PSHE
Intent
At Manor Drive Primary Academy, we deliver the Cambridgeshire Primary Personal Development Programme. Through this curriculum we provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every child is empowered to develop the essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to thrive in life. By teaching PSHE we aim to foster positive relationships, emotional well-being, and a sense of responsibility towards oneself, others, and our wider community.
Our PSHE curriculum is centred around promoting self-awareness, self-esteem, and relationships with others. We strive to ensure that all children develop a strong understanding of personal health, safety, and well-being, while also equipping them with the tools to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and manage relationships with empathy and kindness.
By embedding our core values of kindness, bravery, and determination, we aim to nurture confident, thoughtful, and compassionate individuals who are ready to engage in their learning, contribute to society, and take care of their own physical and emotional well-being. Through our PSHE curriculum, we aspire to prepare our pupils for the challenges and opportunities of life, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence and integrity.
Implementation
Our PSHE curriculum is built on the understanding that personal, social, and emotional development is key to a child’s growth and well-being. It is not only about learning core life skills but also about fostering the emotional resilience, social understanding, and personal responsibility that children need to thrive both in school and beyond.
Key features of our implementation include:
Holistic Approach: PSHE is used not only as a subject but is a culture for developing well-rounded individuals, focusing on emotional literacy, relationship building, and responsible decision-making.
Supportive Resources: Staff are supported by our carefully chosen curriculum (Cambridgeshire Primary Personal Development Programme) and deliver it through high-quality teaching. Lessons are designed to be engaging, age-appropriate, and sequenced to build an understanding of key themes and concepts over time, helping pupils to apply them to real-life situations.
Skill Development: Pupils develop a wide range of personal, social, and emotional skills, with clear progression across key stages. Our curriculum balances factual knowledge with practical learning experiences, focusing on self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and motivation.
Curriculum Structure: PSHE is taught in a well-organised, thematic approach, with different aspects of personal health, well-being, and social responsibility explored each term. The curriculum is carefully planned to meet the developmental needs of pupils at every stage of their primary education, from EYFS to Year 6.
Topic Focus: At the start of each unit, pupils explore a central theme, such as mental health, relationships, or physical well-being. They engage in discussions, activities, and reflections that help deepen their understanding and develop positive attitudes towards these areas of their lives.
Skill Application: Pupils practice and refine their skills through a range of activities, including shared stories, group discussions, role-playing, and problem-solving tasks. These activities allow them to apply their knowledge and develop practical solutions to challenges they may face in their daily lives. Class worry boxes provide a safe space for children to highlight their own emotions and concerns, which can then be addressed and resolved accordingly.
Celebrating Growth: Achievements in PSHE are celebrated through various school initiatives, such as 'Mental Health Weeks' and ‘Awards assemblies’ and ‘Personal postcards’ sent home where students are recognised for demonstrating key personal and social skills, inspiring their peers and fostering a positive school culture.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): In the Early Years, PSHE is integrated into the curriculum through opportunities for pupils to explore their emotions, develop social skills, and understand the importance of their own and others’ well-being. This is implemented through age-appropriate stories, role-modelled play and whole class discussions. These early experiences lay a strong foundation for the more formal PSHE curriculum in later years.
Impact
Our PSHE curriculum at Manor Drive Primary Academy provides pupils with a broad range of experiences, fostering their personal, social, and emotional growth. Evidence of our impact includes pupils who:
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Feel empowered to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make healthy choices, laying the foundation for lifelong well-being.
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Develop emotional resilience through engaging with themes of self-awareness, empathy, and mindfulness, helping them navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
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Confidently articulate their thoughts and feelings, demonstrating effective communication skills in personal and social situations, as well as when reflecting on their learning.
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Demonstrate a deep understanding of mental health, healthy relationships, and personal responsibility, applying this knowledge to make informed decisions in their daily lives.
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Achieve well in PSHE, showing clear progression in their ability to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and understand the importance of personal health and social responsibility.
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Effectively evaluate their emotional growth and social interactions, reflecting on their development and setting personal goals for continued improvement.
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Participate in themed events and assemblies that enhance their learning and help them relate PSHE lessons to real-world experiences.
The impact of our PSHE curriculum ensures that pupils leave Manor Drive Primary Academy with the skills, confidence, and resilience to thrive both academically and personally. They are equipped to be responsible, empathetic citizens who contribute positively to society and take care of their emotional and physical well-being.