At Oxford Gardens Primary School, we endeavour for our pupils to become successful, independent, innovative, responsible and confident learners. In order to achieve this, we recognise that the personal development of pupils, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally plays a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve. Governors and staff at the school believe that a key role for primary education is to prepare pupils for a happy and successful later life. This means ensuring that our pupils not only learn core skills in English, Maths and other curriculum subjects effectively, but also develop important ‘skills for life’ such as self-awareness, compassion, teamwork, personal organisation and leadership.
We teach these skills through PSHE lessons (Personal, social, health and economic education). Year 1-6 currently teach this discreetly, however, it underpins all aspects of the curriculum. Discussions about key aspects of PSHE are raised throughout a range of subjects including Literacy, IPC, PE as well as through assemblies.
PSHE is taught through the Jigsaw PSHE scheme of work. It teaches the children about healthy lifestyles, personal safety, managing money, relationships and preparing for work through six half-termly topics: Being me in my world, Celebrating Difference, Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships and Changing Me.
The Jigsaw scheme of work also includes RSE (Relationships and Sex education) and Health Education. Both Relationships and Health Education are now statutory across all primary schools. The subjects tackled within the Jigsaw scheme are all age-appropriate and tailored to the needs of each year group. Please see the presentation below about what is included in Relationships and Health Education.
At Oxford Gardens, we take a zero tolerance approach to bullying and strive to empower the children to recognise bullying behaviour and report it immediately. Anti-bullying day is celebrated every year and the issue of bullying is tackled throughout the Jigsaw PSHE scheme of work. There is also a Children’s Anti-bullying Policy which has been adapted by the children to ensure that all pupils at Oxford Gardens know how to tackle bullying behaviour.
British Values are also a core part of our PSHE curriculum. There is a British Values assembly each half term as well as specific lessons on each of the British values being taught through the Jigsaw scheme.
We are also recognised as a UNICEF Rights’ Respecting Gold School. This recognises our achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) at the heart of a school’s planning, policies, practice and ethos.
The impact of this focus on the children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC) throughout aspects of the curriculum mean that we equip our learners with essential life skills that are necessary for them to become successful, resilient and responsible members of society.
