PSHE Scheme

At Plympton St Maurice Primary School we have introduced the Jigsaw scheme of work to deliver our PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education) curriculum.

What is Jigsaw?

Jigsaw is a comprehensive and completely original Scheme of Work for the whole school from Foundation through to Year 6. It brings together PSHE Education, emotional literacy, social skills and spiritual development in a comprehensive scheme of learning.

What is a mindful approach?

How would children benefit if they could be aware of their thoughts and feelings as they happen, in the present moment, on purpose with no judgement? This is what mindfulness means. It can be learnt, and techniques to develop it taught. It also needs to be practised.
We believe mindfulness is a vital tool for life, not only does it support the regulation of emotion and build emotional resilience but also enhances focus and concentration; both helping to optimise learning.
Mindful children can more readily choose their responses to situations rather than react while caught up in the thought-flows and emotions.
In Jigsaw PSHCE, mindfulness is developed through the ‘Calm Me’ time in each piece (lesson). This consists of breathing techniques, awareness exercises, visualizations etc, all tried, tested and very enjoyable activities for children and teachers alike.
Observing thoughts and feelings, on purpose, in the present moment with no judgement.

SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural) development

SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) development opportunities are mapped throughout. Every lesson contributes to at least one of these aspects of children’s development. All of these pieces of learning are brought together to form a cohesive picture, helping children to know and value who they are and understand how they relate to other people the world.
The values taught in this scheme are integral to our schools ethos, whilst encouraging an essential awareness of British Values throughout.

Jigsaw PSHCE is a whole school approach

Jigsaw PSHCE is designed as a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme (Puzzle) at the same time. This enables each Puzzle to start with an introductory assembly (with an original song), generating a whole school focus for adults and children alike. The Weekly theme from that week’s lesson encourages children to reflect that learning in their behaviour and attitudes.

The Six Jigsaw Puzzles

The Structure of the lessons in Jigsaw

The creation of Jigsaw is motivated by the genuine belief that if attention is paid to supporting children’s personal development in a structured and developmentally appropriate way, this will not only improve their capacity to learn (across the curriculum) but will ultimately improve their life chances. That’s why Jigsaw is completely child-focused. Each lesson is broken into the following child centred headings: connect us, calm me, open my mind, tell me or show me, let me learn and help me reflect.
If you would like any further information on this scheme please inquire at reception.

Should parents wish to withdraw their children from the teaching of Sex Education after reading the policy, they should arrange a meeting with the headteacher to discuss this.

PSHE policy (including Relationships and Health Education, and our position on Sex Education)

Jigsaw LGBT Parent Leaflet

UK-3-11-and-Statutory-Relationships-and-Health-Education-Map

PSHE Parents and Carers Information Leaflet

RSE (Relationship and Sex Education) Parents and Carers Guide