Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

“I like learning about mental health and how it is affected.” – Amelie, age 11
“If you’re having trouble, you can let out your emotions and it will make you feel better.” – James, age 11
“I like circle time because I learn what other people like and how they are feeling.” – Charlie, age 11

Curriculum Intent

At Compton CE Primary School, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment in which every child feels valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. Our PSHE curriculum, including statutory Relationships Education and Health Education, equips pupils with the essential knowledge, skills and attributes needed to thrive both now and in the future.

Although PSHE itself is not a statutory subject within the National Curriculum (2014), Relationships Education and Health Education are statutory at primary level. Our curriculum fully meets these requirements while reflecting our Christian values and whole-school ethos of respect, kindness and responsibility.

Our intent is that pupils will:

• Develop secure understanding of healthy, respectful relationships

• Understand how to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy

• Recognise, express and manage their emotions effectively

• Build resilience, self-belief and perseverance

• Understand how to stay safe, including online

• Celebrate difference and demonstrate tolerance and empathy

• Become responsible, active members of society

Through carefully sequenced learning, pupils develop the confidence to express their views, challenge stereotypes, make informed decisions and seek help when needed. We aim to prepare children to navigate an increasingly complex world with integrity, compassion and independence.

Curriculum Implementation

PSHE is taught weekly across Key Stages 1 and 2 through a structured, progressive and spiral curriculum. Core themes are revisited annually, allowing pupils to build on prior learning with increasing depth and maturity.

Across the academic year, each year group explores six key themes:

• Me and my relationships

• Valuing difference

• Keeping safe

• Rights and responsibilities

• Being my best

• Growing and changing (including age-appropriate Relationships and Sex Education)

Learning is delivered in a safe and supportive environment where respectful discussion and reflection are central. Teaching approaches include circle time, paired discussion, role-play, scenario analysis and problem-solving activities. These strategies allow pupils to explore different viewpoints, practise communication skills and develop empathy.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing are prioritised throughout the curriculum. Pupils are explicitly taught about emotional literacy, self-regulation strategies, coping mechanisms and how to access support. Our annual PSHE Week further enhances this provision through a range of whole-school activities focused on physical health, mental wellbeing and personal development.

Safeguarding underpins all aspects of our PSHE curriculum. Pupils learn how to recognise risk, understand boundaries, identify trusted adults and report concerns confidently. Online safety is taught progressively to ensure pupils understand both the benefits and potential risks of digital engagement.

Age-appropriate Relationships and Sex Education is delivered in accordance with statutory guidance and in partnership with parents and carers. Content is developmentally appropriate and supports pupils in understanding changes as they grow, as well as the importance of respect, privacy and consent.

Our therapeutic approach to behaviour reinforces PSHE principles throughout school life. Pupils are supported to reflect on their actions, repair relationships and develop accountability, ensuring that personal development is embedded beyond discrete lessons.

Curriculum Impact

The impact of our PSHE curriculum is reflected in the wellbeing, attitudes and conduct of our pupils. Assessment is primarily formative and based on discussion, reflection, pupil voice and observed application of skills. Teachers use questioning and dialogue to assess understanding and inform future planning.

If you were to visit PSHE lessons at Compton CE Primary School, you would see:

• Pupils who feel safe, confident and able to express their opinions

• Respectful dialogue and active listening

• An inclusive environment where diversity is valued

• Age-appropriate understanding of relationships, health and safety

• Pupils demonstrating empathy, resilience and self-awareness

By the time pupils leave Compton CE Primary School, they will:

• Understand how to build and maintain healthy relationships

• Know how to keep themselves safe, including online

• Be able to identify and manage their emotions effectively

• Demonstrate respect for diversity and challenge discrimination

• Make informed and responsible choices about their wellbeing

• Be well prepared for the social, emotional and moral expectations of secondary education

Our pupils leave us equipped not only with knowledge, but with the confidence, character and values necessary to flourish in modern Britain and beyond.