LIFE SKILLS/RSHE
Intent:
At London Meed, we believe that children should be prepared for the world by being able to; make safe and healthy choices and have respectful relationships. We will teach them skills that they are able to transfer across all aspects of their life. We want children who are able to be happy and feel safe at school. We want our children to have the knowledge and skills to be able to take care of themselves and be able to access support if problems arise. RSHE lessons will prepare children for being good citizens. They will develop emotional intelligence and the ability to articulate their feelings in order to maintain good mental health as well as understanding the importance of their physical health and being healthy. Using a growth mind-set, the children will become resilient, flexible learners, knowledgeable for the future. There are cross curricular links with PE, Computing and Science. The RSHE curriculum stems from the need to safeguard our children and to give them the vocabulary to be able to communicate effectively. Relationships education focuses on giving pupils the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships, and to build their self-efficacy. Health education focuses on equipping pupils with the knowledge they need to make good decisions about their own health and wellbeing. In RSHE, we incorporate our core values (Bravery, Community, Curiosity, Resilience and Respect) to ensure that our children develop as life-long learners and responsible citizens. Through Quality First Teaching and having high expectations, we ensure all children (including disadvantaged and SEND) access the curriculum by constantly reviewing and adapting teaching. Our curriculum takes into account the diverse needs of our community and the world, meeting the needs of all our children.
Implementation:
At London Meed, we use the Jigsaw RSHE scheme of work as the starting point for planning and provision. Teachers then adapt lessons and resources to best meet the needs of their class. We have a coherent and sequenced curriculum building progression of knowledge and skills every year.
A variety of teaching and learning strategies are used which encourage participation, with opportunities for pupils to develop critical thinking and relationship skills. Quality first teaching is key, enabling all children to access the curriculum. Teachers create a purposeful learning environment which provides resources that enables all children to learn. Learners will study ‘Health and Wellbeing’. This will include physical wellbeing, mental health, keeping safe in different environments, what to do when there has been an accident and about drugs, alcohol and tobacco. We focus on families and friendships, what constitutes positive relationships and how to seek help when needed. Discussions of safe relationships and managing hurtful behaviours are also discussed, including relationships both offline and online. We look at shared responsibilities and how we have a part to play to help each other and to look after the environment. Economic wellbeing is studied in terms of money and aspirations, work and future careers. Pupils are encouraged to understand the viewpoints and practices, backgrounds and contributions that everyone makes to the country. The importance of laws, whether they be those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced at London Meed. Pupils are actively encouraged to make good choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms, and advised how to exercise these safely, for example through online safety and RHSE work. Pupils are taught, at whatever level is appropriate, the rights of all pupils at the school. They are also taught the value and reasons behind rules and laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves, and the consequences when laws are broken. We promote an anti-bullying culture throughout the school.
Impact:
By the end of their academic journey at London Meed, children will demonstrate confidence and awareness about relationships and health in an independent and safe way. Learners will develop a good understanding about safety and risks in relationships. They will be prepared for the physical and emotional changes they undergo during puberty. RSHE will promote wellbeing and will prepare learners for the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities of adult life. The RSHE curriculum will have a positive impact on learners’ health and wellbeing and their ability to achieve, and this will play a crucial part in meeting these obligations.
Protected Characteristics:
We teach children about the 9 protected characteristics through the use of texts and weekly assemblies. Please see our protected characteristics texts map from EYFS through to Year 6 below. This is taught in a very age appropriate way.