Welcome to Discovery Academy

PSHE

At Discovery Academy, we believe that children learn their best when they are showing the Academy values of Discovering, Inspiring, Caring, Improving and Achieving within our curriculum. We believe in aspiration for all so want to create a world where the sky is the limit for all of our pupils; building pathways for all and focusing on personal and academic success and eventually progress to successful employment.

Subject Intent: Discovery Academy PSHE and Citizenship scheme of work aims to equip children with essential skills for life. It aims to develop the whole child through carefully planned and resourced lessons that develop the knowledge, skills and attributes children need to protect and enhance their wellbeing. Through these lessons, children will learn how to stay safe and healthy, build and maintain successful relationships and become active citizens, responsibly participating in society around them and it’s ever changing diversity.

Successful PSHE curriculum coverage is a vital tool in preparing children for life in society now and in the future. Lessons in this scheme of work have their foundations in seeing each and everybody’s value in society, from appreciation of others in units such as British Values, to promoting strong and positive views of self in Think Positive and Be Yourself. The units aim to cover a wide range of the social and emotional aspects of learning, enabling children to develop their identity and self-esteem as active, confident citizens. The themes and topics support social, moral, spiritual and cultural development and provide children with protective teaching on essential safeguarding issues, developing the knowledge of when and how children can ask for help.

Implementation: The Discovery Academy PSHE curriculum is built around Twinkl Life’s PSHE scheme of work and is designed to be taught in thematic units consisting of six lessons, with supporting materials including a Planning Overview, assessment statements, Learning Journey Record and display materials. These units are taught in a spiral curriculum that revisits each theme every two years. This enables children to recall and build upon previous learning, exploring the underlying principles of PSHE education regularly at a depth that is appropriate for the age and stage of the child. Lessons signpost key words, building a rich vocabulary to develop understanding.

Twinkl Life’s PSHE units are designed for delivery in a creative manner, using many approaches such as role play, discussion and games in groupings of various sizes. These activities enable children to build confidence and resilience. Resources are also provided for communicating with parents and carers about how and why each theme is covered and suggestions for extending the learning at home.

Assessment for learning opportunities are built into each lesson and enhanced by the Learning Journey Records included in each unit, which enable self-evaluation and reflective learning and allow teachers to evaluate and assess progress. Each lesson begins with a discussion of children’s existing knowledge and experience, providing an opportunity for baseline assessment. Each lesson ends with an opportunity to consolidate and reflect upon learning. Tools are provided for summative assessment, allowing progress to be recorded and tracked.

Non-negotiables:

  • The equivalent of 1 PSHE lesson per week per unit which last 0.5hrs.
  • Half-termly map; Planning of weekly Learning Challenge
  • Must be taught by a teacher so themes can be referred to in other lessons
  • Use of Twinkl Life’s PSHE scheme to guide planning

Impact:
Discovery Academy’s PSHE curriculum provides schools with an effective curriculum for wellbeing. Children are enabled to develop the vocabulary and confidence needed to clearly articulate their thoughts and feelings in a climate of openness, trust and respect, and know when and how they can seek the support of others. They will apply their understanding of society to their interactions within communities, from the classroom to the wider community of which they are a part. Using Twinkl Life’s PSHE scheme of work supports the active development of a school culture that prioritises physical and mental health and wellbeing, providing children with skills to evaluate and understand their own wellbeing needs, practise self-care and contribute positively to the wellbeing of those around them.

Successful PSHE education can have a positive impact on the whole child, including their academic development and progress, by mitigating any social and emotional barriers to learning and building confidence and self-esteem. Evidence suggests that successful PSHE education also helps disadvantaged and vulnerable children achieve to a greater extent by raising aspirations and empowering them with skills to overcome barriers they face. The PSHE curriculum can be used as a whole-school approach to positively impact wellbeing, safeguarding and SMSC outcomes. This can ensure that all children can develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to succeed at school and in the wider world. As a result, Discovery Academy will have achieved its Mission and Vision for pupils who fully complete the curriculum.