As we continue to prioritise our students’ holistic development, we are excited to share insights into our Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) initiative and how we teach this crucial subject in the Primary School. PSHE is more than just another subject on the curriculum; it is a holistic approach to preparing our learners for life in the modern world by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and resilient mindset needed to successfully navigate life’s challenges and possibilities to contribute positively to society.
What is PSHE Education?
PSHE, or Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education, is a vital educational subject designed to guide every child through the complexities of life and offer them the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate challenges and confidently take on opportunities. It covers various aspects of personal development, relationships, well-being, and economic awareness. PSHE education nurtures lifelong aspirations, values and goals, helping students make informed decisions and succeed in different aspects of life. It creates a solid foundation for addressing future challenges with hope, confidence and resilience. PSHE education equips students with the tools to handle daily issues, make sound choices and excel in a world of uncertainty.
Why Teach PSHE?
The benefits of PSHE education are multifaceted. By engaging in PSHE lessons, students can reduce aggression and emotional distress and foster improved attitudes towards themselves and others. PSHE Education helps provide students with essential coping skills and self-management strategies that enable them to enhance academic performance and overall success, promoting holistic development and well-being. It encourages social and emotional learning and instils responsible citizenship and safety awareness. It is essential to PSHE Education to ensure that our students learn about diversity, inclusion and respect to better prepare them for adulthood and address mental health challenges.
Our Aim
Our PSHE initiative in the Primary School is guided by core principles to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. We strive to:
- Cultivate diversity and internationalism.
- Establish an inclusive environment and community.
- Promote mental, emotional, social, and physical health.
- Instil self-respect, confidence and kindness.
- Equip students with self-understanding vocabulary.
- Create a positive school culture.
- Encourage empathy and mutual support.
- Reflect on personal development.
- Practise collaboration and responsibility.
- Build positive relationships.
- Foster resilience and self-confidence.
- Educate about diversity.
- Instil ambition and a growth mindset.
How We Teach PSHE: Our Curriculum - No Outsiders and Jigsaw
In the Primary School, we use a multifaceted approach to teaching PSHE, ensuring students receive a well-rounded and engaging learning experience. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect through initiatives such as No Outsiders and Jigsaw.
Our approach to teaching PSHE involves integrating Jigsaw and the No Outsiders Scheme to provide a comprehensive education. We use Jigsaw's Content Overview as the cornerstone of our curriculum, ensuring coverage of essential topics and learning outcomes. We use a series of lessons based around familiar children’s picture books with relatable stories to initiate open and empathetic discussions on various PSHE themes, focusing on developing social-emotional skills for lifelong success. Additionally, we adopt an action-oriented approach, urging students to absorb lesson content, engage in meaningful discussions and apply it in real-life scenarios to foster practical skills and resilience.
May: Mental Health Awareness Week
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. During Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 13 May to 18 May, we invite our BISS families to promote positive mental health practices and support one another. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to thrive.
We encourage you to explore the PSHE resources available in the Primary School, including our library's PSHE book collection. These resources offer valuable insights, stories and guidance on topics ranging from emotional resilience to self-care, providing opportunities for meaningful discussions and shared learning experiences at home.
We also challenge BISS families to participate in the Wellbeing Toolkit Calendar challenge in the Wellbeing and Sports section of the Global Campus website using this link: https://globalcampus.nae.school/course/view.php?id=1250#section-0. Each month presents an opportunity to explore different activities or mindsets contributing to mental well-being. Whether practising mindfulness, engaging in creative expression, or reaching out to a friend, every small step counts. Let's embrace this opportunity to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped to flourish in all aspects of life.
