PSHE
The Journey
At Shepherd Primary School the development of the children’s personal, social, health and economic education is an important part of the curriculum and the puzzles (topics) are taught on a weekly basis.
Jigsaw is a scheme that is described as a ‘mindful approach to PSHE’ and includes emotional literacy, social skills and spiritual development for all year groups. The scheme is child-focused and learning opportunities and experiences are age-appropriate. Children who are supported in their personal development, will often improve their capacity to learn and ultimately their life chances.
Classes from Nursery to Year 6 follow the Jigsaw scheme and use the ‘puzzle pieces’ and resources to deliver each topic. The Jigsaw Charter of respecting each other, is encouraged in all of the sessions as well as throughout the school day
Weekly sessions will often be class or group discussions with perhaps a class, group or individual activity. There are class folders that show what has been covered and learnt that week and may, for example, include a class mind map, collaborative work or an individual task.
The children follow six puzzles throughout the year on a half-termly basis and each year the same journey is followed but with progression and a deeper understanding for the different year groups. The six puzzles are:
- Being in my World
- Celebrating Differences
- Dreams and Goals
- Healthy Me
- Relationships
- Changing Me
Trophies and certificates are awarded in assemblies, on a half-termly basis to recognise those children who have particularly excelled in the topic for that half-term The new puzzle for the half-term is introduced in whole-school assemblies.
As well as the topics taught above, pupils are taught how to feel calm and how to be more mindful about things – this quiet ‘calm me’ time is incorporated into every Jigsaw lesson taught. Each PSHE Jigsaw lesson is split into three parts:
The Jigsaw Charter helps children to feel safe and respected
Connect Us is when children play some games
Calm Me time helps children to learn how to relax and manage their feelings
The Jigsaw scheme clearly maps out the progression through each year to ensure children have a deep understanding of each topic by the time they leave Year 6. Teachers adapt their plans to meet the needs of the specific cohort of pupils they are teaching or to address any current issues they may be facing. Each class adds to and maintains a JIGSAW portfolio of work throughout the year.
Teachers implement the scheme well and high levels of engagement are reported in all lessons.
Anti-Bullying Week
Each year in November, the whole school takes part in the national ‘Anti-Bullying Week’ campaign. The week usually starts with ‘Odd Socks Day’ where everyone is invited to wear odd socks to school. During the course of the week, adults in school make sure that pupils are taught the following:
The definition of bullying
How to be kind to others
How to report bullying
How to talk about their experiences and feelings
When and how to ask for help
That there are people who care and can help if they are struggling with a bullying-related issue
Children are taught at a level appropriate to their age and with a focus on the positive things they can do. As a final outcome, each class in the school is invited to make their ‘Anti-Bullying Week Pledge’ – a positive promise they create together as a class which they will stick to at all times.
Feeling Good Week
This takes place every school year in February and is a time for all members of our school community to participate in activities and discussions linked to ‘feeling good’. We usually invite outside agencies into school to deliver teaching sessions, such as yoga or drama workshops, with a focus on ‘feeling good’. We focus on mindfulness techniques and methods we can use to help us to manage our feelings and mental health in a positive way.