Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education at The Downs

At The Downs our vision is to take a holistic approach to promote health and wellbeing. To ensure our pupils have every opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, capabilities and attributes, which they will need for their mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing, now and in the future.  We have therefore decided to design our own curriculum to teach our pupils about Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education.

We believe that learning the key concepts through this bespoke programme will enable pupils to:

• make informed decisions in order to improve their mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing
• experience challenge and enjoyment through developing resilience
• understand basic economics
• apply their mental, emotional, social and physical skills to pursue a healthy lifestyle and make a successful transition to the next stage of education
• establish a pattern of health and wellbeing which can be sustained into adult life and which will help to promote the health and wellbeing of the next generation

Our curriculum is progressive in that each year group will be taught the same concept at the same time but the aims and outcomes will develop each year.

We also have a bespoke referral process. If there are any concerns about how a pupil is progressing in their understanding of a concept being taught, then a referral form will be completed and the child might then be provided with additional support to enable them to progress in that area.

FREE Magic Breakfast!

As part of our healthy school initiative we have been successful in securing a place in the scheme FREE ‘Magic Breakfast’ for ALL Children! Research has shown that children who have a healthy breakfast achieve more at school – make sure your child doesn’t miss out!

A delicious, healthy breakfast is available every day, offering every child great fuel for learning. It means that all children in the school are given the opportunity to
have a FREE healthy breakfast in school from 8.50 until 9.05 every day.

Lockdown and mental health-related resources

Dealing with the effects of lockdown toolkit
A toolkit focusing on managing the effects of lockdown, including loneliness, boredom, family problems and sleep disturbance.

Managing anxiety and improving wellbeing toolkit
Mindful crafts, breathing exercises and other self-care ideas, informative videos, emotional expression worksheets and helpful strategies to address anxiety during the pandemic.

Tools for managing emotions 
Tools designed to help children understand and manage their emotions and feelings, and stay calm and in control. 

The anxiety thermometer
Using a feelings thermometer is a great tool to help children recognise what feelings they might be experiencing in any given moment.

Helping children reframe negative thoughts
This simple activity will show children how to reframe their thinking around a negative situation, and look for positive ways to view the situation.

‘Resilience ladder’ activity
Developing resilience will help children deal with difficult situations and challenges. This resource teaches children about resilience and the steps they may need to take to achieve their goals.