PHSE and Relationships

Connect is a Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) wellbeing curriculum designed for primary school children. This engaging, easy-to-use weekly programme equips children with essential skills to foster emotional wellbeing and resilience. We are delighted to announce that we have just been accredited with the National Nurturing Schools Award. Our CONNECT curriculum aligns perfectly with our nurturing approach. At Marshfield, wellbeing is a top priority, which is why we hold weekly personal development assemblies to reinforce these vital lessons.

With 36 Lesson plans for each year group from Reception to Year 6, plus an Introductory Term, the Connect curriculum is forever evolving to suit the ever-changing needs of our children.

We have 'Connect Advisors' who play a crucial role in supporting our students. They embody the 'Advisor' role from our Connect PSHE curriculum, offering friendship and guidance to anyone in need. The Advisor skill involves carefully weighing the pros and cons of different courses of action.

What makes Connect really unique is that the termly themes are derived from the psychological wellbeing literature, and specifically the work of Dr Geetanjali Basarkod. Dr Basarkod’s PhD thesis expanded on the work of the New Economics Foundation by empirically showing that psychologically healthy people tend to engage in 6 behaviours, and our curriculum is built around them. They are…

Connecting with others – this involves having healthy social relationships.
Challenging oneself – this involves continually trying to improve via learning.
Giving to others – this involves spending time and resources helping our fellow human beings.
Exercising – this involves engaging in physical activity.
Embracing the moment – this involves mindfully interacting with our thoughts and feelings.
Self-care – this involves looking after oneself, such as through healthy eating and improved sleep quality.

Connect is the only PSHE curriculum specifically designed to support children to engage in these six wellbeing behaviours.

PSHE goes hand in hand with our PE curriculum. Please see our PE and Sports page for more information or visit:
https://www.connect-pshe.org/

Relationships Education

At Marshfield, Relationships Education is taught via our Connect PSHE curriculum.

Pol-Ed for Marshfield Primary School

The West Yorkshire Police Pol-Ed program is a vital initiative designed to educate and empower children about safety, healthy relationships, crime prevention and positive community values. For Marshfield, this program aligns with our commitment to safeguarding and fostering well-rounded, informed and resilient children.

Why Pol-Ed Matters for Our Children

1. Supporting Our Context:
Our children grow up in a dynamic and diverse community where they may encounter a range of challenges including peer pressure, online safety risks and relationship issues. Pol-Ed provides age-appropriate lessons that equip children with the tools to understand and navigate these context-appropriate challenges, ensuring they are better prepared to make informed, safe and respectful choices.

2. Strengthening Safeguarding:
Pol-Ed delivers essential safeguarding messages in a relatable and practical way. By teaching children to recognise unsafe or unhealthy situations, whether in friendships, family dynamics, or online, it helps them identify warning signs and seek support from trusted adults. This collaboration complements our efforts to create a safe, inclusive environment for all.

3. Promoting Healthy Relationships:
Pol-Ed emphasises the importance of kindness, respect and empathy in building strong, positive relationships. Through lessons on anti-bullying, consent, and effective communication, children learn to understand the qualities of healthy friendships and relationships. This focus supports their social and emotional development, laying the foundation for positive interactions both now and in the future.

4. Preparing for Life Beyond School:
As children grow, they will encounter new social and relational challenges. Pol-Ed helps them develop the skills to set boundaries, resolve conflicts and foster mutual respect, essential skills for navigating life confidently and responsibly.

By embedding the Pol-Ed program into our PSHE curriculum, we are prioritising children’s safety, personal growth and ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. This partnership empowers our pupils with the knowledge and skills to thrive in all aspects of life, both inside and outside of school.