Our PSHE and RSE Curriculum

At Highfields Primary School, we believe that Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education and Relationships, Sex and Education (RSE) are fundamental to pupils' personal development and play a vital role in preparing them for life in modern Britain. We intend for all pupils to develop the knowledge, understanding, character and confidence needed to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives, build positive relationships and become active, responsible citizens who contribute positively to society. This ambition reflects our belief that pupils' personal development is equally as important as their academic achievement.

Our intention is that pupils leave Highfields with a secure understanding of physical health, mental wellbeing, healthy relationships, online safety, citizenship, equality, diversity and economic wellbeing. We want pupils to understand themselves and others, appreciate the rich diversity of modern Britain and develop the confidence to make informed choices that support their wellbeing and future success. Pupils will learn to value difference, show respect for others and recognise their responsibilities within their school, local community and the wider world.

Our PSHE/RSE Curriculum is rooted in our core values:   

• Curiosity - We want pupils to develop an interest in the wider world and a desire to understand different people, cultures and experiences. 

• Creativity - We want pupils to think independently, make informed decisions and approach situations with confidence.  

• Challenge - We want pupils to develop resilience, confidence and the courage to challenge prejudice, stereotypes and injustice. 

• Collaboration - We want pupils to build positive relationships, work effectively with others and value different perspectives.

• Community - We want pupils to recognise their role within society and contribute positively to our school, their local community and the wider world.

We intend for pupils to develop strong character and integrity, alongside a secure understanding of the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance. We want pupils to understand how to stay physically and mentally healthy, manage risk, seek support when needed and make responsible choices that support their future wellbeing and success.

Ultimately, we want every pupil to leave Highfields as a confident, respectful and responsible young person who values diversity, demonstrates empathy and resilience, contributes positively to society and is exceptionally well prepared for the next stage of education and life in modern Britain. This reflects our commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who flourish academically, socially and personally.

How is our PSHE and RSE curriculum implemented?  

PSHE and RSE are delivered through the Oak National Academy PSHE and RSHE curriculum, which provides a coherent, carefully sequenced and ambitious programme of study from EYFS to Year 6. The curriculum has been selected and adapted to ensure full coverage of statutory Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education requirements, while reflecting the values, context and needs of Highfields pupils.

Knowledge is organised into progressive units that enable pupils to build secure understanding over time. Curriculum content is deliberately sequenced so that foundational concepts are established before pupils encounter increasingly complex ideas. Through this cumulative approach, pupils develop a deeper understanding of relationships, physical health, mental wellbeing, citizenship, online safety, economic wellbeing and their role within modern society.

Teachers utilise Oak National Academy's high-quality lesson resources and supporting materials to deliver a coherent and consistent PSHE and RSE curriculum that secures full statutory coverage. Teachers also have the flexibility to adapt learning, discussions and examples to reflect the needs, experiences and context of their pupils. Through this balance of curriculum fidelity and responsive teaching, all pupils access an ambitious curriculum that is relevant, inclusive and meaningful.

Progression of skills and knowledge 

Progression is central to curriculum design. Leaders have mapped the knowledge, vocabulary, concepts and behaviours within the Oak National Academy curriculum to ensure that learning builds systematically from one year group to the next. Pupils develop secure substantive knowledge (what to know) about relationships, health, wellbeing, citizenship and safety, alongside the disciplinary knowledge (how to think, reason and make informed decisions) required to evaluate information, consider different perspectives, make informed decisions and apply their learning confidently in increasingly complex situations. Through carefully sequenced learning, pupils revisit key themes over time, enabling them to strengthen prior learning, deepen understanding and make meaningful connections between different aspects of PSHE and RSHE.

The curriculum develops pupils' understanding progressively across the following areas:

• Families and friendships
• Safe relationships
• Respecting ourselves and others
• Belonging to a community
• Media literacy and digital resilience
• Money and work
• Physical health and mental wellbeing
• Growing and changing
• Keeping safe

As pupils move through the school, they develop an increasingly secure understanding of these themes, building the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions, manage risk, maintain positive relationships and contribute positively to society. Subject leaders regularly review progression documents to ensure that pupils develop a secure, connected knowledge.

How do we make PSHE and RSE real and relevant? 

PSHE and RSE are taught within meaningful contexts that help pupils understand the relevance of their learning beyond the classroom. Learning is connected to the experiences, opportunities and challenges that pupils may encounter in their daily lives and future education.

Pupils explore contemporary issues, develop an understanding of current social challenges and consider a range of perspectives. Learning enables pupils to understand how to maintain positive relationships, keep themselves safe, look after their physical and mental health, navigate online environments responsibly and contribute positively to their communities.

The curriculum also supports pupils in developing an understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion. Pupils are encouraged to respect difference, challenge stereotypes and recognise the importance of mutual respect and tolerance. This contributes significantly to the school's wider personal development provision and prepares pupils for life in modern Britain.

How do we make PSHE accessible to all pupils? 

The PSHE and RSE curriculum is ambitious for all pupils and reflects leaders' commitment to ensuring that every child can access and succeed within the full curriculum. Teachers use their knowledge of pupils to adapt learning appropriately while maintaining the same high expectations and curricular goals for all learners.

Lessons are designed to reduce barriers to learning through the use of clear explanations, carefully selected resources, visual supports, pre-teaching of key vocabulary and structured opportunities for discussion and reflection. Sensitive content is presented in an age-appropriate way, enabling pupils to engage confidently with important concepts and develop secure understanding over time.

Teachers make effective adaptations for pupils with SEND and respond thoughtfully to individual needs, ensuring that all pupils can participate fully in learning and access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers. Additional support and scaffolds are provided where needed, while maintaining a clear focus on developing independence, understanding and confidence. Leaders monitor participation, engagement and outcomes carefully to ensure that all groups of pupils, including those with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and vulnerable learners, benefit from the curriculum.

How do we integrate technology to enhance teaching and learning? 

Technology is used purposefully to enhance learning and engagement within PSHE and RSE. Oak National Academy's digital resources provide high-quality visual stimuli, expert explanations and carefully structured learning sequences that support consistency and quality across the curriculum.

Digital technology is also used to develop pupils' understanding of online safety, responsible digital citizenship and the opportunities and risks associated with technology. Learning supports pupils in developing the knowledge and judgement required to navigate online environments safely and responsibly.

Where appropriate, technology is used to support accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that all pupils can engage successfully with the curriculum and participate fully in learning.

How do we measure the impact of our PSHE curriculum? 

The impact of the curriculum is measured through ongoing formative assessment, pupil voice, learning reviews, subject monitoring and discussions with pupils. Leaders evaluate not only what pupils know and remember, but also how effectively they can apply their understanding in different contexts.

Monitoring demonstrates that pupils develop increasingly secure knowledge of relationships, wellbeing, safety, citizenship and equality. Pupils articulate their learning with confidence, demonstrate respect for others and show a growing understanding of their responsibilities within school and society.

The effectiveness of the curriculum is also reflected in pupils' behaviour, attitudes and personal development. Pupils demonstrate resilience, respect and responsibility, make informed decisions and contribute positively to the life of the school. They understand the importance of physical and mental wellbeing, value diversity and are well prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in modern Britain.

Through rigorous curriculum design, strong subject leadership and continual evaluation, Highfields ensures that PSHE and RSE make a significant contribution to pupils' personal development and that all pupils leave the school exceptionally well prepared for their next stage of education and beyond.