The Independent Grammar School: Durham

PERSONAL, SOCIAL & HEALTH EDUCATION (PSHE) POLICY

Background and Aims

PSHE at IGS: Durham is a planned programme of learning which aims to develop in children the knowledge, skills and attitudes they will need in order to grow up as responsible, caring, self-aware and respectful young people and adults.  Together with parents, we are committed to helping children become the best they can be and to make a strong and positive contribution as individuals, family members and participants in modern British society.

Our overall aims for the PSHE programme are to provide our children with:

·                     Opportunities to explore their own beliefs and understand why others may believe differently

·                     Respect for others, especially their friends, adults, teachers and those who are different from themselves

·                     Opportunities to develop self-awareness, self-esteem and self-confidence

·                     The knowledge and skills required to live safe and healthy lives

·                     An awareness of the structures of our society, e.g. public services, democratic processes, the rule of law etc.

·                     An awareness of right and wrong

·                     A respect for truthfulness

·                     An understanding of how to maintain a variety of healthy relationships

We will especially encourage and promote in all children a deep respect for the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual understanding and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.  We will do this from the basis of our broad-based, inclusive Christian ethos and ensure that children have a firm understanding of both that and the views of the many other cultural and religious groups and communities which make up our modern world. 

PSHE in the Curriculum

PSHE will form an important part of our Curriculum planning.  All children will have a PSHE lesson each week and our Curriculum Plans set out the content and sequencing of the topics covered.  Content will be progressively extended in age-appropriate ways as children progress through the school and will cover the three recommended core themes.  These are reflected in the relevant Curriculum Plans and Schemes of Work, covering Early Years to Year 8. 

·                     Health and well-being

·           Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, e.g. diet, personal hygiene, care of teeth etc. 

·           Responding to emergency situations

·           (where appropriate) Dealing with change, e.g. puberty, transition and loss

·           Managing risks to physical and emotional health and well-being

·           Keeping safe physically and emotionally

·                     Relationships

·           Developing good relationships in a variety of contexts

·           Rights and responsibilities as family members, members of other groups and ultimately as citizens

·           Knowing how to recognise risky relationships and where to seek help

·           Respecting equality in relationships

·           How to recognise bullying and how to seek help

·                     Living in the Wider World

·           To respect right and wrong and understand the concept of the rule of law

·           To value those who help and support us (police, doctors etc.)

·           Caring for the world

·           Understanding money – where it comes from and how to keep it safe

·           A basic understanding of business and employment

Methodology

PSHE lessons will be led by the class teacher.  In that way, immediately relevant issues can be picked up and addressed appropriately and in a timely fashion.

Methodology will involve circle time, role play, creative responses, guest visits, group work and discussion, with occasional written work.

Values

The school’s values of Courage, Respect, Excellence, Achievement, Transparency and Enjoyment (CREATE) will be regularly reinforced in class and in assemblies and will firmly underpin the delivery of this Policy.

Assemblies

A whole-school assembly will take place every day and many of the PSHE themes will be covered.  Often they will be drawn from Bible stories.  Where it is judged necessary, a topic will be emphasised firmly and clearly to address a particular issue in school (e.g. problems with friendship groups). 

Assembly topics will be planned well in advance and colour-coded where possible to link with British Values.  This could, of course, become contrived but our aim will be to promote British Values at every reasonable opportunity, not least through our Assembly programme.

Assessment & Reporting

Work done in PSHE lessons will not be formally assessed.  Teachers will informally review progress as part of their general assessment of a child’s progress.  Similarly, PSHE will not be specifically reported on in end-of-term reports.

Parents will, however, be informed when Year 7 children are to be taught sex education and will be given the opportunity to visit school to speak to the class teacher in order to clarify what will be taught and how.

Parents will also be informed in good time when a visiting speaker is scheduled to come and talk to the children (e.g. a member of the police service).  

Sensitivity

We recognise that certain topics covered will be difficult for some children and usually teachers will know their pupils well enough to be able to exercise sound professional and pastoral judgement when dealing with such matters.  Parents are encouraged to read this Policy (which along with all other school Policies is available on the school website) and alert teachers to any especially sensitive areas.

We will always seek to make appropriate adjustments where necessary in delivering the PSHE programme for children with disabilities or Special Educational Needs.

Responsibility & Monitoring

The responsibility for the application of this Policy lies with the Principal who will ensure that PSHE lessons are being well delivered and that all the required content is included. 

The Independent Grammar School: Durham

January 2017

Reviewed: October 2018 (minor changes)

Reviewed: October 2020 (minor changes)

Reviewed: October 2022 (no change)

Next Review: October 2024