RSE and PSHE – Intent Statement

At Leigh St Mary’s we understand that there are knowledge and skills that pupils need to be successful in their personal development. The intent of the Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) and Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum from Early Years to Year 6 is to build these characteristics within our pupils. We use Kapow in Years 1-6 and the Think Equal scheme in reception.

The knowledge and skills our pupils will develop are:

• Valuing different family structures
• Creating and maintaining positive friendships
• Developing safe and respectful relationships
• Understanding the changes that take place during puberty
• Promoting good health and carrying out first aid
• Learning to make independent choices and not be influenced by others
• Operating safely in a digital world

kapowprimary.com

RSE and PSHE Implementation:

At Leigh St Mary’s we use Kapow RSE and PSHE scheme of work for Year 1-6 and Think Equal Early Years Programme for reception class. Our curriculum aims to bring positive attitudes to life and the range of people, situations and life events pupils will encounter.

The Kapow RSE and PSHE scheme of work is designed with five strands that run throughout. These are:

Key stage 1 and 2:

• Families and relationships
• Health and wellbeing
• Safety and the changing body
• Citizenship
• Economic wellbeing
• Identity (Year 6 only)

The Think Equal Early Years Programme is designed to:

• Share stories that reflect their own cultures, experiences and lives
• Share stories that introduce them to the cultures, experiences and lives of others
• Learn about emotions, relationships and perspectives of others
• Prepare children to navigate the complexities of the real world.

The RSE and PSHE programme provides full, statutory curriculum coverage at Leigh St Mary’s. The resources and teaching sequences provide reassurance to teachers when covering difficult issues and an assurance that statutory expectations are met. A range of teaching and learning activities are used and are based on good practice in teaching RSE/PSHE education to ensure that all children can access learning and make progress. All lessons include ideas for differentiation to stretch the most able learners and give additional support to those who need it. Many lessons, stories, scenarios, and video clips provide the opportunity for children to engage in real life and current topics in a safe and structured way. Role-play activities are also included to help children play out scenarios that they may find themselves in.

The Think Equal Early Years Programme places narrative at its centre; an inspiring and engaging selection of high-quality texts provide an ideal way to combine personal, social and emotional experiential learning. Lessons are delivered within a clear structure with careful planning to meet the learning goals and the needs of the cohort. This curriculum supports Development Matters 2023 and works towards the Early Years Framework PSED Early Learning Goal.