PSHE and Citizenship
PSHE and Citizenship is taught throughout the school and is considered to be a really important subject at Harris Primary Academy Orpington.
PSHE sessions offer classes the opportunity to discuss issues such as bullying, British values and current issues being discussed in the news and society in general.
At Harris Primary Academy Orpington we promote Citizenship and ‘British Values’ through our spiritual, moral, social and cultural education which permeates through the curriculum offer and supports the development of the ‘whole child’.
We recognise that such development is most successful when those values and attitudes are promoted by all the staff and provide a model of behaviour for our pupils.
Our Collective Worship and Assembly Policy further details how we support the development of Citizenship and the core values of the academy alongside our British Values.
‘British Values’ have been identified as:
Democracy;
Rule of Law;
Individual Liberty;
Mutual Respect;
Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs:
At Harris Primary Academy Orpington we serve a multi-faith community where each person is respected and valued equally without regard to ability, gender, faith, heritage or race.
Pupils are encouraged to experience British Values through all aspects of the curriculum and the enrichment activities which add to their education and understanding. Schools take part in local and Harris Federation sporting activities which help to instill ‘fair play’ and engender a ’team spirit’.
The staff work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure that the pupils are happy, well cared for and enabled to learn the skills they need to live a fulfilling life as part of their community
We welcome many visitors into our school to support our PSHE teaching- the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police, London Transport, Child line and the school nurse will be regular visitors.
Understanding Relationships and Health Education in your child’s primary school: A Guide for Parents
We want all children to grow up healthy, happy, safe, and able to manage the challenges and opportunities of modern Britain. That is why, from the academic year 2020/2021, all primary age children will be taught Relationships and Health Education.
These subjects are designed to equip your child with knowledge to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships as well as preparing them for a successful adult life. The world for all young people looks very different from the way it did 20 years ago when this curriculum was last updated – these changes bring the content into the 21st century, so that it is relevant for your child.
Harris Primary Academy Orpington will have flexibility to deliver the content in a way that is age and developmentally appropriate and sensitive to the needs and religious background of its pupils.
Relationships Education
Relationships Education will put in place the building blocks needed for positive and safe relationships, including with family, friends and online.
Your child will be taught what a relationship is, what friendship is, what family means and who can support them. In an age-appropriate way, your child’s school will cover how to treat each other with kindness, consideration, and respect.
By the end of primary school, pupils will have been taught content on:
- families and people who care for me
- caring friendships
- respectful relationships
- online relationships
- being safe
Health Education
Health Education aims to give your child the information they need to make good decisions about their own health and wellbeing, to recognise issues in themselves and others, and to seek support as early as possible when issues arise.
By the end of primary school, pupils will have been taught content on:
- mental wellbeing
- internet safety and harms
- physical health and fitness
- healthy eating
- facts and risks associated with drugs, alcohol, and tobacco
- health and prevention
- basic first aid
- changing adolescent body
Your rights as a parent
The important lessons you teach your child about healthy relationships, looking after themselves and staying safe, are respected, and valued under this new curriculum. Teaching at school will complement and reinforce the lessons you teach your child as they grow up.
At Harris Primary Academy Orpington, it’s important we take into account parent views when developing our policies on Relationships Education. Parents were asked express their opinions and have helped to develop the how and when to cover the content of the statutory guidance. We are required to ensure our teaching reflects the age and religious background of our pupils.
Right to withdraw your child
You cannot withdraw your child from Relationships Education because it is important that all children receive this content, covering topics such as friendships and how to stay safe.
If you do not want your child to take part in some or all of the lessons on Sex Education, you can ask that they are withdrawn. At primary level, the head teacher must grant this request. The science curriculum in all maintained schools also includes content on human development, including reproduction, which there is no right to withdraw from. If you want to know more about what will be taught as part of the new subjects, the best thing to do is speak to your child’s school and read the RSE policy.
We will invite parents of year 5 and 6 pupils to workshops to share the content of the curriculum before it is taught.
Harris Primary Academy Orpington’s RSE Policy
The comprehensive program of RSE, used by Harris primary Academy Orpington provides accurate information about the body, reproduction, sex, and sexual health. It also gives children and young people essential skills for building positive, enjoyable, respectful, and non-exploitative relationships, focusing on staying safe both on and offline.
