In PSHE, we recognise the importance of being flexible and ensuring that time is spent on current issues or events as they arise. When fundraising for local and national charities, we ensue that effort is made for pupils to understand the context and feel part of the bigger picture of making a difference. We celebrate and utilise opportunities to learn about the lives of local people who have made a difference e.g taking part in a march to unveil the statue of Emiline Pankhurst.

Furthermore, throughout many aspects of school life, we value democracy. Going beyond this, our Year 6 class have visited Manchester Library to learn about the battle of Peterloo and the history of democracy for Manchester. We have also had a visit from our local MP, with many pupils writing to him about issues they are passionate about from parking problems in the village to climate change.

We are very fortunate to have the fantastic Didsbury Park on our doorstep and throughout the school, classes use this excellent resource to connect with nature and enhance the curriculum. 

A broad and balanced curriculum

At Didsbury CE, it has been a long-standing belief that a broad and balanced curriculum is essential for pupils in all year groups as each subject offers valuable opportunities to extend learning. PSHE is no different to that. In EYFS, pupils have a PSHE 20 minute circle time and in Years 1-6, lessons are 1 hour long.

As part of our PSHE lessons, we often link these skills and values to high-quality books in which characters and themes provide discussion points. In PSHE, we encourage high standards of literacy with a particular focus on speaking and listening: pupils are encouraged to engage, discuss, listen, debate, report, research, explain and explore. As pupils progress through the school, there is greater expectation on a comprehensive written reflection where pupils are encouraged to express complex issues coherently.

In Year 6, in January, pupils take part in Young Enterprise Week which involves pupils collaborating to create a new product and a marketing campaign to support it. This is then presented to a panel of judges, often governors and people from the local community. This excellent experience for pupils allows them to develop vital skills for the future.