Welcome to our Linden PSHE & RSE page! On this page you will find information about what your child will be learning in these subjects, photographs of work that has taken place and links to relevant websites.  We hope that you find this page useful.

What is PSHE?

‘Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education is a planned programme of learning opportunities and experiences that help children and young people grow and develop as individuals and as members of families and of social and economic communities.’
PSHE Education Strategic Partners Group.

What is RSE?

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) teaches pupils about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, human sexuality and sexual health. It should equip children and young people with the information, skills and positive values to have safe, fulfilling relationships and to take responsibility for their sexual health and well-being.

Why is PSHE and RSE important?

‘Taking a whole school approach to health and well-being is linked to pupils’ readiness to learn.’
Public Health England, 2014

‘Today’s school pupils are growing up in a world full of opportunities but with many risks and anxieties too. While some risk-taking behaviours, such as substance misuse, appear to be in decline, other – often linked – issues are emerging, particularly in relation to pupils’ mental health, relationships and safety, both offline and, increasingly, online’
PSHE association – trends, young people’s health and risky behaviours.

‘Education and health are synergistic... students in better health do better academically.’
British Medical Journal Editorial

‘Personal behaviours and attributes – sometimes termed ‘character’ – play a critical role in personal effectiveness.’
The Demos ‘Forgotten Half’ report

At Linden, our intent is to:

• To provide a range of opportunities for children to develop themselves in a well-balanced way beyond the academic and to move from childhood to adolescence with support and guidance to encourage both an awareness of others and the growth of responsible independence. Through this, children can develop the confidence, talents and skills, to become effective individuals, motivated learners and active citizens.
• We want to prepare them for the future by encouraging the development of characteristics for life such as a love of learning, resilience, integrity, teamwork, critical thinking and independence. We want to prepare them for the world of work and support them in developing enterprise skills and financial awareness.
• As a school we promote the use of a ‘Growth Mindset’. This principle along with British Values underpin our PSHE curriculum.

All of the PSHE and RSE curriculum ensures cultural capital is woven within all lessons we teach and the resources that we use in line with Ofsted and Government recommendations. This enables our pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. We aim to help them understand how they are developing personally and socially, and tackle many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of becoming young adults. Our students are provided with opportunities to learn about rights and responsibilities and appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society. They are encouraged to develop their sense of self-worth by developing competencies and by playing a positive role in contributing to school life and the wider community. Therefore, our curriculum delivers a comprehensive and rich programme underpinned by mindfulness, philosophy and practice throughout.

The RSE guidance that we have implemented is evidenced to have a positive effect on self-esteem. Pupils are encouraged to recognise their individual needs, to respect the needs and wants of others, and to develop the skills and self-esteem to become confident adolescents. Many pupils cannot or are unwilling to talk to their parents about growing up and about sexual matters. Schools can offer information and provide opportunities to consider feelings and concerns within a secure environment.

We have a clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum and we use national curriculum statements to ensure we cover a broad and balanced curriculum. Our ‘spiral curriculum’ means that the specific learning builds for pupils as they move through the school, gradually expanding and deepening their knowledge, skills, and attributes. Many of the learning opportunities in key stage two will be covered in both lower key stage two (years three and four) and upper key stage two (years five and six) where they can be further developed.

The PSHE curriculum has three core learning themes in KS1 and KS2 which are as follows:

• Health and Well-being
• Relationships
• Living in the Wider World

Within the core themes, children are taught about:

• Substance Misuse
• Tobacco
• Risk Taking/Safety
• Emotional Health
• Diversity
• Healthy Eating
• Healthy Relationships/Bullying
• Coping Strategies
• Puberty/Growing up
• Financial Education
• Democracy
• Citizenship
• E-safety
• Careers
• British Values
• Physical Activity

The spiral curriculum starts in Year 1 and follows the children through to Year 6. The distribution of the lessons complements key campaigns throughout the year such as Anti-bullying Week, Black History Month among many others.

At Linden, we equip our children with the knowledge, skills, understanding and emotions to be able to play an active role in society:

Across the school, this is achieved through:

• Developing a confidence in sharing their own thoughts and opinions with others
• Developing skills and attributes to keep themselves healthy and safe
• Developing an attitude of a responsible global citizen
• Showing a tolerance of other’s beliefs, religions and life choices
• Building positive, respectful relationships with other people.