PSHE
PSHE (personal, social and health education) is an essential part of a child’s education. Without a happy, healthy and well-rounded outlook to life, learning can be difficult. As part of our PSHE program, we look at knowledge and skills that will help children tackle the day to day moments of life, from how to deal with fallouts within friendship groups to when and where to ask for help. We cover a multitude of key skills ensuring children establish effective and healthy relationships with peers, staff and any other people they may meet, and when these relationships are not healthy. As well as practical skills, our weekly lessons cover knowledge about a diverse array of people from different communities, establishing the key ethos that diversity is to be respected and valued in every walk of life.
At Westerton, we use the Islington scheme, in conjunction with MindMate, as per the guidance from Leeds City Council. We use this scheme as a base to adapt and adopt any new material that is needed to prepare children for the ever-changing modern world. We are lucky to also be part of a pilot scheme, run by West Yorkshire Police, that helps to incorporate citizenship as a key area of learning.
A lot of our work in PSHE helps to give children strategies to keep them safe in the wider world. We look at a number of different topics throughout school to make sure children are aware of some of the dangers that they may encounter as a child. One topic that is constantly changing is online safety. We keep up to date with developments in technology and deliver new content, as it changes, always at an age appropriate level. We also set up parent workshops to assist them with managing this at home to safeguard children against any new dangers.
As part of PSHE, RSE (relationship and sex education) is covered is Years 2, 4 and 6. These lessons are delivered at an age appropriate level, beginning with the biological differences between boys and girls in Year 2, continuing in Year 4 to learn about physiological and emotional changes during puberty and finishing at the primary level with conception and pregnancy in Year 6. Through-out these lessons we continually challenge gender stereotypes and adapt to the diverse needs of every child. We aim to discuss changes that children will experience, before they happen, to best prepare them for what is to come. Before delivery of these lessons, we consult with parents so they can look through materials and videos that are shown to children.
Our Aims
- To be self-aware; recognise and discuss feelings, thoughts and understand that what they are feeling is ok.
- To recognise the key dynamics of happy, healthy relationships.
- To have the strategies to deal with conflict in an appropriate and effective manner.
- To have the knowledge of a diverse range of communities leading to respect and understanding of all people.
- To develop the skills to lead a well-balanced, healthy, happy lifestyle.
- To have the tools and knowledge to become a contributing member of the community.
- To be prepared for the changes that life may bring before they happen and have strategies to deal with the transitions.
- To know where to ask for help if they need it.
