PSHE at Co-op Academy Medlock 

“It is vital that when educating our children's brains, we do not neglect to educate their hearts,”

Dalai Lama 

 

Intent

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) is an integral part of the broad and balanced curriculum at Co-op Academy Medlock. It supports the personal, social, moral, and emotional development of all pupils, enabling them to become confident, responsible, and well-rounded citizens. We believe every child should have opportunities to develop self-awareness, empathy, and resilience, and to understand their own values, beliefs, and attitudes while respecting those of others.

Our PSHE curriculum, supported by the Kapow PSHE and RSE scheme, empowers pupils to make safe, informed, and healthy choices throughout their lives. It helps them develop knowledge, skills, and understanding across key areas, including physical and mental health, relationships, personal safety, economic wellbeing, and citizenship. Pupils are encouraged to think critically about their role in the community and society, preparing them to contribute positively to the world around them.

We value the diversity of our school community and ensure it is reflected throughout our PSHE curriculum. Pupils explore different family structures, identities, and cultural perspectives, developing a deep understanding of themselves and others. Through this, they learn to appreciate diversity, challenge stereotypes, and act with empathy and respect.

 

Implementation

PSHE is taught using the comprehensive Kapow PSHE and RSE scheme. Lessons are carefully sequenced to ensure progression and coverage across Key Stages 1 and 2, building on prior learning and preparing pupils for the next stage of their education. These lessons are supplemented by weekly ‘Community Conversations’ where classes explore and discuss issues affecting themselves, their community and the wider world. 

In the Early Years, pupils begin to explore themselves, their emotions, and their relationships with others through structured activities and play-based learning. They develop the foundations of social skills, emotional literacy, and respect for others, supported through guided interactions and child-initiated experiences.

Throughout Key Stages 1 and 2, the curriculum builds on these foundations using progressive medium-term planning. Units are structured around key themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, Living in the Wider World, and RSE (Relationships and Sex Education). Pupils explore topics such as personal safety, mental and physical health, managing emotions, friendships, and understanding their rights and responsibilities.

The curriculum prioritises active and reflective learning. Pupils engage in discussions, role-play, scenario-based activities, and collaborative projects that develop communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Kapow PSHE resources provide guidance for sensitive and age-appropriate teaching, ensuring pupils gain confidence to express opinions, ask questions, and respond thoughtfully to complex issues.

Reading, vocabulary development, and the use of real-life case studies are embedded throughout PSHE lessons, helping pupils articulate their understanding and connect learning to their lives. Links are made to other curriculum areas, such as English, History, Science, and RSE, reinforcing learning across subjects.

Impact

Assessment in PSHE is ongoing and formative. Teachers use observations, discussions, and reflections to gauge pupil understanding and social development. Progress is tracked through pupil responses, discussions, and practical outcomes at the end of a unit children complete a ‘knowledge catcher’. 

Through PSHE, pupils develop confidence, resilience, and empathy. They learn to make safe, informed, and ethical choices, understand the consequences of their actions, and develop positive relationships with peers and adults. Pupils actively engage with topics, demonstrate responsible citizenship, and apply learning to real-life situations.

By the time pupils leave Co-op Academy Medlock, they are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of modern life, understanding themselves, respecting others, and contributing positively to their communities and the wider world.