St Peter's London Docks Primary School, Tower Hamlets
Why Choose This Project?
The school had a PSHE curriculum in place but it was out of date and did not build year on year. It was not taught consistently and was taught mainly through SEAL and the statutory Science elements of Drug Education and Sex and Relationships Education. Early Years data demonstrated the behaviour of pupils was affected by going from Early Years, which is very PSHE heavy, to Year 1 where PSHE is limited. A lack of adequate curriculum and resources were also reasons teachers were not covering it adequately.
What Did The School Want To Achieve Through This Project?
- To improve behaviour in Year 1
- To increase pupil knowledge in Year 5
- To increase teacher confidence and ability to teach PSHE
What Did The School Do To Achieve These Aims?
The Healthy Lives team researched new curriculums and worked closely with staff to design and implement the new curriculum across the school, running staff training on the importance of PSHE and introducing the new curriculum. New schemes of work were developed from Foundation through to Year 6 using the planning tool, and these were downloaded to the school network so all teachers have easy access and can tailor it to suit the needs of their individual classes. Dedicated time on the timetable was clarified to ensure teachers were able to prioritise PSHE and cover all elements of the new curriculum, as in any other subject. A five week programme of staff meetings was held on emotions and empathy including emotional literacy and quality circle time. The new scheme of work was introduced to ensure all staff were comfortable with the new curriculum and understood the principles of teaching PSHE. Behaviour monitoring highlighted pupils in Year 1 and specific collaborative work was done with them.
What Data Did The School Collect and What Was The RESULT?
1. Behaviour Monitoring of Year 1 - Points were awarded on a scale of 1-6 from “Not at all” to “Always” on statements related to Dispositions & Attitudes; Emotional Development and Social Development
Before
10 pupils scored between 61 and 89 points in the Autumn term
Difference
Over 50% of pupils increased their score by 20 points and one increased by 51 points
After
The same pupils scored between 71 and 140 points in the Summer term
Who has talked to you about illegal drugs?”
66% more children say a teacher has talked to them
67% said “no” before compared to 0% after
2. Pupil Survey of Year 5
“Who do you talk to about problems first?” 21% increase in pupils talking to their parents 100% decrease in no one, friend or other adult
3. Teacher Survey
Teachers agree that time is still the biggest issue but curriculum is no longer a reason not to teach PSHE.
Conclusion
“A whole school focus was placed on teaching which gave the subject a ‘status’... Teachers are more aware of the pupils’ needs and improving their life skills and encouraging better choices.” Alena Damijo, Healthy Schools Coordinator