Relationships and Health Education (RHE)
At John Gulson Primary School we believe that PSHE and RHE helps to give pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, independent lives and to become informed, accepting, active and responsible citizens.
At John Gulson we use KAPOW (following an updated consultation with our community in June 2025), which is a comprehensive scheme of work that ensures the current Primary PSHE objectives are covered at age appropriate levels and covers the RHE requirements for primary. It integrates personal, social, health and economic education with emphasis on emotional literacy, mental health and social, moral, spiritual and cultural development (SMSC) as well as enabling us to meet the duty placed upon us for RHE. We also have additional units for children tackling key themes such as consent and misogyny. We also teach our children about the Equality Act 2010 and the protected characteristics. We use stories as a medium to discuss equality and teach about tolerance, acceptance and life in modern Britain.
Relationships and Health Education Policy 2025-2026
PSHE Long-Term Plan 2025-2026:
new pshe rhe long term plan 25 26.pdf
What our children have to say
In our recent pupil survey (January 2025), this is what our children had to say about feeling safe in school and having grounded values embedded in our curriculum and school life, and the impact that these subjects have on them and our school:
My school is inclusive – I know everyone is always welcome.
I am always encouraged to do my best and be aspirational. I want to be a heart doctor when I am older.
Girls can do whatever job they want to do! Even be a footballer! I love football and I am glad I can play for John Gulson.
I enjoyed learning about money. I found out about saving and spending – I think this is really important for my future.
Children's RHE Work
At John Gulson, we deliver a curriculum that supports the children in learning to know and value who they really are and how they relate to other people in this ever-changing world. We promote the importance of understanding and respecting our common humanity, diversity and differences, so that they can go on to form effective, fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life and learning.
Through PSHE, topics that are relevant to children living in today’s world are covered and it helps them understand and be equipped to cope with modern issues such as body image, cyber and homophobic bullying, and internet safety.
KAPOW's approach teaches children to become aware of their thoughts and feelings. Each lesson begins with re-setting time so that children feel relaxed and ready to start their learning. It reiterates the values and expectations, especially when discussing sensitive topics.
Across the year, the children find out about their responsibilities, rights and duties as individuals and members of communities. They are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond the curriculum, contributing fully to the life of our school and communities.
Opportunities for responsibilities in school include Head Boy and Head Girl, our School Council, Mental Health Champions and children who will help the office team once per week.
We use the NSPCC Pants resources to ensure that our children are being taught about what is acceptable and unacceptable when knowing how to be safe. For more information, please use the link below:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/pants-underwear-rule/
Teaching About the Protected Characteristics
At John Gulson, twice weekly sessions are delivered to all children from Year R to Year 6, about the Protected Characteristics. The first session is usually led by a member of the SLT and then the follow-up session is led by the class teacher. We use a range of texts to deliver these sessions. We also use use these sessions to discuss topics such as consent and safety.
the teaching of the protected characteristics 2025 2026.pdf
Autumn Term (1) Protected Characteristics Overview 25-26
protected characteristics autumn 1 25 new.pdf