Relationships and Health Education (PSHE and RSE) 

Intent

At the Phoenix Federation, we believe that Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) is a fundamental part of every child’s education and personal development. We are committed to nurturing confident, resilient, respectful and responsible young people who are well prepared for life both now and in the future.

Our PSHE curriculum is underpinned by our Federation values of being Aspirational, Brave, Compassionate, Determined and Enlightened. Through carefully planned learning experiences, we aim to equip children with the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills they need to lead safe, healthy, fulfilling and purposeful lives.

We recognise that children are growing up in an increasingly complex and diverse world. Our curriculum supports pupils in developing a strong sense of identity, self-worth and belonging, whilst fostering respect, empathy and understanding towards others. We celebrate individuality and diversity, ensuring that children value the unique qualities that make them who they are whilst recognising the positive contribution they can make to their communities.

We aim to develop children’s emotional literacy, wellbeing and resilience so that they are able to manage challenges, build positive relationships, make informed decisions and seek support when needed. Through our PSHE curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge and confidence to stay safe, maintain positive mental and physical health, understand healthy relationships and become active, responsible citizens.

Through exposure to a broad range of experiences, perspectives and opportunities, we encourage children to become ambitious about their futures, develop an understanding of the wider world and recognise the many pathways available to them throughout their lives.

Implementation

Across the Phoenix Federation, we follow the PSHE Association Programme of Study, ensuring a comprehensive, ambitious and progressive curriculum that develops the whole child. Learning is organised through carefully sequenced, age-appropriate units which build knowledge, skills and understanding over time.

The curriculum is structured around three core themes:

• Health and Wellbeing
• Relationships, including Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
• Living in the Wider World

Our curriculum follows a spiral approach, enabling pupils to revisit and deepen their understanding of key concepts throughout their primary education. Prior learning is regularly revisited and built upon, helping children to make connections between new learning and existing knowledge.

Teachers adapt learning to reflect the needs, experiences and backgrounds of their pupils, ensuring that all children can access and engage fully with the curriculum. Through discussion, enquiry, reflection and real-life contexts, children are encouraged to think critically, develop self-awareness and express their views respectfully.

A key feature of our PSHE curriculum is our growing work around the Zones of Regulation. Through these bespoke units, children develop a greater understanding of emotions, self-regulation and wellbeing. Pupils learn to recognise emotional states, understand the physical and emotional signs associated with different feelings and identify personal triggers. They develop a personalised toolkit of strategies that support emotional regulation, enabling them to respond to challenges in positive and productive ways.

Mindfulness opportunities are embedded throughout the curriculum to develop self-awareness, concentration, emotional regulation and resilience. These approaches support children’s mental health and wellbeing and help create calm, purposeful learning environments.

Recognising the importance of technology in children’s lives, digital literacy and online safety are integral to our curriculum. Pupils learn how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly, critically evaluate information, understand digital relationships and become respectful and responsible digital citizens.

As part of our commitment to raising aspirations, pupils in upper Key Stage 2 participate in learning focused on future pathways, careers and aspirations. Through careers events, visitors, enrichment opportunities and discussions about the world of work, children begin to understand how their education can open doors to future opportunities and ambitions.

PSHE is further enriched through assemblies, themed weeks, pupil leadership opportunities, educational visits, charitable initiatives, community engagement and everyday interactions across school life. These experiences help children apply their learning in meaningful contexts and strengthen their understanding of what it means to be an active member of society.

Assessment is ongoing and informs future teaching. Teachers use discussion, questioning, reflection activities and pupil voice to assess understanding, identify misconceptions and respond to emerging needs. The impact of learning is reviewed regularly to ensure pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence intended by the curriculum.

Impact

By the time pupils leave the Phoenix Federation, they will:

• Demonstrate kindness, empathy and respect towards themselves and others.
• Understand how to recognise, regulate and manage their emotions, developing resilience and confidence when facing challenges.
• Make informed choices that support their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
• Build and maintain positive, healthy and respectful relationships.
• Understand how to stay safe and act responsibly, both online and offline.
• Appreciate, respect and celebrate diversity, preparing them to be active members of a multicultural and inclusive society.
• Demonstrate and apply the British Values of Democracy, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, Tolerance and the Rule of Law.
• Show ambition for their future and be prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in modern Britain.

Through PSHE, we aim for every child to leave the Phoenix Federation as a confident, compassionate and responsible individual, equipped with the knowledge, skills and values needed to thrive in school, in their communities and in the wider world.