RE, PSHE and Careers Related Learning

Religious Education

Intent

At Ormiston Cliff Park Primary Academy, we understand that pupils must be provided with an education that prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. A key part of this relates to relationships education and health education, which must be delivered to every primary-aged pupil. Primary Academies also have the option to decide whether pupils are taught relationships and sex (RSE) education.

Relationships education focuses on giving pupils the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships, and to build their self-efficacy. Health education focusses on equipping pupils with the knowledge they need to make good decisions about their own health and wellbeing. We understand our responsibility to deliver a high-quality, age-appropriate and evidence-based relationships education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health curriculum for all our pupils.

Implementation

The academy has organised a curriculum that is age-appropriate for pupils within each year group, based on the views of teachers, parents/carers and pupils, and considers the age and development of pupils when deciding what will be taught in each year group.

Lessons are delivered with time for children to discuss opinions and feelings with their peers and guidelines are laid down on ensuring children demonstrate understanding towards each other.

When organising the curriculum, the religious backgrounds of all pupils will be considered, so that the topics that are covered are taught appropriately.

The academy plans a progressive curriculum, such that topics are built upon prior knowledge taught in previous years as they progress through school to provide a smooth transition to secondary school.

Impact

We are confident that the RSE curriculum is having a positive impact on the quality of learning. We know this because observations, learning walks, pupil’s work and outcomes demonstrate that:

Engagement of pupils in lessons is evident.

Pupils are acquiring specific and age-related knowledge.

Children are comfortable in sharing their feelings and opinions, and listen well to each other without making judgements. Pupils are exposed to appropriate vocabulary and are increasingly using it in their discussions Teaching is drawing on prior learning and learners are being supported to make links in knowledge acquired.

The school follows the outline of skills and learning expectations laid down in the Norfolk Agreed Syllabus for RE. We are committed to recognising and celebrating differences and diversity, and use the ‘Discovery RE’ program to support our teaching. This enquiry based approach makes RE exciting and engaging whilst developing children’s understanding of world faiths and their associated traditions and cultures. Each module also offers opportunities for the development of SMSC awareness and understanding of British values by linking children’s critical thinking skills alongside their knowledge of and empathy with people of different faiths.

Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE)

PSHE Education at Ormiston Cliff Park Primary Academy focuses on supporting children to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives now and in the future. As part of a whole school approach, it develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.

Our curriculum plan develops the following key concepts:

  • Identity (their personal qualities, attitudes, skills, attributes and achievements and what influences these)
  • Relationships (including different types and in different settings)
  • A healthy (including physically, emotionally and socially) balanced lifestyle (including within relationships, work-life, exercise and rest, spending and saving and diet)
  • Risk (identification, assessment and how to manage risk rather than simply the avoidance of risk for self and others) and safety (including behaviour and strategies to employ in different settings)
  • Diversity and equality (in all its forms)
  • Rights (including the notion of universal human rights), responsibilities (including fairness and justice) and consent (in different contexts)
  • Change (as something to be managed) and resilience (the skills, strategies and ‘inner resources’ we can draw on when faced with challenging change or circumstance)
  • Power (how it is used and encountered in a variety of contexts including persuasion, bullying, negotiation and ‘win-win’ outcomes)
  • Career (including enterprise, employability and economic understanding)

Reding statement of intent, implementation and impact

Intent

At Ormiston Cliff Park Primary Academy, personal, social and health education (PSHE) enables our children to become healthy, independent and responsible members of a society. We feel it is an essential part of children’s education in order to help them to understand how they are developing personally and socially. We provide our children with a curriculum which offers opportunities for them to learn about rights and responsibilities and appreciate what it means to be a member of the diverse society in which we live.

Local rates in obesity, teenage pregnancy and diabetes remain higher than the national average, whilst the age of mortality is falling. This must influence our teaching and commitment to ensuring all children, regardless of ability or background, understand the role that health education, relationship and sex education and British Values play in their future life. Our curriculum, high expectations and use of role models will actively promote children in becoming fair, tolerant and confident adults in a forever challenging world.

The cumulative curriculum ensures the requirements of the National Curriculum are met, while being reinforced by an extensive range of school wide charitable events, both local and national, visitors, themed assemblies and celebration opportunities.

Implementation

Our PSHE curriculum ensures children have the opportunity to apply the skills of oracy, reading and auracy, along with reinforcing our school wide commitment to developing children’s’ knowledge and cultural capital.

Lessons will be taught weekly, with links to other curriculum areas where appropriate.

Coverage of the curriculum will be embedded through assemblies, and school wide events such as themed weeks or days. Where possible, visitors will be invited into school to ensure pupils have first-hand experience from other adults.

Staff will ensure subject matter is age appropriate, and learning is presented in a safe and enjoyable manner, offering challenge, focus and high expectations.

We recognise there are always occasions where teachers may feel it necessary to teach PSHE as a result of an issue arisen in their own class when appropriate. Similarly, cross curricular links will be made where they have the greatest impact.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

We want all children to grow up healthy, happy, safe, and able to manage the challenges and opportunities of modern Britain. That is why, from September 2020, all primary age children will be taught Relationships and Sex Education. These subjects are designed to equip your child with knowledge to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships as well as preparing them for a successful adult life.

RSE is taught within the PSHE curriculum, with biological aspects taught within science lessons.

Careers Related Learning

CP Primary Careers Education vision statement

At Ormiston Cliff Park Primary Academy, we recognise the importance of careers related learning in raising the aspirations of our children. Through our careers programme we aim to inspire pupils, broaden horizons, increase self-esteem, and challenge stereotypes. We ensure that by the time our pupils leave OCPPA they are well equipped and ambitious for the next stage in their education.

How we achieve our aims:

Our whole school approach to the teaching of careers related learning, comprises:

  • The explicit teaching of Careers Education within the PSHE curriculum.
  • Regular whole-school focus on Careers Related Learning with the aim of raising aspirations.
  • Regular enrichment opportunities which develop the interests, skills and character of our children, vital for future employment.
  • Giving our children the opportunity to develop key employability skills, through the School Council and associated pupil committees, play leaders and Enterprise Groups.
  • A bespoke transition programme is used to support our KS2 pupils with moving onto secondary education.
  • Children are offered a range of trips and workshops to support with STEM and higher education opportunities.
  • A careers stamp is used in children’s books to identify career discussions and ;earing opportunities.
  • Visits and visitors form a large part of our curriculum giving pupils real life, authentic experiences.