At St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we see PSHE as an essential part of helping our pupils to grow into confident, responsible, and caring individuals. Our curriculum supports children in developing the knowledge, skills, and values they need to lead happy, healthy lives and to make positive contributions to their communities.

We use TenTen’s Life to the Full Plus programme, a Catholic resource that provides a carefully structured and age-appropriate approach to PSHE. This programme is rooted in the teachings of the Church and promotes the dignity of every child, supporting their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. Lessons cover a wide range of important themes, including physical and emotional well-being, healthy relationships, online safety, and living in the wider world.

Through engaging stories, interactive activities, and meaningful discussion, pupils are encouraged to reflect on their choices and to build the confidence to make wise and responsible decisions. The programme also places great importance on partnership with parents, recognising that children learn best when home and school work together.

By the time children leave St. Joseph’s, they will not only have a strong understanding of how to look after themselves and respect others, but will also be inspired to live out the Gospel values in their daily lives. PSHE at St. Joseph’s is about nurturing the whole child – mind, body, and spirit – so that they are well-prepared for the future.

 

Our PSHE curriculum intent is to ensure pupils develop the knowledge, understanding, vocabulary and personal skills required to thrive within school, family life and the wider community.

Life to the Full Plus reflects both statutory expectations and the Catholic ethos of our school, enabling our children to explore relationships, health, wellbeing and identity within a values-led framework.

The curriculum is designed to support pupils in understanding themselves and others, promoting compassion, empathy, responsibility and respect.

Life to the Full Plus is mapped directly against:

• Statutory Relationships Education requirements for primary schools
• Statutory Health Education requirements
• National Curriculum science links
• PSHE Association Programme of Study learning opportunities
• British Values and SMSC development
• Safeguarding and protective curriculum expectations

The curriculum demonstrates a clear rationale for why pupils learn specific content at particular stages of development.

It is carefully sequenced from Early Years through to Year 6, ensuring pupils revisit concepts progressively with increasing depth and maturity.

The programme addresses all required statutory themes, including:

• Families and caring relationships
• Respectful relationships
• Online relationships and digital safety
• Mental wellbeing
• Physical health and healthy lifestyles
• Keeping safe
• Puberty and changing adolescent body
• Economic wellbeing and responsible decision-making