PSHE

Statement of Intent

At St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PHSE) is an important part of our broad and balanced curriculum and permeates every aspect of school life. Our Catholic values, alongside our School Mission Statement, are at the heart of our curriculum and all that we do at St. Patrick's.

Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC) is a fundamental part our school ethos. Our PHSE education enables pupils to become healthy, independent and responsible members of society and prepares them for life and work in modern Britain. Our curriculum aims to help the children to understand how they are developing personally and socially, and tackles many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. hildren are encouraged to have a positive mental well-being and understand their self-worth in their role at home, school and wider community.

We provide our pupils with opportunities to learn about rights and responsibilities and to appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society, promoting British Values both explicitly and implicitly throughout their school life. 

Implementation

Our PHSE curriculum is inclusive and supports the delivery of our broad and balanced curriculum. The PHSE learning objectives are taught based on the three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World.

At St Patrick's, we have shaped our curriculum to ensure our pupils have opportunities to understand and respect our common humanity, diversity and differences, so that they can go on to form effective fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life and learning. PHSE is taught discretely and within the wider curriculum.

The statutory 'Relationships, Sex and Health' curriculum is effectively delivered by teaching staff within PHSE lessons, alongside other subjects, including Religious Education, Science and PE. Enrichment days and weeks are planned in areas such as online-safety and mental wellbeing to enhance our curriculum offer.

Learning opportunities are planned for according to pupils' development, readiness and needs and prior learning is revisited, reinforced and extended year on year.

Our curriculum has been designed to include opportunities to link to Fundamental British Values, to prepare the children for life in modern Britain. 'Come and See' teaching, assemblies and Collective Worship focuses on a range of themes which are linked to the Gospel Values and pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural curiosity is stimulated, challenged and nurtured.

The children learn key vocabulary and develop a deep knowledge within the PHSE curriculum that can be applied across the wider curriculum. In doing so, they reflect on their own experiences and understand how they are developing personally and socially, tackling many of the issues that are part of growing up as they develop into a reflective and responsible citizen.

Impact

Our PHSE curriculum ensures that pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to be positive role models and effective global citizens. We aim to support pupils to be excited and aware about living in a community that is full of diversity and difference. 

Pupil Voice

Here are some comments from our current pupils regarding PSHE:

"Picture books have helped us to understand that there are no outsiders." (Year 4 pupil)

"I understand the importance of showing respect to everyone and to treat others how I would like to be treated." (Year 3 pupil)

"PSHE lessons are a different way of working and we can express ourselves." (Year 5 pupil)

"We are taught how to manage our emotions and prepare for Year 7. PSHE lessons are special because our teachers always listen and it's a lesson where you can express your feelings." (Year 6 pupil)

"I know how to stay healthy and how to look after my teeth." (Year 2 pupil)

"I know how to be kind." (Year 1 pupil)

Anti-Bullying Week: Make a Noise!

Anti-Bullying Week took place from Monday 13th-Friday 17th November and the theme was Make a Noise! We started the week wearing odd socks- a great way to celebrate what makes us all unique and a reason to be kind to each other and respect each other's individuality. Find out more by accessing the 'Mutual Respect' link.

Hello Yellow 2023!

What a fantastic day in school! It was lovely to see all classes getting involved and brightening up the day with elements of yellow added to their uniform. Today was a day about recognising that it's OK to not be OK, and knowing who to talk to when a problem or worry occurs.

Mental Health was the focus of the day, with the children deepening their understanding self-regulation and strategies to help manage big feelings. As a school, we shared the theme, 'What makes a great buddy?' and the children identified ways in which we can be buddies to others. 

To finalise the day, each class selected a wellbeing buddy, who was presented with a lanyard. The buddies role is to be an extra ear on the playground and a supportive friend, helping those in need. 

Heathy Lifestyles

During the Spring Term, pupils in Key Stage 1 made delicious smoothies and enjoyed exploring the smell, texture and tastes of different fruits. Pupils in Years 3&4 are currently enjoying a series of ‘Healthy Habits’ workshops with Dominic Saffman who is working with us on behalf of Active Sefton. Dominic will also be working with Years 5&6 in the Summer term. Enjoy browsing photos of these exciting sessions on Class Pages.

Children’s Mental Health Week

Children’s Mental Health Week took place 7th-11th February 2022. The theme, Growing Together, encourages children (and adults) to consider how they have grown, and how they can help others to grow. Children took part in a range of activities and fully embraced Friday by having a ‘Dress to Express Day’, wearing outfits of their choice to celebrate their individuality. 

Mindfulness helps us to feel calm, relaxed and content. It's all about paying attention to the present moment. It can help to settle our busy minds and racing thoughts, especially when we are feeling worried or anxious. 

Try to take a mindful moment each day to help you look after your mental health. You can do this by:

• Breathing in for three seconds and out for five seconds. Repeat this three times.
• Think of three things that make you happy and three things that you are grateful for.
• Create a colour pattern to show how you are feeling.
• Share kindness with someone and notice how it feels. 

A powerful message was shared today about the importance of being kind and true to yourself. Classes presented role play scenarios, shared friendship keys, a tapestry of friendship, poems and stories.

We talked about how words can hurt and leave someone feeling lonely, upset and weak. 

It is very true to say that one kind word can brighten someone's day and as a school, that's what we intend to.  

Anti-Bullying Week 2021

Anti-Bullying Week took place from Monday 15th-Friday 19th November and the theme was One Kind Word. We started the week wearing odd socks- a great way to celebrate what makes us all unique and a reason to be kind to each other and respect each other's individuality.

In a world that can sometimes feel like it’s filled with negativity, one kind word can provide a moment of hope. It can be a turning point. It can change someone’s perspective. It can change their day. It can change the course of a conversation and break the cycle of bullying.

Our Year 6 School Councillors talked about the positive and kind things we can say and do to halt hurtful behaviour in its tracks at the KS2 House point Assembly and all pupils gathered at Key Stage Assemblies on Friday to celebrate and share their learning. 

Anti-Bullying Week 2020

The theme for Anti-Bullying Week this year was 'United Against Bullying' and we were proud to be bringing it to life in our school. This year more than ever, we've witnessed the positive power that society can have when we come together as one to tackle a common challenge and Anti-Bullying week is no different.

From parents and carers to teachers and young people, we all have a part to play in making a real difference. "We're all a piece in the puzzle and together, we're united against bullying."

Our pupils engaged in cross-curricular activities throughout the week. Some of these activities included motivational speeches, friendship wreaths, role play and poetry.

On Friday 27th November 2020, we held Odd Socks Day and pupils and staff wore odd socks to school to celebrate what makes us all unique. See Class Pages for more photos.

This year, we wore our poppies with pride in school and remembered all the people who have died in wars. Each class engaged in cross-curricular activities throughout the week and we held a two-minute silence at 11am on 11th November. 

See class pages for more photographs.