PSHE and RSE

At Parkside Academy, our PSHE and RSE curriculum helps children develop the knowledge, skills and values they need to lead confident, healthy, and independent lives. We want every child to understand themselves, build positive relationships, and make informed choices as responsible members of our school and wider community.

Parkside’s PSHE provision is taught through multiple complementary programmes:

• Kapow Primary PSHE and RSE Scheme of Learning
• My Happy Mind wellbeing curriculum
• Kidsafe UK
• Real love rocks

Together, these provide a comprehensive, engaging and progressive approach to personal development and mental wellbeing.

The Kapow Primary PSHE and RSE Scheme is designed to meet the statutory requirements for Relationships Education and Health Education. The scheme is taught through five key areas which are revisited and built upon each year to deepen understanding:

1. Families and Relationships – understanding family structures, friendships, and respect for others.
2. Health and Wellbeing – promoting healthy lifestyles, emotional wellbeing and personal safety.
3. Safety and the Changing Body – learning about personal boundaries, growing up and basic first aid.
4. Citizenship – understanding communities, rights, responsibilities and the importance of respecting diversity.
5. Economic Wellbeing – exploring needs and wants, money management, and aspirations for the future.

Kapow lessons are creative, discussion-based and age-appropriate, helping pupils develop empathy, self-awareness and decision-making skills.

To support children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, we also use the My Happy Mind programme across the school.

This science-backed programme teaches children about how their brains work and helps them to develop positive habits for life.

The five key modules are:

1. Meet Your Brain – understanding how the brain works and how to manage emotions.
2. Celebrate – recognising strengths and building self-esteem.
3. Appreciate – developing gratitude and positive thinking.
4. Relate – building healthy relationships and empathy.
5. Engage – setting goals and developing resilience.

My Happy Mind underpins a culture of wellbeing throughout the school, supporting our vision of happy, confident and resilient learners

Through PSHE, we aim to ensure that every child:

• Develops a strong sense of self-worth and emotional intelligence.
• Understands how to stay safe, healthy and happy.
• Respects and values the diversity of others.
• Is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the wider world.