Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

At St Michael's, we believe that every child has the potential to be a force for positive change within their school, local community and the wider world. Through our PSHE curriculum, we nurture confident, compassionate and resilient learners who embody our school motto, "Seek Joy in Service," and live out our core values of Love, Respect and Integrity.

We provide a caring and inclusive environment where children are encouraged to understand themselves, value others and make positive choices. Through meaningful learning experiences, children develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to thrive as responsible citizens, build healthy relationships and contribute positively to society.

Our PSHE curriculum supports pupils in becoming thoughtful decision-makers, effective communicators and resilient individuals who are prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

Intent

At St Michael's, our PSHE curriculum is designed to develop children who:

• Demonstrate our values of Love, Respect and Integrity in their everyday actions.
• Understand how they can be a force for positive change in their communities and beyond.
• Build emotional resilience, self-awareness and confidence.
• Develop healthy and respectful relationships.
• Recognise and celebrate diversity, individuality and inclusion.
• Understand their rights, responsibilities and role within a democratic society.
• Make informed choices that support their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
• Show empathy, kindness and compassion towards others.
• Develop the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe both online and offline.

We aim to create lifelong learners and leaders who are equipped to navigate challenges, embrace opportunities and contribute positively to the world around them.

Implementation

PSHE is taught through the Jigsaw PSHE programme, a comprehensive whole-school approach that supports children's personal, social, health and economic development from ages 3–11.

Jigsaw helps children understand themselves and their place in the world while building emotional resilience, self-esteem and positive relationships. The programme provides a structured and progressive curriculum that meets all statutory requirements for Relationships Education and Health Education.

Through Jigsaw, pupils explore six themed units each year:

• Being Me in My World
• Celebrating Difference
• Dreams and Goals
• Healthy Me
• Relationships
• Changing Me

Our PSHE curriculum is further enriched through:

• Collective Worship and reflection opportunities.
• Pupil leadership roles and responsibilities.
• The buddy system, where older pupils support younger children.
• Celebration of achievements and positive behaviour.
• Opportunities to contribute to school and community life through acts of service.
• Online safety education.
• Mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Educational visits, visitors and themed enrichment days.

Teachers model empathy, respect and integrity in their interactions and relationships, creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued and heard. Pupils are taught about consent, personal boundaries and respecting the rights and personal space of others. Through discussion, reflection and collaborative learning, children learn to appreciate different perspectives and develop a strong moral compass.

As a fully subscribed Jigsaw school, we receive regular curriculum updates to ensure our provision remains current and fully aligned with national statutory guidance.

Impact

The impact of our PSHE curriculum is evident in the positive attitudes, behaviours and relationships seen across our school community.

Children leave St Michael's with:

• A strong understanding of themselves and their unique strengths.
• Confidence, resilience and a positive sense of self-worth.
• The ability to build and maintain healthy, respectful relationships.
• Empathy and compassion for others.
• An understanding of diversity and inclusion.
• Knowledge of how to keep themselves safe and healthy.
• Respect for the rights, beliefs and experiences of others.
• The confidence to make responsible choices and seek support when needed.
• A commitment to serving others and making a positive difference in the world.

Our pupils are prepared not only for the next stage of their education but also for life beyond school. They understand that through love, respect and integrity, they can truly become a force for positive change, seeking joy in service and contributing positively to their communities and society as a whole.