PSHCE at Burnt Oak Junior School

At Burnt Oak Junior School, we believe that Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) plays a vital role in helping our pupils grow into healthy, independent, and responsible members of society.

We place a strong emphasis on active learning, encouraging pupils to engage in discussions, investigations, and problem-solving activities that relate to real-life situations. This helps children to make meaningful connections between the classroom and the wider world.

At Burnt Oak, PSHCE is delivered through a carefully planned and developmental programme. We follow the Cambridgeshire Primary Personal Development Programme, a comprehensive scheme of work that includes high-quality teaching materials and resources. The curriculum is structured around key strands:

• Myself and My Relationships
• Healthy and Safer Lifestyles
• Citizenship
• Economic Wellbeing

In addition, we deliver enrichment units on important themes such as Body Image in Year 5 and E-Safety in Year 6. Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is also an essential part of our PSHCE provision, taught in an age-appropriate and inclusive way.

From the Foundation Stage through to Year 6, our PSHCE curriculum supports pupils in developing the qualities and attributes they need to thrive—both as individuals and as members of families and communities. It equips them to live healthy, safe, productive, and responsible lives, encouraging independence, resilience, and informed decision-making.

It also supports children in managing key transitions, making positive learning and career choices, and achieving long-term emotional and economic wellbeing.

Enrichment and Whole-School Focus

At Burnt Oak, PSHCE is embedded across the wider curriculum. We enhance our provision through themed weeks and focus days, such as Anti-Bullying Week, which highlight key messages and values. We also invite external organisations, including the NSPCC, to deliver workshops that further deepen children’s understanding of safety, wellbeing, and rights.

The Impact of PSHCE

Our PSHCE lessons are designed to help children:

• Build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem
• Identify and manage risks and make informed choices
• Recognise and value their own identities and those of others
• Understand and adapt to change and diversity
• Develop empathy, emotional awareness, and strong communication skills
• Form and maintain healthy relationships
• Gain essential skills for future employability and lifelong wellbeing

Ultimately, PSHCE at Burnt Oak aims to prepare children not just for the next stage of their education, but for the challenges and opportunities of modern life.