Led by Mrs Churm
‘The ‘life learning’ curriculum helps pupils to know how to stay safe in and outside of school. This includes online safety.’
Ofsted May 2023
At Newdale Primary, we work to develop not only children’s academic knowledge, but rather the child as a whole. It is within our ethos to develop our pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural being.
| ‘Life Learning’ (RSHE) Whole School Coverage
As part of the National Curriculum, children are expected to learn about a range of different faiths, cultures, morals and values to prepare them for “life in modern Britain”. As well as teaching standalone Life Learning lessons (see overview below), we have embedded RSHE/SMSC objectives, as well as the core British Values, across the curriculum, which are taught in a cross- curricular way, with the aim to help children become well-rounded British citizens and build on their ‘Cultural Capital’.
Please note that following the Summer 2024 consultation period by the DfE, changes will be made to our RSHE curriculum. Parents will be informed of our new RSHE curriculum when it is in place. |
Spiritual Development: We teach children about themselves, others and the world around them in order to inspire and develop a sense of awe and wonder. We explore values and beliefs in which to inform their perspective on life and respect for other people. Creativity is at the heart of our curriculum and we encourage a willingness to reflect on their own experiences.
Moral Development: We provide opportunities for children to investigate moral and ethical issues in order to develop their ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong, with a readiness to apply this understanding in their own lives. We develop their understanding of consequences of their actions.
Social Development: We develop social skills through working and socialising with and alongside others from a variety of different backgrounds. We learn to cooperate well with others and resolve conflicts effectively. We teach children about the way their own community as well as wider society and other communities function.
Cultural Development: We explore and develop an understanding and respect for cultural diversity. We celebrate diversity within our school and share knowledge and experience within the community. We provide opportunities to explore a variety of art, music, sport, science and festivals. We also develop an appreciation of cultural influences that have shaped the children’s own heritage.
Protected Characteristics
We hard work to ensure that our children understand that:
There are no outsiders at Newdale
Everyone is different
We celebrate our differences
We are all equal in our differences
The Equality Act became law in 2010. It covers everyone in Britain and protects people from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Everyone in Britain is protected. This is because the Equality Act protects people against discrimination because of the protected characteristics that we all have. Under the Equality Act, there are nine Protected Characteristics in order:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage or civil partnership
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex/gender
- Sexual orientation
- Pregnancy and maternity
At Newdale, we actively promote these in our curriculum and work to embed them into our ethos.
Our Life learning, PE and RE curriculums and assemblies are designed so that all children are aware of discrimination and, as a result, we all work hard to insure everyone at Newdale or in our community is included and accepted. You will see the logos dotted through out the curriculum map at the bottom of the document.
Here at Newdale, we equip children with the skills and knowledge to prepare them for life in modern Britain. In order to do this, children are taught the importance of British Values, different religious beliefs, relationships (RSE), making healthy life style choices and SMSC in their community and in the wider world. In addition to these, children receive regular ‘Life Learning’ lessons (PSHE) which covers topics such as looking after your own money, taking care of your body and being respectful members of the community to name but a few. We know that by providing all children with these skills, it will successfully enable them to be positive British Citizens. For more information, please visit our school website for detailed information on content covered in these subject areas.
The Department of Education has recently reinforced that all schools are required to ensure that key ‘British Values’ are taught to pupils. The Government set out its definition of British values in the ‘Prevent Strategy.’ These values are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs. At Newdale Primary school, these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways:
Democracy: Children have the opportunity to have their voices heard through our active School Parliament and through regular pupil questionnaires. The elections of school council members for each class are based solely on pupil choice. Other opportunities include visits from local Members of Parliament.
The Rule Of Law: Throughout the school day, the importance of laws, are consistently reinforced. These may, for example, be using the SMART Code to deal with behaviour or as part of an assembly theme. Our children are taught the value and reasons behind laws that govern and protect us, the responsibility that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken.
Individual Liberty: When in school, our pupils are encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. We encourage our children to know, understand and exercise their rights as children and when they enter adulthood.
Mutual Respect: Our school ethos and Behaviour Policy revolves around core values such as ‘respect’ and children have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown.
Tolerance of those of Different Faiths & Beliefs: This is achieved through enhancing our children’s understanding of their place in a culturally diverse country and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity such as through assemblies and visits to places of worship. Pupils and their families of different faiths or religions are encouraged to share their knowledge to enhance learning within classes and the school.
