Intent

Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) is a subject where pupils develop knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepare for life and work in modern Britain. At Thorpe Lea, we aim to provide opportunities for them to be able to do this both in and out of the classroom. 

At Thorpe Lea we want the pupils to develop the qualities needed to be successful within the school environment and also in the wider world, secondary school and beyond.   

We ensure that curriculum subject matter is relevant and up to date, assemblies cover a wide range of themes, and that children have the opportunity to contribute to school wide schemes and events - all with a PSHE focus.

Implementation

PSHE is taught using the school-wide KAPOW programme.  KAPOW is a progressive, statutory-compliant, and values-led PSHE curriculum that serves pupils from EYFS through to KS2.

This programme enables children to:

• Understand themselves and others
• Grow in confidence and self-awareness
• Access essential life knowledge and decision-making skills
• Fostering well-being and safety
• Develop as responsible, respectful citizens, equipped for personal, social, and economic participation in modern Britain.

• The KAPOW curriculum is taught weekly in six half-term units from Year 1 to Year 6 :
  • Term 1: Families and friendships
  • Term 2: Health and Wellbeing (including anti-bullying
  • Term 3: Citizenship
  • Term 4: Economic Wellbeing
  • Term 5: Safety and the Changing Body
  • Term 6: Safety and the Changing Body

• In the EYFS, the curriculum is taught weekly in six half-term units to reflect the Early Learning Goals :
  • Term 1: Self regulation: my feelings
  • Term 2: Building relationships: Special relationships
  • Term 3: Self regulation: listening and following instructions
  • Term 4: Managing self: Taking on challenges
  • Term 5: Building relationships: My family and friends
  • Term 6: Managing self: My wellbeing

Throughout the PSHE curriculum, children acquire an understanding and experience of the British Values which enable them to value themselves, respect others, appreciate differences and feel confident and informed as a British citizen.  Each lesson features collaborative learning experiences, mindful reflection, engagement activities and learning reflection times.

Impact

Teaching and learning is monitored through learning walks, book looks, pupil voice through the school council and cross-school moderations.   We want to ensure consistency across year groups and build on children's knowledge and experience as they progress through Thorpe Lea and beyond. 

Using Kapow’s PSHE scheme has transformed the way our pupils learn about themselves and the world around them. Children leave each year with the confidence, resilience, and emotional literacy needed to thrive in modern life. They develop essential life skills—such as managing relationships, staying safe online, and making healthy choices—while embracing diversity and British values. Our aim is to make our pupils become respectful and responsible citizens who are prepared for the challenges of secondary school and beyond. Kapow’s progressive approach ensures every child feels included, valued, and empowered to make informed decisions for their well-being and future success.