Curriculum Intent

At The Drive Primary School, we aim to provide a high-quality PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education that equips children with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to thrive both now and in the future. Through a rich, engaging and inclusive curriculum, we encourage pupils to develop confidence, resilience, independence and a strong sense of self-worth.

We want children to understand how to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy, build positive relationships, manage challenges and make informed decisions. Through meaningful discussions and reflective learning opportunities, pupils develop empathy, respect and an appreciation of diversity, enabling them to become caring and responsible members of society.

Our PSHE curriculum reflects our school values of being caring, tolerant, honest, hardworking and self-disciplined. It supports pupils in understanding their rights and responsibilities and prepares them to become active, informed citizens in modern Britain. We follow the KAPOW scheme of work for PSHE and have tailored our content to the wider demographics of our local area. 

PSHE also promotes our RESPECT values, encouraging children to think carefully, persevere when facing challenges, value others and develop positive attitudes towards themselves and the wider world.

---

Implementation

At The Drive Primary School, PSHE is taught through a carefully planned and progressive curriculum that builds pupils' knowledge, skills and understanding from Early Years through to Year 6. Learning is sequenced to ensure children revisit and build upon key concepts throughout their school journey.

Our PSHE curriculum focusses on these core themes:

• My healthy self
• Connecting with others
• The online world
• Citizenship 
• Growing up

Through these themes, children develop an understanding of:

• Physical and mental health
• Emotional wellbeing
• Healthy lifestyles
• Safety and risk management
• Friendships and positive relationships
• Respect and diversity
• Citizenship and community
• Economic wellbeing and aspirations

Through discussion, reflection and practical activities, pupils are encouraged to explore important issues, share their opinions respectfully and develop strategies for managing different situations they may encounter in life.

Our lessons incorporate the Kagan cooperative learning approach, ensuring all pupils are actively involved through structured discussion, teamwork and collaborative learning opportunities. By listening to others and sharing their own ideas, children develop important communication, social and emotional skills.

Learning is enhanced through assemblies, themed events, visitors, workshops, community links and awareness campaigns that provide meaningful real-life contexts for learning. These experiences help pupils develop confidence, independence and a deeper understanding of themselves and others.

Throughout their PSHE learning, pupils are encouraged to demonstrate RESPECT values by:

Respect

Valuing themselves and others, celebrating differences and treating everyone with kindness and fairness.

Empathy

Understanding and recognising the feelings, perspectives and experiences of others.

Self-Awareness

Reflecting on their own thoughts, feelings, behaviours and personal strengths.

Passion & Positivity

Approaching challenges with optimism, confidence and a growth mindset.

Excellence

Taking responsibility for their choices and striving to make positive decisions that support their wellbeing and success.

Communication

Expressing thoughts and feelings clearly, listening actively and engaging in respectful discussions.

Teamwork

Working cooperatively, supporting others and contributing positively to school and community life.

 

SMSC and PSHE

PSHE provides valuable opportunities for pupils to develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding, helping them become respectful, responsible and active citizens.

Teaching is inclusive, adaptive and supportive to ensure all pupils can participate fully and achieve success. Staff create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel valued, listened to and supported. Sensitive topics are taught in an age-appropriate manner, enabling pupils to develop confidence and understanding while feeling secure in their learning.

---

The Impact of PSHE

Through our PSHE curriculum, children develop:

• A strong understanding of physical, emotional and mental wellbeing
• The confidence to express their thoughts, feelings and opinions appropriately
• Positive relationship skills and an understanding of healthy friendships
• Strategies for managing challenges, risks and change
• Respect for diversity, equality and inclusion
• Resilience, independence and self-confidence
• An understanding of their role as responsible citizens within school and the wider community
• The knowledge and skills needed to make safe, informed and healthy choices

We see the impact of our curriculum through children who:

• Demonstrate positive attitudes towards themselves and others
• Show increasing emotional literacy and self-awareness
• Build and maintain positive relationships with peers and adults
• Communicate confidently and respectfully
• Make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing and safety
• Show empathy, compassion and respect for different perspectives and experiences
• Engage positively in school life and contribute to the wider community
• Demonstrate resilience, independence and curiosity through the use of our Drive Learning Muscles

By the time they leave The Drive Primary School, pupils are confident, respectful and responsible young people who understand how to look after their wellbeing, build positive relationships and make a positive contribution to society. They leave with the knowledge, skills and values needed to navigate life's opportunities and challenges as successful lifelong learners and citizens.

Supporting All Learners

At The Drive Primary School, our PSHE curriculum is fully inclusive, ensuring that every pupil, including those with SEND, can access, engage with and succeed in their learning. Teachers carefully adapt lessons through appropriate scaffolding, flexible teaching approaches, visual support, pre-teaching of key vocabulary and targeted adult support where required. Learning is designed to be ambitious for all, with high expectations maintained for every child whilst recognising and responding to individual needs. Through a nurturing, supportive and adaptive curriculum, pupils develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging. Opportunities for discussion, collaborative learning and personal reflection ensure that all pupils can participate meaningfully and have their voices heard. By creating a safe and inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and barriers to learning are identified and addressed, we enable every child to flourish, make progress from their starting points and achieve their full potential.

Pupil Voice 

"PSHE helps me to be a better friend and kind to people I love"-Year 2

"I have enjoyed celebrating everyone and differences and I know differences are to be celebrated" - Year 5

"I know who my trusted adults are who I can trust to help me"- Year 3

"It is important to keep us safe, and this is really important when you are online. I know what to do if I see something online that is not safe"- Year 4