Benton Dene Schools

Benton Dene Schools

PSHE and RSE

“Personal, social, health and economic education is an important and necessary part of all pupils’ education. To embrace the challenges of creating a happy and successful adult life, pupils need knowledge that will enable them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships and to build their self-efficacy. Pupils can also put this knowledge into practice as they develop the capacity to make sound decisions when facing risks, challenges and complex contexts. PSHE can support young people to develop resilience, to know how and when to ask for help, and to know where to access support.” (DfE, 2019)

Intent
At Benton Dene School, personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education enables our children to become healthy, independent and responsible members of a society. It embeds the SCERTS framework and aims to help pupils understand how they are developing emotionally, personally and socially; whilst developing their self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. PSHE also tackles many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. Through our PSHE curriculum we aim to equip our pupils with financial literacy skills to help them lead independent lives. Our children are encouraged to develop their sense of self-worth by playing a positive role in contributing to school life and the wider community.

Implementation
Our PSHE curriculum is high quality, broad, balanced and is planned to demonstrate progression. As part of this planning and teaching process, PSHE is explicitly taught for an hour each week. Pre-planned Schemes of Work are followed, which outline knowledge (including vocabulary and texts), ensuring progression and depth. A contextualised curriculum is followed providing teaching and learning experiences that link learning in school, with learning at home and in the community.
The TALKABOUT skills package is followed alongside SCERTS by core ASD classes to embed social and emotional
aspects of learning.

Open learning activities such as circle time encourages pupil voice, discussion and debate and active and first-hand experiences engage pupils and enable them to apply their learning in alternative contexts. We provide our children with opportunities for them to learn about how to lead a healthy balanced lifestyle and how stay safe in the community and online. Children learn about their rights and responsibilities and begin to appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society.
In addition, we plan and organise enrichment opportunities that complement key campaigns throughout the year
such as Anti-bullying Week, Road Safety Week and Mental Health Awareness Day. Our weekly assemblies often have a link to PSHE, British Values and SMSC development.

Impact
As a result of our teaching, our pupils will develop a range of skills and strategies to live a healthy, safe, fulfilling, responsible and balanced life. They will be well equipped for their next stage in their education and life in modern Britain.
We measure the impact of our curriculum through:

  • pupil/teacher discussions about their learning,
  • the use of knowledge organisers
  • and through a ‘Life and Functional skills’ booklet descriptors, which follow pupils through school.
     
     
     

Blue 9 have been focussing on their wellbeing and how to keep their mental health in check. Take a look at the video below for some ideas!

The National Children's Bureau have published a guide for Mencap and the Sex Education Forum for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Click for the link.