is a planned programme of learning through which children and young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to successfully manage their lives – now and in the future. As part of a whole-school approach, PSHE and RSE Education develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.
SRH follows the ‘Jigsaw’ PSHE/RSE curriculum. Jigsaw is a whole-school approach and embodies a positive philosophy and creative teaching and learning activities to nurture children’s development as compassionate and well-rounded human beings as well as building their capacity to learn.
Jigsaw brings together PSHE Education, compulsory Relationships and Health Education, emotional literacy, mindfulness, social skills and spiritual development. It is designed as a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (Puzzle) at the same time at their own level. There are six Puzzles (half-term units of work) and each year group is taught one lesson per week. These half termly units are as follows:
- Being in my world
- Celebrating Difference
- Dreams and Goals
- Healthy Me
- Relationships
- Changing Me
All lessons are delivered in an age and stage appropriate way so that they meet children’s needs. PSHE and RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) at Framlingham Sir Robert Hitcham's is taught within the context of our school Christian values and ethos.
PSHE/RSE Curriculum Statement
Intent - What do we want children to learn?
At Framlingham Sir Robert Hitcham’s CEVAP Schools, the intent of our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education), including statutory Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), is to support pupils to become healthy, confident, independent and responsible members of society. We aim to equip children with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values they need to understand themselves, build positive relationships and make informed choices now and in the future.
We explore the changes that everyone undergoes to deal with today’s society and give pupils an understanding of the rights and responsibilities that are part of being an outstanding citizen. Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond the curriculum, contributing fully to the life of our school and community. In doing so they learn to recognise their own worth, work well with others and become increasingly responsible for their own learning. Pupils reflect on their experiences and understand how they are developing personally and socially, tackling many of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. Pupils learn to understand and respect our common humanity; diversity and differences so that they can go on to form the effective, fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life and learning.
Our PSHE/RSE curriculum is inclusive, age‑appropriate and developmental, recognising that children grow emotionally and socially at different rates. It provides a safe and supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to ask questions, explore feelings and develop resilience, self‑worth and respect for others.
Through a well‑sequenced programme, pupils learn how to:
- develop a positive sense of self and emotional wellbeing
- form and maintain healthy, respectful relationships
- understand physical and emotional changes as they grow
- keep themselves safe, including online and in the wider world
- make responsible choices about health, including mental and physical health
- appreciate diversity and understand the importance of equality, respect and kindness
Our RSE teaching is rooted in the values of respect, honesty and care, preparing pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and challenges of life in modern Britain. It supports children to understand families, friendships and relationships in a factual, sensitive and inclusive way, while promoting safeguarding and pupils’ right to feel safe.
PSHE/RSE is integral to our wider curriculum and ethos. It supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, contributes to safeguarding, and helps children develop the skills needed to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
There are six Puzzles in Jigsaw that are designed to progress in sequence from September to July: Autumn 1: Being Me in My World Autumn 2: Celebrating Difference (including anti-bullying) Spring 1: Dreams and Goals Spring 2: Healthy Me Summer 1: Relationships Summer 2: Changing Me The subject leader is responsible for ensuring a whole school progression is outlined from EYFS to year 6 and ensuring teachers use a long term PSHE programme to equip pupils with an age-appropriate, sound understanding of risk and with the knowledge and skills necessary to make safe and informed decisions. Each phase builds on the vocabulary, knowledge and skills taught in the previous sessions, to allow children to acquire further knowledge, know more and remember more.
At Sir Robert Hitcham’s Primary School we believe mindfulness is a vital tool for life. Not only does it support the regulation of emotion and build emotional resilience, but it also enhances focus and concentration; both helping to optimise learning. Mindful children can more readily choose their responses to situations rather than react while caught up in the thought-flows and emotions. In Jigsaw PSHE, mindfulness is developed through the ‘Calm Me’ time in each piece (lesson). This consists of breathing techniques, awareness exercises and visualisations.
Implementation - How are we going to achieve our intent?
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), including statutory Relationships Education and Health Education, is delivered through a planned, progressive programme that supports pupils’ personal development, wellbeing and preparation for adult life.
Our curriculum is age‑appropriate, inclusive, and developmentally sequenced, ensuring that knowledge, skills and understanding are built on year by year. PSHE and RSE are taught through weekly timetabled lessons and are reinforced through assemblies, themed days/weeks and cross‑curricular links where appropriate.
Teaching and learning is based on:
- Clear learning objectives matched to pupils’ developmental needs
- Active and engaging approaches, including discussion, drama, stories and reflection
- A safe and respectful environment where pupils feel confident to ask questions and share ideas
RSE is delivered sensitively and in line with statutory requirements, focusing on:
- Building healthy, respectful relationships
- Understanding families and friendships
- Developing emotional literacy and resilience
- Teaching the importance of consent, boundaries and personal safety
Content relating to physical health and human reproduction is taught in an age‑appropriate way, using correct vocabulary, and reflects the diversity of families and relationships in modern Britain.
PSHE and RSE teaching is inclusive and accessible to all pupils, including those with SEND. Lessons are adapted through the use of visual supports, pre‑teaching, differentiated outcomes and flexible teaching strategies to ensure all children can engage meaningfully.
Staff are supported through:
- Access to high‑quality planning and resources
- Regular training and professional development
- Clear guidance for managing questions and sensitive topics
Parents and carers are informed about the PSHE and RSE curriculum through curriculum overviews, information sessions and school policies. We value partnerships with families and respond openly to questions and concerns.
Through effective implementation, our PSHE and RSE curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to stay safe, develop healthy relationships, and thrive both now and in the future.
Impact - What will it look like when we have achieved our intent?
As a result of the effective teaching of PSHE and Relationships & Sex Education, pupils leave our school well prepared for the next stage of their education and for life in modern Britain.Pupils demonstrate:
- Positive attitudes towards themselves and others, showing respect, empathy and kindness in their relationships
- Secure understanding of friendships, families and healthy relationships, including how to recognise and manage feelings and resolve conflict appropriately
- Growing emotional literacy and resilience, enabling them to talk about their feelings, seek help when needed and cope with change and challenge
- An age‑appropriate understanding of personal safety, including how to keep themselves safe online and offline, recognise unsafe situations and know how and where to get help
Through RSE, pupils use appropriate vocabulary to describe their bodies and emotions, understand the importance of boundaries and consent, and show increased confidence in asking questions in a safe and respectful way. Misconceptions are addressed sensitively, enabling pupils to develop accurate knowledge and understanding.
The impact of the PSHE and RSE curriculum is further seen in:
- High levels of engagement in lessons, discussion and reflective activities
- Class PSHE/RSE scrapbooks show coverage of the PSHE core themes.
- There is clear progression of children’s work and teachers expectations in our school.
- Improved behaviour, relationships and a stronger sense of belonging across the school community
- Pupils’ ability to apply learning to real‑life situations, including decision‑making, peer relationships and managing risk
- A school culture where diversity is respected, differences are celebrated and pupils feel safe to be themselves
Vulnerable pupils and those with SEND are supported effectively, ensuring that all children make progress relative to their starting points and can access the PSHE and RSE curriculum meaningfully.
Overall, our PSHE and RSE provision contributes significantly to pupils’ personal development, enabling them to become confident, responsible and respectful members of society who are ready for the challenges of secondary education and beyond.
Useful links for PSHE/RSE
Mindfulness Hub - BBC Children in Need
5 steps to mental wellbeing - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Mental Health Resources For Children and Young People | YoungMinds