Welcome to our PSHE page
At St Matthew's we teach PSHE and RSE using the Kapow scheme of work.
Content and Coverage
At St Matthew's the Kapow scheme aims to give children the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that they need to effectively navigate the complexities of life in the 21st Century.
The curriculum covers key areas which will support children to make informed choices now and in the future around their health, safety, wellbeing, relationships, and financial matters and will support them in becoming confident individuals and active members of society.
Kapow Primary’s RSE/PSHE scheme of work covers the Relationships and Health Education statutory guidance (as set out by the Department for Education), including the non-statutory sex education.
The Kapow Primary scheme does not specifically cover gender identity, although identity is a theme that runs through all year groups and units more generally. Gender identity does not form part of the National curriculum, and we would advise teachers and school leaders to refer to their own school’s policies and procedures when considering how to address sensitivities within this area.
Quality PSHE and RSE teaching is an important element in helping schools to carry out their duty of care with regards to safeguarding. The DfE’s statutory ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education (Sep 2020)’ guidance states that ‘Governing bodies and proprietors should ensure that children are taught about safeguarding, including online safety. Schools should consider this as part of providing a broad and balanced curriculum’. In response to the child-on-child abuse updates to Section 5 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, 2022), our curriculum introduces and revisits ideas of personal boundaries, consent and communicating our boundaries with others. This prepares pupils for the challenges and responsibilities they will face in the future.
The lessons are divided up into three overarching themes:
• Families and relationships
• Health and wellbeing
• Safety and the changing body
Below is a summary of some of the areas covered within each theme:
Families and relationships
• How to form and maintain friendships
• Importance of family
• Different types of families
• Dealing with problems in friendships
• Online relationships, including staying safe
• Stereotyping
Health and wellbeing
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Healthy eating
• Physical activity
• Dental health
• Importance of sleep
• Medicines
• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• First aid
Safety and the changing body
• Online safety
• Safety around adults
• Understanding their body
• Physical changes during puberty
• Emotional changes during puberty
• Asking for help when needed
The lessons will give children the opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of the topic. They will also be able to explore their feelings and ideas about topics and listen to the views of other people. The overall aim is for children to be able to make their informed choices and decisions.
For further information about our PSHE and RSE curriculum please contact the school office.