PSHE
At Harper Bell SDA Primary School, our PSHE curriculum is delivered through myHappymind Plus, our whole-school PSHE programme from Reception to Year 6. It is carefully sequenced and progressive, enabling pupils to build the knowledge, skills, vocabulary and attitudes they need to lead healthy, safe, confident and fulfilling lives and to be well prepared for life in modern Britain.
Through PSHE, pupils develop their understanding of mental health and emotional regulation, physical health and wellbeing, relationships, personal strengths, resilience, gratitude, goal-setting, safety, citizenship and living in the wider world. Safeguarding is woven throughout the curriculum so that pupils learn how to recognise unsafe situations, understand boundaries, seek help, make informed choices and know that trusted adults are available to support them.
Our curriculum makes strong links to inclusion, equality and respect for others. Pupils are taught to value difference and to understand that people may have different families, cultures, beliefs, experiences, backgrounds, abilities and ways of life. They learn about protected characteristics, fundamental British values, mutual respect and tolerance, and are encouraged to listen to different viewpoints, challenge stereotypes appropriately and develop empathy for experiences beyond their own. This supports pupils to grow into respectful, open-minded and responsible members of a diverse society.
PSHE at Harper Bell is also responsive to the individual needs of our pupils. Teaching is adapted so that all pupils, including those with SEND and EAL, can access and participate meaningfully in learning. Teachers use observation, discussion, pupil voice and assessment to identify emerging needs, while pupils are also able to self-refer for pastoral support. Where appropriate, targeted pastoral interventions are provided in response to staff observations and identified pupil need, with support reviewed to ensure it is having a positive impact.
Our PSHE curriculum is closely connected to the Harper Bell Way and our values of Love, Learning and Laughter. We want every pupil to leave Harper Bell with a strong sense of self, an understanding and respect for different lives and experiences, positive relationships, the confidence to seek help when needed, and the knowledge and character to make safe, respectful and informed decisions throughout their lives.