PSHE / RSHE
PSHE
Intent Statement
At Meadowhead Junior School, the PSHE curriculum aims to equip pupils with the social, emotional, and mental skills needed to thrive in today’s world. By fostering mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional resilience, the curriculum enables pupils to navigate personal challenges, build positive relationships, and develop responsible, healthy lifestyles.
Implementation Statement
The Jigsaw PSHE approach is followed, which integrates mindfulness into lessons, supporting emotional regulation and concentration. Each lesson covers key themes such as relationships, health, and personal development through engaging activities. A whole-school approach ensures pupils progress through these topics in a structured, cohesive manner, building on previous learning and encouraging reflection.
Impact Statement
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will have developed a strong sense of self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and the ability to make informed decisions. The curriculum’s focus on mindfulness and social skills prepares pupils to engage with their peers, manage their emotions, and face future challenges with resilience and confidence, fostering well-rounded individuals ready for the next stage of their education.
Relationship, Sex, Health Education (RSHE)
Intent
At Meadowhead, the Relationships, Sex and Heath Education (RSHE) curriculum is designed to provide a safe and respectful environment for pupils to learn about relationships, health, and their bodies. Our goal is to nurture positive self-esteem, foster respect for others, and ensure students develop the skills necessary to form healthy, supportive relationships. Through RSHE, we aim to empower students with knowledge, promote inclusivity, and equip them with the resilience to make informed, respectful choices as they navigate the complexities of growing up.
Implementation
Meadowhead’s RSHE curriculum is aligned with national standards, delivered through dedicated lessons, school events, and assemblies. Our approach integrates PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education) themes, ensuring that topics are age-appropriate and relevant. Lessons are delivered in mixed-gender groups, with single-gender sessions for specific topics such as puberty to ensure comfort and engagement. We incorporate visual aids, discussions, and interactive activities, guided by clear lesson objectives that respect students' diverse experiences and backgrounds. Teachers are supported with professional development to ensure consistent, effective, and sensitive delivery.
Impact
Our RSHE curriculum aims to produce students who are confident, respectful, and equipped to manage relationships in a healthy, informed way. The curriculum’s impact is measured through regular assessment of students' understanding, their demonstrated respect for diversity, and their ability to make informed decisions. Progress in social skills, empathy, and resilience will reflect positively in students' relationships with peers, family, and the community. Meadowhead’s commitment to comprehensive, inclusive RSE will foster a supportive learning environment, preparing students for the future and promoting lifelong wellbeing.
Progression Document for Junior Classes
Below is a progression outline for junior classes, focusing on the developmentally appropriate topics covered in each year group:
| Year Group | Topics Covered | Key Skills & Knowledge Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Year 3 | - Understanding conception as the start of life - Growth and development in the mother’s uterus - Physical and emotional needs of a baby - Initial changes in boys' and girls' bodies |
- Basic understanding of conception and development - Identification of physical changes during growth - Developing empathy for care needs of babies - Recognising body changes associated with growth |
| Year 4 | - Inherited characteristics and uniqueness - Labelling body parts essential for reproduction - Physical and emotional changes in puberty (menstruation for girls) - Circle of change for self-growth |
- Understanding of personal identity and heritage - Accurate use of scientific vocabulary for body parts - Awareness of puberty and its physical/emotional aspects - Skills in coping with changes |
| Year 5 | - Self-image and body confidence - Detailed understanding of puberty changes for both sexes - Concept of conception - Responsibilities and expectations with growing independence |
- Enhanced self-esteem and body awareness - Knowledge of physical/emotional changes during puberty - Fundamental understanding of conception - Preparing for teenage responsibilities |
| Year 6 | - Self-image and media influence - Advanced understanding of puberty and emotional wellbeing - Development stages from conception to birth - Transition to secondary school |
- Critical analysis of media impact on self-image - Full understanding of reproductive processes and emotions - Knowledge of human development from conception to birth - Skills for coping with transition and future growth​ |
This structured progression supports students' growing understanding of themselves, relationships, and health, preparing them for future stages in a balanced, respectful learning environment.
At Meadowhead, the Relationships Education curriculum strictly focuses on helping students understand positive relationships, emotional wellbeing, and the changes associated with growing up. There is no sex education in the primary RSHE curriculum.
Key Points on Curriculum Content and Parental Rights:
-
Relationships Education (Non-Objectionable Content):
- The primary curriculum emphasises relationships and emotional wellbeing, teaching children about friendships, respect, and family values.
- Topics cover safe online and offline relationships, changes during puberty, and personal responsibility.
- Parents cannot withdraw children from these lessons, as relationships and health education are statutory and focus on safeguarding and respectful social skills.
-
Content Parents May Object To:
- Sex Education: There is no sex education component in primary RSHE, and Meadowhead does not cover topics such as sexual intercourse, contraception, or sexual health.
- Science Curriculum (Non-Objectionable, but Sensitive Content): While not part of RSHE, the Science curriculum may touch on basic biological aspects of puberty and reproduction (e.g., body parts, changes in puberty). Parents cannot withdraw children from these scientific discussions, as they are part of the statutory Science curriculum.