The study of Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education (PSCHE) at Saint Christina’s School follows the belief that every child should have opportunities for improving their social and personal skills, increasing their awareness of democratic responsibilities and personal health.
Following QCA curriculum guidance and the Every Child Matters agenda, the study of PSCHE is a vital part of the curriculum in the Early Years and beyond. Foundation Stage children and staff work towards the desired learning outcomes in Personal, Social and Emotional Development. This underpins much of the progress of developing autonomy and personal responsibility that children begin to display from their earliest beginnings at Saint Christina’s School. All children from Year 1 onwards have formal timetabled PSCHE lessons each week in which pupil rights and responsibilities are valued with the aim of encouraging high levels of pupil participation, motivation and responsibility.
The PSCHE curriculum at Saint Christina’s School aims to develop a sense of individual and social well-being in our students. It encourages children to become more skilled, well informed and aware of the importance of learning. Qualities such as fairness, consideration, tolerance, caring and a sense of worth are also encouraged. Cross-curricular opportunities are provided in linking PSCHE with Religious Education, Drama, ICT and Literacy so that children engage with the content in a variety of learning contexts. In terms of health education in the study of PSCHE, bodily awareness, growth and change are taught in sympathy with the Catholic ethos of the school. Cross-curricular links to Science and Physical Education are achieved as children benefit from being taught about healthy eating, exercise, relaxation and rest, hygiene and personal safety.
Pupils at Saint Christina’s School are encouraged to think about and value the importance of a just and caring society and to participate in their school community as active and responsible citizens. Children take a leading role in weekly class masses, class assemblies and pastoral care initiatives, such as supporting charitable causes through fundraising, as community relationships and responsibilities are forged. Saint Christina's continues to foster relationships with rural and international schools including St. John's RC Catholic School Cornwall, the Ancillae Assumpta Academy in Philadelphia, USA and Szkola Podstawowa, Poland.
Children’s ability to engage with problems in a critical and constructive manner and to propose solutions to potential concerns is a key facet of the PSCHE curriculum at Saint Christina’s School. As they develop and strengthen their awareness of their individual identity, feelings and character; children gain life skills that enable them to take an active and valued role in their school community.
Miss Gabrielle Villani
Deputy Head Teacher and Subject Leader for PSCHE