PSHE

At Ribbon Academy, we believe that Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education plays a fundamental role in preparing children for life beyond primary school.

Our PSHE curriculum helps children develop the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to thrive as confident, responsible and respectful members of society. Through carefully sequenced learning, pupils develop an understanding of themselves, their relationships, their communities and the wider world around them. 

We aim to equip children with the confidence to make informed decisions, build positive relationships, manage challenges and contribute positively to modern Britain.

Our curriculum is designed to develop both:

• Substantive knowledge – the important concepts, information and understanding children need about relationships, health, wellbeing, citizenship, communities and the wider world.
• Disciplinary knowledge – the skills needed to reflect, discuss, debate, evaluate, make decisions and participate positively in society.

Learning is carefully sequenced from Early Years through to Year 6, allowing children to revisit key themes and deepen their understanding as they mature and develop. [ribbonacademy.org.uk]

Using the principles of the Jigsaw programme, alongside guidance from the PSHE Association, our curriculum is adapted to reflect the needs of our pupils and the ever-changing world in which they live.

At Ribbon Academy, PSHE is about far more than a weekly lesson.

Our curriculum supports children to develop:

• Self-awareness.
• Confidence and self-esteem.
• Emotional literacy.
• Resilience and perseverance.
• Communication skills.
• Empathy and understanding.
• Independence and responsibility. 

These personal qualities help children to flourish both academically and personally throughout their school journey and beyond.

We believe that positive relationships and emotional wellbeing underpin successful learning and personal development.

Through age-appropriate teaching, children learn about:

• Friendships and relationships.
• Respect and kindness.
• Physical health and wellbeing.
• Mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Personal safety.
• Healthy lifestyles.
• Online relationships and digital wellbeing.

Our curriculum provides children with practical strategies to manage challenges, seek support when needed and make healthy choices.

At Ribbon Academy, we are proud of our commitment to inclusion, equality and respect.

PSHE provides opportunities for children to explore:

• Protected Characteristics.
• Equality and diversity.
• Identity and belonging.
• Stereotypes and discrimination.
• Human rights and social justice.
• Respect for different cultures, faiths and backgrounds. 

These themes help pupils develop an understanding of modern Britain and prepare them to participate positively in a diverse society.

We believe every child should feel that their voice matters.

Through our PSHE curriculum and wider school experiences, children learn about:

• Democracy.
• Citizenship.
• Rights and responsibilities.
• Community participation.
• Leadership.
• Social action and positive change. 

Children are encouraged to recognise that they can make a difference both within school and beyond.

Children play an active role in shaping school life.

Opportunities include:

• Ribbon Parliament
• Ribbon Radio
• The Ribbon Podcast
• Leadership opportunities across school
• Charity and community projects 

Through these experiences, pupils develop confidence, leadership skills and an understanding of democratic participation.

Our PSHE curriculum is closely linked to our school values:

• Resilience
• Excellence
• Self-Awareness
• Positivity
• Empathy
• Communication
• Teamwork 

These values are explicitly taught, modelled and celebrated throughout school life, helping children understand what it means to be a positive member of the Ribbon community.

Personal development happens throughout the school day.

Alongside PSHE lessons, children benefit from a wide range of experiences that support wellbeing, inclusion and social development, including:

• Nurture provision.
• Lunchtime enrichment opportunities.
• Sports and activity programmes.
• Community projects.
• Celebration events.
• Leadership opportunities.
• Charity and fundraising initiatives. 

These experiences provide meaningful opportunities for children to apply their learning in real-life contexts.

Personal development happens throughout the school day.

Alongside PSHE lessons, children benefit from a wide range of experiences that support wellbeing, inclusion and social development, including:

• Nurture provision.
• Lunchtime enrichment opportunities.
• Sports and activity programmes.
• Community projects.
• Celebration events.
• Leadership opportunities.
• Charity and fundraising initiatives. 

These experiences provide meaningful opportunities for children to apply their learning in real-life contexts.

Personal, social and emotional development is at the heart of learning in Nursery and Reception.

Children begin by learning how to:

• Build relationships.
• Understand and manage feelings.
• Share and cooperate with others.
• Develop independence.
• Make safe choices.
• Understand similarities and differences.

These experiences provide the foundations for future PSHE learning throughout school.

We believe every child should be able to engage fully with PSHE learning.

Lessons are designed to be inclusive, respectful and accessible to all pupils. Through discussion, reflection, storytelling and real-life scenarios, every child is supported to develop their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

We want every child to leave Ribbon Academy as a young person who:

• Understands themselves and their emotions.
• Builds positive and respectful relationships.
• Makes informed and responsible choices.
• Values diversity and inclusion.
• Contributes positively to their community.
• Demonstrates the RESPECT values in everyday life.
• Is prepared for the opportunities and challenges of modern life.