LIFE (PSHE & RSHE)

LIFE brings together Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education with Relationships, Sex and Health Education. It supports pupils’ wellbeing and helps them understand themselves, their relationships and their responsibilities.

PSHE and RSE Curriculum – Life Lessons

At All Saints’, our PSHE curriculum, known as Life Lessons, supports pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and values they need to lead happy, healthy and safe lives, both now and in the future. Through a carefully planned and progressive curriculum, pupils learn about themselves, their emotions, their relationships and their responsibilities as members of their community and the wider world.

Our curriculum follows the statutory requirements for Relationships Education and Health Education and provides opportunities for pupils to develop essential life skills, including communication, resilience, decision-making, assertiveness and self-motivation. Learning is rooted in our school values and Christian ethos, promoting respect, kindness, compassion, forgiveness and responsibility.

Teaching and Learning

Life Lessons are taught through carefully sequenced units that build on pupils’ previous knowledge and experiences. Teachers explicitly introduce key knowledge, vocabulary and concepts, using discussion, questioning, modelling, scenarios and practical activities to develop pupils’ understanding.

Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, express their views respectfully, listen to others and consider different perspectives. They develop the confidence to communicate their feelings, make responsible decisions, solve problems and respond positively to challenges.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) forms an important part of this learning. Pupils explore the qualities of healthy relationships, including trust, respect, kindness, honesty, boundaries, consent and responsibility, in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner. In keeping with our Christian ethos, teaching recognises the importance of marriage and family life, as well as the value of forgiveness and reconciliation in maintaining healthy relationships.

The physical aspects of growing up, including puberty and human reproduction, are taught through the appropriate areas of the curriculum, including Science and RSE, in accordance with statutory requirements and pupils’ developmental stages.

 

Pupils learn about friendship, families, health, emotions, safety, respect, money and citizenship in an age-appropriate way. They practise decision-making, communication and knowing when and how to ask for help.

LIFE brings together Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education with Relationships, Sex and Health Education. It supports pupils’ wellbeing and helps them understand themselves, their relationships and their responsibilities.

What pupils develop

Pupils develop an understanding of physical and emotional health, positive relationships, personal safety, identity and the importance of treating themselves and others with respect. They learn to recognise and manage their emotions, build self-esteem, make informed choices and understand their rights and responsibilities.

Through age-appropriate learning, pupils explore how to maintain healthy relationships, recognise safe and unsafe situations, seek help when needed and make decisions that support their own wellbeing and that of others. They also develop an understanding of life in modern Britain and the wider world, learning to appreciate differences and contribute positively to their communities.

 

Themes are revisited as children mature, ensuring that learning remains relevant, inclusive and appropriate to each stage of primary school.

Progression across the school

Learning progresses from understanding themselves, their feelings and their immediate relationships towards more complex themes, including emotional wellbeing, personal safety, changing relationships and growing responsibilities.

The curriculum is carefully planned so that pupils revisit and build upon important knowledge, skills and vocabulary as they move through the school. They learn to recognise and manage emotions, understand personal boundaries, identify trusted adults and seek support when needed. As they grow, pupils develop increasing independence, confidence and resilience to navigate new experiences and make informed choices.

All pupils are supported to access the same ambitious curriculum through clear explanations, modelling, discussion, scaffolding and appropriate challenge. Teaching is adapted to reflect pupils’ ages, needs and understanding, ensuring that sensitive topics are approached with care, respect and consideration.

Inclusion, Enrichment and Impact

Our PSHE and RSE curriculum promotes an inclusive environment where every child is valued, respected and encouraged to develop a positive sense of self. Pupils learn to appreciate similarities and differences, challenge unkind behaviour and understand the importance of equality, dignity and mutual respect.

Learning is enriched through wider school experiences, assemblies, collective worship, visitors and extra-curricular opportunities. These experiences help pupils apply their learning to everyday situations and understand how our school values can guide their choices and actions.

Teachers use discussion, questioning, retrieval activities and assessment to identify pupils’ understanding, address misconceptions and respond to individual needs. The impact of our curriculum is evident when pupils can remember and apply key knowledge, communicate confidently, build positive relationships, recognise risks, seek help appropriately and make choices that support their wellbeing.

Ultimately, we want every child to leave All Saints’ with the knowledge, confidence and life skills to lead happy, healthy and safe lives. We want our pupils to understand themselves, respect others, build positive relationships and approach the future with resilience, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility, guided by our Christian values and prepared to make a positive contribution to the world around them.