“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” - Aesop
PSHE & RSE Lead – Mr Craig Robertson
At Berrycoombe School, our PSHE and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) curriculum supports pupils to develop as healthy, respectful, resilient and informed individuals, prepared for life in modern Britain.
We use the KAPOW curriculum.
There is a link below which takes you to the 'Parent zone' which provides you with all the correct legal information around this important curriculum area.
Our curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:
- develop strong emotional literacy, self‑awareness and resilience
- understand healthy relationships, respect and equality
- know how to keep themselves physically and emotionally safe, both offline and online
- develop a sense of responsibility, citizenship and community belonging
- are prepared for key life transitions, including puberty and secondary school
The curriculum is inclusive, age‑appropriate and progressive, enabling pupils to revisit key themes in increasing depth as they move through the school. It reflects statutory guidance for PSHE, Health Education and RSE and supports our wider commitment to personal development and pupil wellbeing.
PSHE and RSE are taught through a planned, progressive curriculum from EYFS to Year 6, using the Kapow Primary PSHE & RSE scheme as the core programme.
The curriculum is organised into six key strands:
- Families and relationships
- Health and wellbeing
- Safety and the changing body (including RSE)
- Citizenship
- Economic wellbeing
- Transition
Each year group follows a consistent structure, beginning with a lesson that establishes ground rules and a safe learning environment, and concluding with a transition unit to support preparation for the next stage of learning.
Teaching and Learning
Lessons are:
- delivered regularly and explicitly timetabled
- taught using discussion, reflection, role‑play and real‑life scenarios
- adapted to meet the needs of all learners
Key concepts such as emotional regulation, consent, respect, online safety, diversity and personal responsibility are carefully sequenced so pupils build confidence and understanding over time.
Sensitive content is handled with care, using correct vocabulary and clear signposting to trusted adults and support.
Whole‑School Approach
PSHE and RSE are reinforced beyond lessons through:
- assemblies linked to school values
- wellbeing initiatives (e.g. emotional literacy programmes, safeguarding education)
- enrichment, visitors and community involvement
- consistent language and expectations across the school
This ensures pupils experience coherent and meaningful personal development, not isolated lessons.
Assessment and Monitoring
Assessment in PSHE and RSE is:
- ongoing and proportional
- based on discussion, reflection and pupil responses
- focused on understanding, not personal beliefs
Curriculum coverage and progression are monitored by subject leaders to ensure all statutory requirements are met and learning builds year on year.
Inclusion and Safeguarding
The curriculum:
- reflects diverse families, cultures and identities
- promotes equality, respect and inclusion
- supports pupils in understanding how and where to seek help
Safeguarding principles are embedded throughout, ensuring pupils know how to recognise concerns and who to talk to if they feel unsafe.