Personal, Social and Health Education

Personal, Social and Health Education is a key subject at Castleton. It is all about learning who we are and about the world around us. This golden thread is weaved into everything we do in school from assemblies to PSHE lessons or residential stays to days out.

PSHE intent at Castleton

We want all our children to reach their potential by being strong, positive members of the school and wider community. Our children will know how to lead healthy lives and deal with the challenges of life in a positive and proactive manner. We want our children to have high aspirations, belief in their selves and know that everything is possible with the right attitude.

“Our vision is to create a school community where children engage in their learning, achieve their full potential and are positive members of our community…”

How we Implement PSHE at Castleton

PSHE is delivered as a weekly subject but also through everything we do at school. Most of the lessons are taken from You, Me, PSHE which is a scheme of work designed for children in primary school. This is supplemented with lessons from Mindmate which focuses on mental health and wellbeing. We also have a range of visitors that work alongside us to deliver lessons and assemblies. These include- NSPCC, Dog’s Trust, HMP Not For Me, Positive Futures, West Yorkshire Police, Mr Shapeshifter, Mini First Aid and the Canal and River’s Trust.

Many of the topics are based around stories. Children are encouraged to listen to their peers and to share their ideas and own experiences. Evidence for this subject is gathered in a variety of ways including- thought bubbles, comic strips, diamond 9 activities, drama/ role play and writing about their thoughts and feelings.

The unit overview shows what each year group at Castleton will cover however additional lessons may be added to address any specific issues within classes.

The Impact of PSHE at Castleton

We firmly believe that a meaningful PSHE curriculum is the key to children becoming confident, tolerant and well-rounded adults. Children can approach a range of real- life situations and apply their skills and attributes to help navigate themselves through modern life. From exposure to a range of global issues and problems, children can build up tolerance and a sense of responsibility of being a global citizen. From engagement with a wide variety of stories, children can understand the different lifestyles that people may live and be respectful and tolerant towards those leading different lives to themselves.