At Waltham Holy Cross Primary Academy, we believe that personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) and Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) enable our children to become healthy, independent and responsible members of a society.
We aim to help them understand how they are developing personally and socially, and tackle many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. PSHE/RSE is at the heart of our school ethos.
We are dedicated to ensuring that the school is a happy, stimulating and caring place and we expect high standards of behaviour and good manners throughout the school. Behaviour and attitudes to learning are underpinned by values taught through PSHE/RSE lessons and are integral to the success of the whole school.
We teach PSHE/RSE in a variety of ways. My Happy Mind is an NHS-backed programme which focuses on science-based, preventative habits that support and promote good mental health in all children. MyHappyMind is delivered over 5 modules, Meet Your Brain, Celebrate, Appreciate, Relate and Engage. We further teach the PSHE/RSE curriculum through ‘The Jigsaw’ scheme, which is taught in all classes from Reception to Y6.
What is PSHE/RSE Education?
PSHE Education (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) is a planned programme of learning through which children and young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to successfully manage their lives – now and in the future. As part of a whole-school approach, PSHE Education develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.
What do schools have to teach in PSHE Education?
According to the National Curriculum, every school needs to have a broad and balanced curriculum that:
• promotes the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school;
• prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life;
• promotes British values.
From September 2020, primary schools in England also need to teach Relationships and Health Education as compulsory subjects and the Department for Education strongly recommends this should also include age-appropriate Sex Education.
Schools also have statutory responsibilities to safeguard their pupils (Keeping Children Safe in Education, DfE, 2019) and to uphold the Equality Act (2010).
Both My Happy Mind and The Jigsaw Programmes supports all.
What is MyHappymind?
We are proud to be a part of the myHappymind Family!
As a whole school programme grounded in science and dedicated to building positive mental wellbeing, myHappymind helps children understand how their brains work and creates a culture that helps to build children's resilience, confidence, and self-esteem. myHappymind also teaches the children how to self-regulate and manage their emotions in stressful times, allowing them to be their very best selves!
MyHappyMind is an NHS-backed curriculum in primary schools, secondary schools, and nurseries and is focused on building resilience, self-esteem, and happiness in children. The programme is an award-winning programme that has received national recognition for its exceptional work in schools, nurseries, families, and organisations across the UK. It is backed by NHS using preventative strategies firmly rooted in science, research, and the fields of neuroscience and positive psychology.
MyHappymind is taught over the year and split into five modules.
More information on the programme can be found here:
What is Jigsaw, the mindful approach to PSHE, and how does it work?
Jigsaw is a whole-school approach which embodies a positive philosophy, creative teaching, with learning activities to nurture children’s development as compassionate and well-rounded human beings as well as building their capacity to learn.
Jigsaw is a comprehensive and completely original PSHE Education programme (lesson plans and teaching resources) for the whole primary school from ages 3-11 (12 in Scotland). Written by teachers and grounded in sound psychology, it also includes all the statutory requirements for Relationships and Health Education. Sex Education is also included in the Changing Me Puzzle (unit) during Years 5 and 6.
Jigsaw has two main aims for all children:
• To build their capacity for learning
• To equip them for life
Jigsaw brings together PSHE Education, compulsory Relationships and Health Education, emotional literacy, mindfulness, social skills and spiritual development. It is designed as a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (Puzzle) at the same time at their own level. All lessons are delivered in an age and stage appropriate way so that they meet children’s needs.
Jigsaw Information for Parents
This is a short article outlining what the JIGSAW programme has to offer. It explains briefly what is taught in each ‘piece’ and how mindfulness is woven into each session.
Jigsaw RSE – A Guide for Parents
A details and very useful article explaining how RSE is taught through JIGSAW. The leaflet breaks down what is statutory, what is taught through science and what is taught in each year group. It explains why children need to know about relationships, puberty and human reproduction. There is also a great section which gives you tips on how to talk to your child about these issues at home.
Jigsaw LGBTQ parent leaflet
Relationships education is now statutory. This leaflet explains why the inclusion of LGBTQ resources and discussions are so important to ensure all children feel included and accepted. It explains the benefits of teaching children to accept difference and to foster good relationships with others. on the flip side it shows children how language can be manipulated to cause offence deliberately or accidentally.
The leaflet explains how LGBTQ issues are addressed in lessons, shows resources that may be used and has a really useful question and answer section advising parents and teachers how to respond to questions around the LGBTQ community.
At Waltham Holy Cross we cover all of the DFEs PSHE/RSE objectives. Further information on this can be found here: