QIS believes that much of what takes place in school contributes to the personal and social development of young people. Alongside academic and intellectual development, it is essential that the school should concern itself with the personal, social and emotional development of its students. By its very nature, Personal, Social and Health education (PSHE) permeates the whole curriculum. PSHE in its broadest sense is part of every student’s entitlement through a curriculum that promotes these ends.
Themes in PSHE
In the Primary School, PSHE is taught weekly in the form of a stand-alone lesson. Each term, learning in PSHE focuses on a different theme. These are:
- Health and wellbeing
- Relationships
- Living in the wider world.
Within individual year groups from Years 1-6, students are taught a range of learning objectives under an overall umbrella of each of the above themes.
Mental health lessons
In addition, QIS recognises the importance and value of teaching students from a young age about their mental health. Therefore, within our PSHE curriculum, students in Years 1-6 are engaged in lessons which focus on promoting positive mental wellbeing. Research shows that talking with children about mental health can help reduce feelings of stigma and judgement about mental illness as they grow older. This can help them and those around them develop mental well being, and encourage them to seek help for their mental health, should they ever need to.
What’s on my mind? Year 6 students created artwork to demonstrate and express their preferences which contribute to making them unique individuals.
Ground rules
At the start of the year, before PSHE lessons begin, each class creates a set of ground rules. Ground rules are fundamental to creating and maintaining a safe teaching and learning environment. Establishing a safe learning environment for both students and teacher is important for PSHE education lessons, especially those focusing on mental health and emotional wellbeing. Students create these rules collaboratively with their peers and they are displayed in the classroom throughout the year and referred to at the start of PSHE lessons or as required.
