Personal, Social & Health Education

 

PSHE at Our Lady of the Rosary

At Our Lady of the Rosary, we recognise that PSHE and Citizenship are closely connected to our RE curriculum and reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church. Our wider aim is to nurture children who respect themselves and others, recognise their dignity as children of God, and understand their responsibility within their families, school community, parish and the wider world. Partnership with parents and governors is central to this mission, and we keep families informed of developments in PSHE and Citizenship throughout the year.

Positive approaches to personal, social and health education are embedded across the whole curriculum and everyday school life. Children are supported to develop the knowledge and skills needed to make safe, thoughtful choices and to respond with compassion and care. To promote wellbeing and positive mental health, we use the Zones of Regulation, which help children understand their emotions, recognise how their body feels and learn strategies to help themselves return to calm.

 

Our approach to teaching PSHE

PSHE is taught from Nursery to Year 6 through a planned programme that builds understanding of relationships, health, personal development, safety and participation in society. Lessons provide space for thoughtful discussion, reflection and questioning, helping pupils to explore who they are and how they relate to others.

Through TenTen’s Life to the Full programme, Relationships Education is taught in a way that is faithful to Catholic teaching, age-appropriate and rooted in Gospel values. Children learn about family life, friendship, respect, responsibility and safety in ways that promote dignity, empathy and inclusion.

Themes are revisited as pupils move through the school so learning develops gradually over time. As children mature, they begin to consider more complex ideas, including media influence, rights and responsibilities, and how our choices affect others.

 

PSHE across the school

In the Early Years, children learn about relationships, routines, emotions, sharing and safety. Through stories, role-play and guided discussion, pupils begin to understand themselves and how they can care for others. Activities help children develop positive friendships, confidence and self-awareness.

As children move into Key Stage 1, they build a clearer sense of belonging: within their families, the class, the school and the parish. They begin to describe feelings using everyday language, explore how to solve small problems with increasing independence and learn how to stay safe in different situations.

In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their understanding of physical and emotional health, relationships, diversity and global citizenship. They begin to apply this knowledge to more complex scenarios: changing friendships, safety online, stereotypes, democracy and conflict resolution. Puberty is taught before Year 6 so children develop confidence and understanding as they grow.

 

Personal development and wellbeing

Children learn how to look after their physical and emotional health, recognise changes in themselves and others, and understand how lifestyle choices influence wellbeing. They explore sleep, exercise, healthy eating and hygiene, and learn simple ways to manage feelings. Work on growth mindset helps pupils view mistakes as opportunities to learn and builds perseverance and confidence.

Our use of the Zones of Regulation helps pupils recognise emotional states, understand triggers and develop strategies to support regulation. Staff model calm responses and help children practise strategies during the school day so they can use them independently over time.

 

Relationships, community and citizenship

Relationships Education helps children understand what makes a healthy, respectful relationship. They learn how to build friendships, resolve disagreements kindly and seek help when needed. Children also explore what it means to belong to different communities — their families, school, parish and wider society. Through this, they recognise the role they play in supporting others and living out Gospel values of service, kindness and dignity.

As children grow older, pupils learn about rights and responsibilities, British values, fairness and the role of democracy. They explore diversity, challenge stereotypes and consider how to contribute positively to society. Opportunities such as Parliament Week help children discuss ideas, listen to alternative views and understand how collective decisions are made.

These ideas are strengthened by practical experiences across the year. Pupils take part in activities such as community litter-picks, fundraising for charities, and intergenerational events with local residents. Connections with the parish and wider community help children see how their actions have real impact and deepen their understanding of social responsibility. Through these experiences, children grow in confidence, integrity and compassion, recognising that every person is made in the image of God.

 

Living in the wider world: money, careers and aspiration

From the early years onward, pupils begin to learn about money in simple ways: what it is for, needs and wants, spending and saving. As pupils move up the school, they explore budgeting, responsible choices and the impact of charitable giving.

Children also begin to explore the world of work. Through discussion, real-life examples and curriculum links, they learn about different roles, the skills people need and the ways their own gifts and talents might open opportunities in the future. This early careers learning encourages children to recognise their strengths and aspirations and understand how they can contribute to society.

 

Enrichment and shared experience

Across the year, shared events help children connect learning to the wider world.
These include:

• Anti-Bullying Week
• Odd Socks Day
• Feeling Good Week
• Parliament Week
• Safer Internet Day
• Black History Month
• Mission Week

These opportunities support children in reflecting on diversity, equality, justice, wellbeing and service to others. Prayer, worship and Catholic Social Teaching weave through these experiences, strengthening links between faith and action.

 

Supporting all children

Some children benefit from additional guidance to help them understand and manage emotions, develop friendships or build confidence. Support may include small-group sessions, 1:1 time with an adult, visual supports, sensory regulation tools, social stories or structured check-ins. Our inclusive approach ensures every child feels understood, valued and supported to thrive.

 

Continuing the journey

Through PSHE and Citizenship, children learn about themselves, their relationships and their role as members of a community. By the time they leave Our Lady of the Rosary, they are growing into thoughtful, compassionate young people with the knowledge, confidence and values to flourish in the next stage of their lives and contribute positively to the world.