PSHCE & RSE at Caldicotes

Jigsaw consists of six Puzzles (half-term units of work) containing six Pieces (lessons). Each Piece has two Learning Intentions. One is based on specific PSHE learning (covering the non-statutory national framework for PSHE Education but enhanced to address children’s needs today); and the other is based on emotional literacy and social skills (covering the SEAL learning intentions but also enhanced). These enhancements mean that Jigsaw is relevant to children living in today’s world as it helps them understand and be equipped to cope with modern issues such as body image, cyber and homophobic bullying, and internet safety.

Each Puzzle starts with a whole school assembly and an original song for that Puzzle.

Each year group studies a parallel Piece of the same Puzzle at the same time (sequentially ordered from September to July), allowing for whole school themes.

All year groups participate in an end of Puzzle outcome, e.g. a display or exhibition (like the Garden of Dreams and Goals) which may be shared and celebrated by the entire school.

Teaching strategies are varied and are mindful of different learning styles individual needs and sensitivity to specific content. 

We aim to develop a sense of belonging to a community, respect for others, their opinions and circumstances, self-confidence, resilience and perseverance.  We plan activities ~ theatre groups, visits to and from the local community and businesses to help children prepare for the opportunities and experiences of life as a responsible, respectful member of the community to widen their life experiences and encourage them to aspire to be the best that they can be.

DEVELOPING A HEALTHY START

Research on oral hygiene indicates that our pupils are 3 times more likely to suffer from tooth decay than the national average.  To address this, we have worked in partnership with NHS Tees with our ‘tooth brushing’ initiative over recent years.  In addition to this intervention, we have now been lucky enough to be selected to participate in an additional programme that should improve our pupils’ dental hygiene further still and reduce the tooth decay rates in our pupils’ permanent teeth.  Over the a 3 year period, beginning in 2012, following consent from parents / guardians, pupils in school (from Nursery to Y4) will have fluoride (a simple varnish) painted onto their teeth every 6 months. This will take place during the school day and will be facilitated by the Academy for all pupils that participate. 

Relationships and Sex Education is taught in the academy as part of our programme of Personal , social, health education and the on-going relationships education as part of the Jigsaw scheme materials.

Any concerns parents may have regarding the Relationships & Sex Education Policy of Caldicotes Academy may be raised with the Principal.  

Miss Nicola Mount leads in the area across school. 

In line with the progressive scheme we have adopted from Jigsaw we address the development of knowledge and understanding of relationships and sex educations appropriately. What and how we deliver is shared in a family meeting which can be accessed here.

Y5 & Y6 pupils will undertake ‘Puberty’ work during the summer term. Parents will be invited to view and discuss the materials to be used prior to the work beginning with the children.

Please see the parent's guide below for more information about Jigsaw and how we use the resource to support the teaching of RSE (Relationships and Sex Education.)

PSHE curriculum linked to aspects of safety

Jigsaw, the mindful approach to the PSHE curriculum followed across the academy, links well to all aspects of safety. Though there are many overlaps across the different puzzle foci, there are a few strands which primarily focus on either personal safety of pupils, the development of relations or E-safety. Within each puzzle theme there are 6 pieces linked to that theme. The third Puzzle ‘Healthy Me’ has a main focus of being physically, emotionally and mentally healthy, but also overlaps with ‘Relationships’. Though the sixth puzzle ‘Changing Me’ has a primary focus on physical, emotional and psychological changes in the body it also overlaps closely with ‘Relationships’.

During the year pupils follow the curriculum, addressing a puzzle theme each half term, building on from one year group to the next, demonstrating progress throughout the academy. The puzzle themes reflect the age and stage of development of the pupils.

With regard to safeguarding, Jigsaw advises teachers of the need to be aware that during sessions disclosures may be made and therefore academy safeguarding procedures must be followed. 

With regards to Relationship and Sex Education staff are reminded that though specific RSE content is taught through the Changing Me Puzzle, ‘essential work is done in previous puzzles to build pupil’s self-esteem, to enhance their own sense of self in regard to their body image, how to develop caring and healthy relationships and how to develop assertiveness skills in keeping themselves valued, safe and respected. This work underpins the explicit RSE content  and is part of the holistic approach to RSE teaching and learning.’ 

Within the academy the school nurse is involved in delivering some of the specific puberty lessons, but they are made aware that we are following the Jigsaw programme so that they can use some of the resources to ensure consistency. Staff in the academy work closely with health colleagues to ensure that pupils receive the core curriculum provision at the appropriate time.