At Stokes Wood Primary, our PSHE curriculum supports pupils to become confident, curious and compassionate individuals who understand how to live healthy, safe and fulfilling lives. Through SCARF (Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience and Friendship), pupils learn to value themselves and others, make positive choices and contribute to their community with empathy and respect. We aim for depth in understanding, not just awareness, so children can apply learning to real-life situations. Our curriculum is inclusive and ambitious, encouraging pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to thrive personally, socially and academically. PSHE at Stokes Wood helps pupils grow emotionally and socially, preparing them to become responsible, resilient citizens. 

PSHE is supported by the SCARF scheme, ensuring progression and consistency across the school. Units follow six key themes: Me and My Relationships, Valuing Difference, Keeping Myself Safe, Rights and Responsibilities, Being My Best and Growing and Changing, which build upon one another from EYFS to Year 6. Lessons are taught using a research-based pedagogy grounded in Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction: prior knowledge is reviewed, new content introduced in small steps and key ideas modelled, discussed and practised and applied. Oracy is at the heart of PSHE: pupils are encouraged to listen, share and articulate their ideas confidently, using respectful language to explore sensitive topics. They also study different scenarios, role-play, debate and reflect on personal experiences.  

Learning is enriched through assemblies, workshops, whole-school events and House Days, which celebrate diversity, mental well-being and community values. The curriculum also includes SRE (Sex and Relationships Education) delivered sensitively and in line with statutory guidance. Cross-curricular links with science, computing and PE strengthen understanding of physical and emotional health. Staff provide a safe, supportive environment where all pupils can question, reflect and express themselves with confidence. 

By the end of primary school, pupils understand how to keep themselves safe, maintain healthy relationships and make responsible choices. They communicate confidently and respectfully, showing empathy and understanding for others. Those working well in PSHE are curious, reflective and articulate learners who can explain their thinking, manage emotions and resolve conflict positively. They demonstrate depth of understanding in real-life contexts and show pride in their personal growth. Our PSHE curriculum ensures that pupils leave Stokes Wood as confident, respectful and resilient young people who are ready to contribute thoughtfully to their communities and the wider world.