Intent:

By teaching PSHE and RSE at Brookfields School, we want our students to be able to experience a range of activities, to enable them to make their own choices, to be knowledgeable about what is safe and what is not, and to empower our students to speak up when things don’t feel safe.

By the time our students leave, we want them to be able to manage their own needs as much as they can, from feeling safe when adults attend to personal care to living independently. We want our students to be able to form relationships with people they work with, or people they want to spend time with.

Implementation:

The Learning to Learn Curriculum is taught in the Exploration Strand, however all pupils in the school are assessed against the Learning to Learn framework. The Learning to Learn Curriculum focuses on overcoming barriers to learning. It is designed to be child-led and promote a love of learning. Pupils focus on social skills, building relationships and learning about the world around them through play and interaction.  

Pupils in the Enquiry Strand learn through specific subject-based lessons. Discreet PSHE lessons are timetabled for two double sessions a week (one and a half hours), with one of the sessions split into PSHE and RSE. Discreet RSE lessons are taught to all pupils from year 5 upwards, and according to the needs of each individual.  

Pupils within the Engagement Strand are timetabled for one double PSHE session per week, with an additional 45-minute RSE session. The pupils in the Engagement Strand vary widely in their needs and learning styles, so responsibility lies with the class teacher to decide if they want to use the PSHE sessions as timetabled or to focus on cross-curricular opportunities for learning. For pupils in the Engagement Strand who aren’t ready to access formal RSE sessions, incidental learning will be used (for example, the teaching of ‘public and private’ through highlighting where is appropriate to change for swimming).  

For some pupils in the Enrichment Strand, they have the opportunity to join a class in a different strand for PSHE or RSE sessions. Due to the needs of the majority of pupils in the Enrichment Strand, PSHE is delivered through cross-curricular and incidental learning. 

All pupils are given the opportunity to work individually, in groups and as a whole class on a range of skills and activities. They are also given opportunities to acquire the necessary skills and understanding to develop independence and decision-making at a level that is appropriate to their ability, through practical application to real life situations and through cross-curricular activities. Pupils are expected to practice their acquired skills in other curriculum areas. 

PSHE lessons allow opportunities to celebrate specific dates, such as Children in Need, Red Nose Day, Anti-Bullying Week and Mental Health Awareness Day.

Impact:

As a result of high quality teaching of PSHE and RSE, (commensurate to their needs and starting points) our students will know how to look after themselves, keep themselves safe and assert themselves if they have a problem, and be positive members of society and their community.   

FAQs: