Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education (PSHCE)
What does it mean at Sandfield?
Personal: Developing self-awareness, learning to manage emotions, and understanding how to keep yourself safe
Social: Recognising your value in the world, collaborating effectively with others, and showing respect for diverse communities.
Health: Understanding what it means to live healthily, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and making informed choices.
Citizenship: Understanding your role in society, learning about rights and responsibilities and contributing positively to your community.
Education: Learning through a variety of experiences, expressing different viewpoints, and applying these lessons to real-life situations.
At Sandfield Primary School, PSHCE is taught across the school in a variety of engaging and meaningful ways. Through dedicated lessons, as well as school trips, assemblies, guest visitors, and community links, we actively promote the development of children’s spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) understanding, alongside fostering acceptance and respect for others.
Why do we teach it?
Our PSHCE curriculum is designed to equip children with the essential knowledge, skills, and attributes, such as resilience, risk management, teamwork, and critical thinking that help keep them safe and healthy, both now and in the future. We aim for every child to leave Sandfield with a strong sense of belonging and the confidence to navigate life’s challenges. We also prepare them for the wider world by helping them understand what it means to live and work in modern Britain.
How do we teach it?
At Sandfield, we follow the One Decision PSHCE scheme, known for its engaging and effective approach to personal development and wellbeing. Children benefit from interactive videos, structured lesson guides, and clear progress tracking, all aligned with statutory RSHE guidance.
In Early Years, children work towards Early Learning Goals, particularly in personal, social, and emotional development. These are achieved through play and experiences rooted in the local community, helping children understand themselves as individuals.
In Key Stage 1, we build on these foundations by teaching essential social skills such as turn-taking, sharing, helping others, and resolving conflicts. In Key Stage 2, pupils receive one hour of PSHCE each week, alongside RE lessons and assemblies that broaden their understanding of the wider world. Across all stages, we encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and connections between classroom learning and real-life experiences.
What We Teach at Sandfield Primary School
Democracy and the Rule of Law Each year, children elect class representatives for the Junior Leadership Team (JLT), learning about democracy through manifestos, campaigns, and ballots. Classes also create charters based on rights and responsibilities, promoting respect and accountability.
Environmental Awareness We teach sustainability by exploring the impact of unsustainable living locally and globally right from Early Years. Children are encouraged to suggest eco-friendly improvements within school, helping us work toward becoming a more sustainable community.
Digital Literacy In our Apple distinguished school, children learn to be responsible digital citizens, understanding online safety, respectful behaviour and how to respond to cyberbullying. Parent workshops are offered throughout the year to support digital learning at home.
Money Matters Our finance unit prepares children for life in modern Britain, covering budgeting, financial inequalities, and the role of charities like Fairtrade in addressing global poverty.
Celebrating Differences We promote self-worth and acceptance, encouraging children to challenge stereotypes and respect diversity. Our multicultural community is celebrated throughout the curriculum.
Drugs Education Age-appropriate lessons explore the differences between medicines and illegal substances, including smoking and alcohol. Children learn about risky behaviour and how to resist peer pressure.
Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) SRE is tailored to each year group and covers body changes, healthy relationships and staying safe. Lessons are timed with transition activities to support end-of-year changes.
SRE is taught sensitively, with full parental access to materials and objectives. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from any content not covered by the National Curriculum Science Programme of Study.
For more information about our PSHCE curriculum, please speak directly with your child’s class teacher or contact our PSHCE lead.
Useful website links for PSHE:
