At Barnburgh, we recognise the importance of PSHE and RSE in every aspect of daily life. As one of the foundation subjects taught in our primary curriculum, we give the teaching and learning of PSHE and RSE the prominence it requires. Our intent for teaching Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education is to develop children who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive as responsible and compassionate members of society.

Through our RSE curriculum, we want to provide our children with accurate and age-appropriate information about relationships and sexuality, enabling them to make informed choices about their bodies, relationships, and health. Our PSHE and RSE curriculum encourage critical thinking about societal issues and personal choices, guiding children to take responsibility for their actions and the impact they have on others and the world around them. Ultimately, we want to empower children to develop the knowledge, skills, and values that will enable them to flourish both personally and socially, shaping truly great children who are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of life.

 

Our Core Values provide the platform on which we have built our curriculum offer at Barnburgh Primary Academy. Our PSHE and RSE curriculum is underpinned by our Core Values in the following ways;

 

COURAGE: We encourage our children to develop the confidence to make positive, informed choices and to stand by their values even in challenging situations. Through learning about relationships, emotions, health, and wellbeing, pupils are supported to speak up for themselves and others, challenge negative pressures, and ask for help when needed. This requires courage — whether it’s having difficult conversations, resisting peer pressure, or showing empathy and respect in the face of difference. In this way, the curriculum helps students build the bravery to navigate life with integrity and resilience.

 

PERSEVERANCE: We teach our pupils to develop the resilience and determination needed to overcome challenges in their personal, social, and emotional lives. Through topics such as goal setting, managing emotions, and building healthy relationships, students learn that setbacks are part of growth and that persistence is key to achieving long-term wellbeing and success. Whether it’s practicing self-care, maintaining respect in relationships, or striving to meet aspirations, the curriculum supports young people in building the perseverance to keep going even when faced with difficulties.

 

AMBITION: We encourage our pupils to think about their future, set goals, and aspire to reach their full potential in all areas of life. Through lessons on careers, health, relationships, and personal development, students are supported to recognise their strengths and build the confidence to pursue their dreams. The curriculum promotes a positive mindset, showing young people that ambition is not only about achievement but also about striving to be the best version of themselves while making responsible, informed choices for their wellbeing and future success.

 

RESPECT: We teach our pupils the importance of valuing themselves and others, recognising differences, and treating everyone with kindness and fairness. Through learning about relationships, diversity, equality, and responsibility, students develop an understanding of how respect underpins positive interactions and healthy communities.

 

INDEPENDENCE: We equip our pupils with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and take responsibility for their own lives. Through exploring topics such as health, safety, relationships, and future planning, students learn to think critically, weigh up choices, and act confidently without relying solely on others. This helps them develop a sense of self-reliance and autonomy, empowering them to navigate challenges, and stand by their values.