Jigsaw is a whole-school approach and embodies a positive philosophy and creative teaching and learning activities to nurture children’s development as compassionate and well-rounded human beings as well as building their capacity to learn. It is delivered through 6 termly whole school themes (puzzles):
Within these puzzles are 6 weekly pieces (lessons) which are introduced through a whole school assembly. Every Jigsaw lesson includes mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is being able to observe your own thoughts and feelings as they happen, in the present moment, applying no judgement. Jigsaw teaches children to understand their thoughts and feelings through the Calm Me time exercises (using the Jigsaw Chime) and Pause Points (using Jigsaw Jerrie Cat). This helps to develop their awareness, and their capacity to be mindful human beings. Learning is thus enhanced as emotions and behaviour are self-regulated.
As a whole school, we give PSHE protected time to ensure it is covered. Although we have mixed classes, this subject is taugh to the children in their year groups. We find this allows us to teach at an age appropriate level.
Throughout the 6 puzzles and in every year group, British Values (Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs) is mapped into each of the pieces. Many Pieces in years 4, 5 and 6 also look at the key themes of the Global Learning Programme (focusing on key topics relating to global poverty and development as well as understanding, explaining and considering solutions to poverty and development issues) whilst developing pupils’ skills and considering values.
How we complement our PSHE AND RSHE Curriculum
We supplement our PSHE and RSHE curriculum in the Upper School with additional materials such as the school’s nurses programme for Years 5 and 6 which teaches about puberty and adult relationships. Parents are informed each year with regards to the curriculum intentions and content prior to the sessions.
Project 10: British Values – The Rule of Law
During the summer term, on a 2 year cycle, in Year 5 and Year 6 we deliver a 10-week programme called Project 10. This teaches the children about British Rule of Law as they reach the age where they can be held to account for their accounts by the law. It is designed to raise awareness and promote the safety and wellbeing of children; teaching young people about their legal rights and responsibilities and risks around crime and vulnerability. This programme is delivered with the support of the local Police Community Support Officer.
Protective Behaviours: The Safer Together Programme
We want to ensure that all children within our school community grow up happy, healthy and safe with the best possible start in life, free from abuse and harm. We also want to ensure our children are equipped with tools to help them to feel and keep safe as well as get help when they need it.
Protective Behaviours is a safety awareness and resilience building programme. It fits alongside the PSHE curriculum and helps children to recognise any situation where they feel worried or unsafe, such as feeling stressed, bullied or threatened and explores practical ways to keep safe. Protective Behaviours also looks at identifying support networks for times when we need someone to listen and help. The Safer Together programme is taught in the Summer Term from Years 1 to 4.
Protective behaviour is based on two themes:
” We all have the right to feel safe all the time.”
“We can talk with someone about anything, even if it’s awful or small.
