PSHE

PHSE at Maple Court Academy

Intent:

At our school, PSHE plays a vital role in helping pupils grow into confident, resilient and responsible young people. Through our carefully planned curriculum, children learn the essential skills they need to thrive both in the wider curriculum and in life beyond the classroom. PSHE supports pupils in developing a strong sense of self-worth and understanding how they fit into, and contribute to, their community and the wider world. It nurtures emotional literacy, builds resilience, and promotes both mental and physical wellbeing. These foundations help children develop emotional awareness, improve concentration, and stay focused in their learning.

The Subject Leader:

As PSHE Lead at Maple Court Academy, I am committed to ensuring that our children are well prepared for life beyond their school years. A key part of this is helping them understand the essential elements of our PSHE curriculum — from building positive relationships and developing self-confidence to becoming resilient in the face of change. I take this responsibility seriously and work to ensure that PSHE is valued by both pupils and staff. By giving PSHE the recognition it deserves, we support our children in developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to thrive and confidently take their place in the wider world.

The curriculum:

We use the Jigsaw scheme to deliver our PSHE curriculum because it places children at the centre of their learning. Jigsaw provides a clear, cohesive approach that helps pupils understand their place in the world and recognise the value they bring to it. With a strong focus on emotional literacy, resilience and both mental and physical wellbeing, Jigsaw equips us to teach PSHE in an engaging, meaningful and whole-school way.

Mindfulness is also built into each lesson, giving children regular opportunities to develop their emotional awareness, improve concentration and strengthen their ability to focus.

Assessment for learning:

Our PSHE lessons are taught with an emphasis on discussion, questioning and sharing ideas and thoughts. As such, assessment takes place continually during lessons with teachers noting children’s responses or ideas and using questioning and scenarios to draw out of the children their ideas, next steps and any misconceptions. Children in KS2 use their electronic devices to share their ideas and views while EYFS and KS1 have floor books which record ideas/pupil voice and responses to scenarios.

Pupil voice: