Personal, Social & Health Education
Intent
At The James Oglethorpe Primary School, our PSHE curriculum aims to equip children with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to thrive as individuals, family members and responsible citizens. Using the KAPOW PSHE scheme of work, we ensure that children develop confidence, resilience and empathy, preparing them for the opportunities and challenges of modern life. We also embed the principles of the Rights Respecting Schools Award — placing children’s rights at the heart of school life, so that all pupils recognise their rights and the rights of others and feel empowered to participate. UNICEF UK+1
Our intent is to create a safe and supportive environment where every child can explore their feelings, understand relationships, and make informed, positive choices for their wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.
Implementation
We follow the KAPOW PSHE scheme, which provides a progressive, spiral curriculum built around key areas:
- Families and relationships
- Health and wellbeing
- Safety and the changing body
- Citizenship
- Economic wellbeing
PSHE is taught weekly across all year groups, with lessons adapted to meet the needs and maturity of our pupils. Learning is enhanced through circle-time discussions, assemblies, themed days, and links to other curriculum areas such as science and computing. Teachers use creative, age-appropriate resources from KAPOW to encourage reflection, collaboration and active participation.
In addition, aligning with the RRSA framework, we ensure that pupils’ rights (as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) are discussed explicitly, so children learn to recognise rights and responsibilities in everyday school life and beyond. We also promote our school values and the Fundamental British Values throughout PSHE lessons and the wider curriculum.
Impact
By the end of their primary journey, our pupils are confident, respectful and reflective individuals who understand how to keep themselves safe and healthy — both physically and emotionally. They demonstrate positive relationships, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility within their school and local community.
Assessment within KAPOW’s framework allows teachers to monitor progress and ensure that learning builds year on year. Through embedding the Rights Respecting Schools Award ethos, children also develop a strong sense of fairness, participation and global citizenship: they know their rights, respect the rights of others and engage meaningfully in shaping their school environment.
Ultimately, our PSHE curriculum empowers children to make informed choices, celebrate diversity and contribute positively to society.