PHSE at franciscan
At Franciscan Primary School, our approach to Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) is designed to nurture all our children into well-rounded global citizens who appreciate and understand the diverse experiences and lifestyles of people around the world.
Our PSHE curriculum aligns with UNCRC Article 29, emphasising that every child has the right to an education that promotes personal growth, respect for others' rights, and responsible environmental stewardship. We uphold our school values of pride, resilience, and kindness, integrating these principles into all aspects of our teaching. By the time they leave Franciscan, our pupils will possess the skills, knowledge, and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, and independent lives. They will emerge as informed, empathetic, active, and responsible citizens, equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future.
In Early Years, pupils receive instruction in Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED), aligned with the objectives outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile. This early focus lays a solid foundation for their social and emotional growth.
Our entire school community prioritises good health and wellbeing. We strive to ensure that all pupils understand how to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of others. We encourage pupils to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles within our school and beyond.
We believe in fostering an environment of mutual respect and open communication, where all pupils feel safe to express themselves and learn from one another. During PSHE lessons, we use PATHSⓇ)(‘Promoting Alternative Thinking Skills’), a programme designed to facilitate the development of self-control, emotional awareness and interpersonal problem-solving skills. The PSHE curriculum is tailored to support our pupils' emotional literacy, often addressing current issues that may be affecting our school community. Pupils gain further insights through assemblies and themed days.
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is an integral component of our PSHE syllabus. Our RSE curriculum follows the DfE’s statutory ‘Relationships Education’ guidance’ (2021), which lays the foundations for healthy, respectful relationships in primary school settings. It also upholds The Equality Act 2010, ensuring that the protected characteristics of all children (e.g. gender, culture, religion, disability) are considered and handled with sensitivity. Pupils learn about fostering positive family and friendship dynamics, both online and offline, while also developing a comprehensive understanding of personal wellbeing. We ensure that our pupils receive an education that supports their physical and emotional wellbeing, in accordance with UNCRC Article 24.
Our RSE Goals
We aim to:
- empower pupils with accurate knowledge and understanding about healthy relationships, enabling them to make informed moral choices;
- create opportunities for pupils to learn about positive emotional and mental well-being, including the role of friendships in supporting mental health;
- enhance pupils' understanding of the significance of self-respect and self-worth;
- foster the development of essential attributes such as honesty, integrity, courage, humility, kindness, generosity, trustworthiness, and a sense of justice;
- encourage the cultivation and practice of resilience, believing in their ability to achieve and persevere despite challenges;
- nurture the ability to set goals, recognize the value of long-term rewards, and persevere in pursuing them despite setbacks;
- equip pupils with the skills necessary to adopt a healthier, safer lifestyle
- cultivate and utilise communication and assertiveness skills to effectively navigate peer and media influences;
- educate pupils about the importance of respecting and caring for their bodies;
- prepare pupils for the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty and adulthood.