Wellbeing and Citizenship (PSHCE) Curriculum Vision

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Wellbeing and Citizenship, and SCARF, the scheme which supports teaching and learning, provides pupils with the knowledge, understanding, attitudes, values and skills they need in order to reach their potential as individuals and within the community. A thematic curriculum supports pupils' development across the school, making links to spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, as well as British Values. It is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, whilst being fully inclusive and respectful of those of other or no faith. 

Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond the curriculum, contributing fully to the life of their school and communities. In doing so they learn to recognise their own worth, work well with others and become increasingly responsible for their own learning. They reflect on their experiences and understand how they are developing personally and socially, tackling many of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. This is in line with our deeply Christian ethos, which helps children to develop into resourceful, resilient problem-solvers who are independent and inquisitive, as well as accepting of themselves and others.

They learn to understand and respect our common humanity; diversity and differences so that they can go on to form the positive, fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life and learning. Our curriculum has emphasis on teaching children strategies for wellbeing that can be used across the Curriculum and in their lives outside of school. We aim to prepare them mentally, and morally, with the skills and knowledge to overcome obstacles and challenges they may encounter throughout their lives as educated citizens.

Our curriculum is constantly evolving to match the needs of our pupils, and pupils are encouraged to reflect on current events throughout their local and global communities, discussing the impact it can have on their own lives, and making links to British Values.

SCARF will support the development of the skills, attitudes, values and behaviour, which enable pupils to:

• Have a sense of purpose of themselves and of others
• Form and nurture positive relationships
• Make and act on informed decisions using new and existing knowledge
• Communicate effectively and develop teamwork skills
• Respond to challenge
• Be an active partner in their own learning
• Be active citizens within the local community
• Explore issues related to living in a democratic society
• Become healthy and fulfilled individuals

Our well-being and citizenship curriculum teaches children vital life skills. It directly supports our school vision, based on Jeremiah 29:11, '"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"'. Themes include Me and My Relationships, Valuing Difference, Keeping Myself Safe, Rights and Responsibilities, Being My Best and Growing and Changing. 

A thematic curriculum supports pupils' development across the school, making links to spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, as well as British Values. It is deeply routed in the Christian faith, whilst being fully inclusive and respectful of those of other or no faith. 

Our RSE curricuum can be found in the document below. At St Matthew's, we believe that Relationships and Sex Education should be taught in the context of loving relationships, including the ideal of life-long monogamy and the sanctity of marriage. However, as an inclusive school, we teach children to be tolerant and respectful of other views, as well as of those for whom this ideal has not been possible.