Our detailed policies can be found at the bottom of this page.

Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE)

Subject Coordinator: Mrs Murphy

Intent

At St Polycarp’s, our aim is to give pupils the knowledge and skills they will need to thrive in the modern world. They will gain an understanding of diversity, acceptance, and the responsibilities they will face growing up. This includes learning how to manage change, responsibilities, and the challenges they can bring.

Approach

Our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education is embedded into our broad and balanced curriculum.

Whilst children have explicit PSHE lessons, cross-curricular links are made to other subjects, to support children’s moral, spiritual and cultural development, keeping in line with our school ethos. Additionally, British Values are promoted through the aims and objectives of PSHE.

During PSHE lessons, children have opportunities to listen, learn and share their own opinions, with the help of the Jigsaw Puzzle cuddly pieces. Children are encouraged to follow the following charter in each of the sessions to create a safe space to learn:

 

  

As a Catholic school, we have adapted parts of the Jigsaw programme in line with guidance from our diocese.

As members of a class and school community, children learn social skills such as how to share, take turns, play, help others, resolve simple arguments and stand-up against bullying. They begin to learn about their own and other's feelings, becoming aware of the views, needs and rights of other children and older people. Pupils go on to learn about the wider world and the interdependence of communities within it.

Relationships & Sex Education (RSE)

Subject Corodinator: Mrs Parker

"In faith and love, we learn and grow."

Through Life to the full we provide high-quality RHE and a rich foundation for growth, personal development and happy, fulfilled relationships.

Intent

RSE is the lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development. Here at St Polycarp’s it is taught in the context of our Catholic faith. The subject covers the understanding for the importance of marriage for family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, love and care.  It is also about the teaching of sex, sexuality and sexual health.  Our intention is that children will progress through the school, discovering more about themselves and the wider world through the programme that we use. In each Year group, an aspect of love is explored where children are encouraged to marvel at the wonder and beauty of God’s creative love. 

Impact

The intended outcome of RSE in St Polycarp’s is to foster a comprehensive understanding that nurturing & stable relationships are foundational to family happiness, regardless of their form. It aims to impart knowledge on the origins of human life in a respectful and age-appropriate manner. Additionally, RSE seeks to instil a sense of respect and empathy, guiding children to recognise that being created in the divine image shapes ethical interactions and the formation of enduring bonds with others.

Guidance on the right of withdrawal from religious education and/or collective worship in schools in England

Please click here for Guidance on the right of withdrawal from religious education and/or collective worship in schools in England.