PSHE

We follow the PSHE scheme called JIGSAW.  JIGSAW brings together PSHE Education, emotional literacy, social skills and spiritual development in a comprehensive scheme of learning.  Teaching strategies are varied and are mindful of preferred learning styles and the need for differentiation.  Jigsaw is designed as a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (Puzzle) at the same time. This enables each theme to start with an introductory assembly, generating a whole school focus for adults and children alike.  The whole scheme is designed with six themes (Puzzles) for six half terms.

Each Puzzle has six lessons (Pieces) which work towards an ‘end product’, for example, The School Learning Charter or The Garden of Dreams and Goals. Each lesson has two ‘Learning Intentions’: one is based on specific PSHE learning (covering the non-statutory national framework for PSHE Education but enhanced to address children’s needs today); and one is based on emotional literacy and social skills (covering the SEAL learning intentions but also enhanced). The enhancements mean that Jigsaw is relevant to children living in today’s world as it helps them understand and be equipped to cope with issues like body image, cyber bullying, and internet safety.  An element of SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural) development is incorporated in every lesson and contributes to these aspects of children’s development. This is mapped on each lesson and balanced across each year group.

In PSHE we have 7 key concepts. As emotionally intelligent people we learn to:

• Understand being me in my world -
• Celebrating difference -
• Understand the importance of dreams and goals -
• Know, and understand how to keep ourselves healthy -
• Understand what makes a healthy relationship -

Each year the children become more skilled in these concepts, building upon their prior knowledge, and understanding. Our intention is that when they leave in Year 6, they value themselves as individuals, will have learned to celebrate cultural and personal difference, will recognise their own achievements and their impact upon the wider world, have an understanding of the impact of the world around them, will be able to manage their feelings and understand and reflect on their ever-changing selves.

RSE

We also use the Relationships and Sex Education content from the Jigsaw Scheme to teach RSE in the Summer Term. Information regarding the content of these session is shared with parents and they are invited to attend an information evening before it is taught. See further information below.

SMSC and Emotional Literacy

Our PSHE curriculum also through the Jigsaw Scheme also provides a structured programme of personal development to nurture the ‘whole child’ and increase learning capacity, underpinned by mindfulness philosophy and practice. Every Jigsaw lesson  offers opportunities for children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development, and this is clearly mapped and balanced across each year group. Likewise, Jigsaw is designed to provide structured opportunities in every lesson to practise and enhance the five skills associated with the emotional literacy (self-awareness, social skills, empathy, motivation and managing feelings).These opportunities are vital for children’s development, their understanding of themselves and others and in increasing their capacity to learn.

Protected Characteristics

It is important that all children have an understanding of the world they are growing up in, having learned how to live alongside, and show respect for, a diverse range of people. As part of our PSHE curriciulum that uses the Jigsaw Scheme, the children are taught the Puzzle 'Celebrating Difference' which focuses on similarities and differences and teaches about diversity such as racism, gender, family composition, friendships and conflicts. Children learn to accept everyone's right to 'difference' and most year groups explore the concept of 'normal'. The 'Relationships' Puzzle also has a wide focus, looking at diverse topics such as families, friendships, equality in relationships, and love and loss - important messages behind the Equality Act.