At St James’ Church of England Primary Academy, we believe that Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) plays an essential role in helping children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Our inclusive and engaging curriculum encourages children to develop self-esteem, resilience, respect and an understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Through PSHE, we aim to nurture kind, responsible and considerate individuals who can build positive relationships, make informed decisions and understand the importance of physical and emotional wellbeing. Our curriculum reflects the needs of our school community and prepares children for the opportunities, responsibilities and challenges they will encounter throughout their lives.

How We Teach PSHE

Our PSHE curriculum is carefully structured to support children's personal development from Reception through to Year 6, with weekly lessons in Key Stages 1 and 2 and opportunities for learning throughout the Early Years provision.

Children explore a range of important topics, including families and relationships, physical and mental health, personal safety, online safety, citizenship and economic wellbeing.

Through age-appropriate discussions, practical activities and opportunities for reflection, pupils develop essential life skills, including communication, self-regulation, decision-making and understanding the feelings and perspectives of others.

Our teaching also promotes British Values, encouraging children to understand democracy, respect, individual liberty and the importance of living positively within a diverse society.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

Relationships and Sex Education forms an important part of our wider PSHE curriculum, helping children understand healthy relationships, respect for others and the physical and emotional changes they experience as they grow.

Our RSE curriculum follows age-appropriate learning opportunities, supported by the Medway Public Health Directorate's planning resources.

Children learn about friendships, families, caring relationships, personal boundaries, changes to their bodies and, as they grow older, puberty and preparing for adolescence.

We aim to provide a safe, supportive and respectful learning environment where children feel confident asking questions and developing a positive understanding of themselves and others.

Preparing Children for Life

Throughout our PSHE curriculum, we encourage children to recognise their own strengths, celebrate differences and develop the confidence to make positive choices.

We place particular importance on emotional wellbeing, helping children recognise and manage their feelings, seek support when needed and demonstrate empathy towards others.

Our ambition is for every child to leave St James' equipped with the knowledge, values and life skills needed to flourish as a confident, caring and responsible member of society.

Our PSHE and RSE Curriculum

Find out more about our PSHE and RSE curriculum by exploring the documents below:

• PSHE – Intent, Implementation and Impact: How we teach PSHE, our curriculum aims and what we want children to achieve.

• PSHE and RSE Curriculum Overview: An overview of the topics and learning opportunities provided from Reception through to Year 6, including the progression of Relationships and Sex Education.