PSHE and RE

All children at St Ives School study Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).

The Personal, Social and Health Education program at St Ives develops a breadth of social and emotional skills and understandings, as well as promoting mental and physical wellbeing. It incorporates Relationship and Sex Education, and helps children to develop good social skills in order to help them form happy, supportive friendships and to prevent and tackle bullying. It helps children to set goals and find practical ways of achieving these. It teaches children how to face change and new challenges, demonstrating a ‘Growth Mindset’ built on resilience, perseverance and a positive approach to learning and personal development. The Fundamental British Values are taught, as well as a breadth of other topics including diversity, personal safety and economic wellbeing. Critically, the PSHE programme promotes high self-esteem and a sense of pride in children, whatever their gifts and abilities - because ultimately, our children’s happiness and wellbeing are the school’s top priorities.  

RSE (Relationships and Sex Education)

RSE is taught in conjunction with the Personal, Social and Health education (PSHE), Science and Computing curriculum.

Relationships’ education focuses on teaching the fundamental building blocks and characteristics of positive relationships including: 

• Families and people who care for me 
• Caring friendships 
• Respectful relationships 
• Online relationships 
• Being safe 

Year 6 children receive statutory sex education lessons in Science, covering sexual reproduction and puberty. Non-statutory sex education is also woven into the curriculum at an age appropriate level and covers peer pressure, body image, sexuality, and gender issues by the end of Year 6.

All children at St Ives School study Religious Education (RE).

The Religious Education programme reflects the major world religions and promotes understanding of, and respect for, a variety of cultures and belief systems. This supports the Fundamental British Values of Tolerance and Mutual Respect. A different element of Christianity is explored every year, but each year group also learns about a different world religion in depth – including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. In addition, students begin to learn about the Chinese religions of Taoism and Confucianism in Year Six. This in-depth study explores everything from core beliefs, key figures and teachings, to places of worship, daily life and celebrations. As well as this, each year group examines how different world religions approach certain aspects of religious life – such as worship, festivals and the story of creation.  

In addition to RE, Year Six students begin to study Philosophy at St Ives, learning about ancient Greek and modern day philosophers, as well as taking part in philosophical discussions, debates and thought experiments.