PSHE
At South Malling we teach personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) as "Life Skills" to ensure that the children realise what PSHE means and provide a subject that is more easily understood.
We teach Life Skills and citizenship (British Values) in a variety of ways. Some of the objectives are covered in dedicated lesson times. Many of the objectives are covered through other areas of the school’s curriculum such as RE, assemblies, science and the attitudes and expectations of behaviour promoted throughout the school.
We follow the programme of study produced by the PSHE Association, based on the needs of today’s pupils and schools. This identifies the key concepts and skills that underpin PSHE education and supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development. This programme covers Key Stages 1 and 2 and is based on three core themes: Health and Wellbeing; Relationships; and Living in the Wider World.
Drug and Alcohol Education
Drug and alcohol education within South Malling school is mainly delivered as part of the RSHE programme which is embedded within the PSHE curriculum. It also forms part of the statutory science curriculum. The goal of drug and alcohol education is for pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to appreciate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, promote responsibility towards the use of drugs and relate these to their own actions, both now and in their future lives.
The learning objectives for drug and alcohol education include:
Attitudes and Values.
- to examine own opinions and values, and those of others;
- to promote a positive attitude to healthy lifestyles and keeping self safe;
- to enhance self awareness and self esteem;
- to value and respect self and others;
- to value diversity and difference within society;
- to promote a sense of responsibility towards the use of drugs.
Personal and Social Skills
- to identify risks to health;
- to communicate with peers and adults, including parents/carers and professionals;
- to learn how to give and secure help;
- to develop decision-making, negotiation and assertiveness, particularly in situations related to drug use;
- to develop an appreciation of the consequences of choices made;
- to be able to cope with peer influences, and in resisting unhelpful pressures from adults and the media;
- to make choices based on an understanding of difference and with an absence of prejudice;
- to be able to talk, listen and think about feelings and relationships;
- to develop critical thinking as part of decision-making.
Knowledge and Understanding
- to develop an understanding of drugs and of the effects and risks of using drugs;
- to gain an understanding of how the body functions;
- to gain an understanding of what is safe and appropriate drug use;
- to gain an understanding of the role of drugs in society and the laws and rules relating to their use;
- to gain knowledge of people who can help if pupils have worries and an understanding of confidentiality;
- to gain an understanding of the changing nature of relationships, including families and friends, and ways of dealing positively with change.
Relationships, Sex and Health Education
Relationships, Sex and Health education is learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health. Some aspects are taught in science, and others are taught as part of personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE/Life Skills).
A comprehensive programme of RSHE provides accurate information about the body, reproduction, sex, and sexual health. It also gives children and young people essential skills for building positive, enjoyable, respectful and non-exploitative relationships and staying safe both on and offline.
For KS1 and KS2, our learning outcomes include:
Attitudes and Values
- to learn the value of respect, love and care;
- to learn to value and respect ourselves and others;
- to develop an understanding and valuing of diversity;
- to promote a positive attitude to healthy lifestyle and keeping safe;
- to developing an understanding of the value of family life and an appreciation of the many different types of family.
Personal and Social Skills
- to learn how to identify and manage emotions confidently and sensitively;
- to develop self-respect and empathy for others;
- to develop communication skills with peers, school and family;
- to learn how to assess risk and to develop strategies for keeping safe;
- to develop the ability to give and secure help;
- to develop an understanding of difference and an absence of prejudice.
Knowledge and Understanding
- to recognise and name the main external parts of the body including the use of the correct medical terms for sexual parts. It is important to teach this so that all children and adults use the same vocabulary for the external body parts;
- to know the basic rules for keeping themselves safe and healthy, including how to manage menstruation at school;
- to know about human life processes such as conception, birth and puberty;
- to develop an understanding of the physical and emotional aspects of puberty;
- to learn that safe routines can stop the spread of viruses such as HIV;
- to know who can provide help and support.;
- to begin to understand the dangers posed by on-line contact with others.
RSHE Documents