CurriculumPSHE
At Brinscall St John’s we understand the importance of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and how these life skills can be developed whilst creating strong and appropriate relationships in our lives too. We appreciate the wide scope of PSHE and the many aspects of our day-to-day lives this encompasses, which enables us to develop a nurturing and supportive environment in our school where children and adults can grow and develop skills that can be used throughout their lives.
Our PSHE curriculum aims to develop a vast range of skills that children can apply and depend on throughout their lives, whilst complimenting and enhancing what they have already learnt. Children will be encouraged to ask questions and seek a deeper understanding of key life issues such as money, drugs, finances, physical activity and diet and also the importance and appropriateness of relationships with others. We aim to develop a safe and comfortable learning environment where children are comfortable to ask questions and follow their curiosities.
We hope children develop a firm and mature understanding of the world they live in and continue to explore their own questions and curiosities whilst learning. We believe all children require and are entitled to the basic understanding of the world they live in and should be equipped with skills to approach challenges and obstacles they will inevitably face throughout their journey through life.
SCARF
At our school, we use SCARF, a whole-school approach to supporting children’s personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE). SCARF stands for Safety, Caring, Achievement, Resilience and Friendship.
SCARF provides a planned programme of learning that helps children develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to lead healthy, happy and safe lives. It supports children’s emotional wellbeing, positive relationships and personal development while helping them build confidence and resilience as they grow.
What do children learn through SCARF?
SCARF covers a range of age-appropriate topics throughout primary school, including:
- Me and My Relationships: developing friendships, understanding feelings, showing kindness and resolving disagreements.
- Valuing Difference: celebrating diversity, respecting others and understanding that everyone is unique.
- Keeping Myself Safe: learning about personal safety, making sensible choices and knowing how to seek help.
- Rights and Responsibilities: understanding rules, responsibilities, fairness and how to contribute positively to the school community.
- Being My Best: developing healthy habits, self-esteem, resilience and a positive attitude towards learning.
- Growing and Changing: learning about emotions, changes as we grow, personal boundaries and healthy relationships.
Lessons are adapted to suit children’s ages and stages of development. They may include stories, discussions, activities, scenarios and opportunities for children to reflect on their own experiences and consider different points of view.
How does SCARF benefit our children?
SCARF helps children to:
- Recognise and talk about their feelings.
- Build positive and respectful relationships.
- Develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
- Understand how to keep themselves healthy and safe.
- Respect differences and appreciate diversity.
- Make informed choices and know when and how to ask for help.
These skills support children both in the classroom and in their everyday lives.
How can parents and carers help?
Parents and carers play an important role in reinforcing the messages children learn through SCARF. Talking together about friendships, feelings, staying safe, healthy choices and treating others with respect can help children apply their learning at home and in the wider community.
We encourage families to keep conversations open and supportive, giving children the confidence to ask questions and share any worries they may have.
By working together, we can help every child feel safe, valued and ready to learn, while developing the skills they need to thrive.