RSE & PSHE Subject Statement

 

Perseverance – through RSE & PSHE, children learn that setbacks, misunderstandings and difficult emotions are a natural part of growing up. They are taught strategies to regulate their emotions, resolve conflict, seek help when needed and move forward positively. By developing emotional strength and self-regulation, children build the perseverance needed to navigate life with confidence.

Ambition – we want every child to develop the confidence, independence and self-belief to make thoughtful choices about their health, relationships and future. By fostering aspiration in areas such as wellbeing, citizenship and financial awareness, we prepare children not only for the next stage of education but for active and responsible participation in modern society.

Curiosity – our RSE & PSHE curriculum encourages children to ask questions, explore different viewpoints and reflect on their own experiences. Through discussion and scenario-based learning, children learn to consider fairness, rights, responsibilities and the reliability of information. We promote thoughtful enquiry so that children develop a secure understanding of relationships, safety, health and the wider world around them.

Kindness – lies at the heart of RSE & PSHE. Children learn to value diversity, respect boundaries and communicate with empathy. They explore what healthy relationships look like, how to treat others with dignity and how to contribute positively to their communities. Through explicit teaching of respect, inclusion and understanding, we create a safe environment where every child feels heard, valued and supported.

 

Curriculum Intent

The RSE & PSHE curriculum at our school is designed to support children in becoming healthy, safe, respectful, and responsible individuals. Through the Kapow Primary RSE & PSHE scheme of work, children develop the knowledge, understanding and personal skills they need to navigate relationships, manage their wellbeing and participate positively in society.

The curriculum covers the full breadth of statutory Relationships and Health Education and is structured around key areas including My Healthy Self, Connecting with Others, Staying Safe, The Online World, Growing Pp, Health Protection and Citizenship, with optional units in Year 6 on First Aid and Sex Education.

Designed as a spiral curriculum, key themes such as boundaries, wellbeing, friendships, safety and responsibility are revisited throughout the school learning journey, with increasing depth and maturity.

 

Curriculum Implementation

RSE & PSHE is taught weekly through discrete lessons, following Kapow Primary’s carefully sequenced scheme of work. Each half-term unit is centred around a key question, allowing children to connect individual lessons to a broader theme.

Lessons begin with recap activities to strengthen prior learning, followed by structured discussion, teacher modelling, collaborative tasks and opportunities for reflection. Oracy is central to the subject, with children engaging in respectful debate, scenario work and role-play to practise expressing opinions, setting boundaries and seeking support.

Adaptive teaching strategies are embedded throughout, including scaffolding, visual supports, real-life examples and repetition of key vocabulary to ensure accessibility for all learners. The curriculum is reinforced across the wider life of the school, where children apply strategies and knowledge to real situations.

Assessment is primarily formative, using questioning, discussion, observation and reflective activities. Knowledge catchers support children in recognising their own progress over time.

 

Curriculum Impact

The impact of our RSE & PSHE curriculum is reflected in children’ confidence, behaviour and relationships. Over time, children demonstrate increased emotional literacy, improved self-regulation and a deeper understanding of how to keep themselves safe and healthy.

Children show respect for diversity, understand their rights and responsibilities and make informed choices about their wellbeing. Much of this progress is evident through pupil voice, collaborative work and the way learning is applied in everyday situations across school life.

Through this curriculum, we aim to nurture thoughtful, resilient and compassionate individuals who live out our school values of perseverance, ambition, curiosity and kindness, both while at school, and in the wider world.