“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
Aristotle

At Cavendish Church of England Primary School, we believe that Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education plays a vital role in supporting pupils’ personal development, wellbeing and understanding of the world around them. Our PSHE and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) curriculum is designed to help pupils become healthy, respectful and responsible members of society, now and in the future.

We follow the Kapow Primary PSHE and RSE curriculum, which is fully aligned with statutory guidance and the National Curriculum. The curriculum provides a carefully sequenced and age-appropriate programme of learning that supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, while reflecting our school values and ethos.

PSHE learning is organised into clear themes that are revisited and built upon as pupils move through the school. These include Families and Relationships, Health and Wellbeing, Safety and the Changing Body, Citizenship, and Economic Wellbeing. This structured approach ensures that pupils develop knowledge and skills progressively, with opportunities to revisit key concepts and deepen their understanding over time.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children begin to develop personal, social and emotional skills through learning about friendships, feelings, routines and self-care. In Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils build on this foundation by exploring increasingly complex themes, including positive relationships, emotional wellbeing, personal safety, and the changes associated with growing up. RSE is taught sensitively and appropriately, ensuring pupils feel safe, respected and confident to ask questions.

Lessons provide opportunities for discussion, reflection and the development of communication skills, enabling pupils to express their thoughts and feelings respectfully. Teaching is inclusive and promotes equality, helping pupils to understand diversity and develop empathy for others.

Teachers are supported by high-quality planning, guidance and resources provided through Kapow Primary, ensuring consistency of delivery and confidence in teaching sensitive topics. Key vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited. Pupil understanding and personal development are monitored through discussion, pupil voice and reflective activities, which inform future teaching and ensure all pupils are supported to thrive.

As a result of our PSHE and RSE curriculum, pupils leave Cavendish with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to manage relationships, look after their physical and mental health, and make informed choices. They develop confidence, resilience and respect for themselves and others, preparing them well for life beyond primary school.