RSE/ PSHE

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

At Dukesgate Academy, we are committed to promoting the mental and physical well-being of every member of our school community, including pupils, staff, and families. Our PSHE curriculum equips children with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to navigate life safely, build positive relationships, and prepare for future challenges.

We integrate Conscious Discipline principles into our approach, helping children develop self-regulation, responsibility, and emotional resilience. This empowers them to manage their behaviour positively, communicate effectively, and foster a strong sense of community.

Our Curriculum Approach

Our PSHE curriculum is carefully designed to be age-appropriate and progressive, ensuring that children develop key life skills at each stage of their education. The curriculum covers:

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS):

Self-Regulation – Recognising and managing emotions
Building Relationships – Developing positive social interactions
Managing Self – Gaining independence and personal responsibility

Key Stages 1 and 2:

Families and Relationships – Understanding healthy relationships and respect for others
Health and Wellbeing – Fostering mental and physical health
Safety and the Changing Body – Learning about personal safety and development
Citizenship – Encouraging active participation in society
Economic Wellbeing – Developing financial awareness and responsibility

Our lessons are structured to build on prior learning, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding as they progress through school.

Implementation: How We Teach PSHE

At Dukesgate Academy, we use the Kapow Primary PSHE scheme, a whole-school approach aligned with the statutory Relationships and Health Education framework. This ensures our teaching meets DfE guidance while also incorporating additional elements from the PSHE Association Programme of Study where needed.

Key Features of Our Approach:

A consistent, whole-school strategy, promoting emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
Interactive and engaging lessons, including discussions, role-play, and real-life scenarios.
Strong links to online safety, health education, and citizenship through cross-curricular learning.
Parental involvement, providing guidance on supporting children's learning at home.

We also incorporate Conscious Discipline strategies, helping children understand and regulate emotions, resolve conflicts, and develop healthy relationships with peers and adults.

Impact: Measuring Success in PSHE

We assess pupils’ progress in PSHE through a variety of methods, ensuring they can apply their learning in real-life situations. These include:

Teacher observations – Monitoring pupils' ability to communicate, problem-solve, and manage emotions.
Pupil Voice surveys – Gathering student feedback on their sense of safety and emotional well-being.
Assessments and quizzes – Tracking knowledge retention and understanding.
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires – Identifying areas for additional support.
School-wide initiatives – Encouraging participation in leadership roles, community projects, and extracurricular activities.

By the time pupils leave Dukesgate Academy, they will have developed the confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence needed to thrive in school, relationships, and future careers.

Beyond the Classroom: Enriching PSHE Learning

We reinforce PSHE education through a variety of enrichment activities, including:

Celebration Assemblies – Recognising achievements in personal and social development.
Circle Time & Peer Discussions – Encouraging open conversations about feelings and experiences.
Sports & Fitness Initiatives – Including the Daily Mile, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Community & Charity Events – Encouraging social responsibility and active citizenship.
School Leadership Opportunities – Such as Playground Leaders and the School Communication Team.

At Dukesgate Academy, PSHE is not just a subject—it’s a foundation for lifelong well-being and success.

Click here for the Kapow Parent Guide