Leader: Mrs Kenward

Our Curriculum

Philosophy for children and ethics

Doing philosophy with children is exciting and encourages them to explore beneath the surface of things. It challenges them to ask questions and go beyond easy, obvious answers. Sometimes these are looking at ethical issues that children can try and gain an understanding of the world in which they live and look at whether decisions are based around a variety of influences. They can come up through thought processes an understanding of how others think and what they do or don't agree with.

During philosophy sessions we see the children grapple with an idea, consider the views of others and often come to a reasoned judgement well beyond their years. It allows them the opportunity to voice their opinions in an environment where everyone listens and all opinions are valued, knowing that answers are neither right nor wrong.

The children really enjoy these sessions and we hope they will have a positive impact on their social, speaking and listening and comprehension skills.

PSHE

In PSHE we cover the topics and objectives as recommended by the PSHE association. To see what we cover please see the overview and skills progression below.

PSHCE

At St Marks, children are taught weekly Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship Education (PSHCE) lessons, following the Coram Education SCARF scheme of work. This is developed by teachers and centered on a values-based and ‘Growth Mindset’ approach. SCARF supports primary schools in promoting positive behaviour, mental health, wellbeing, resilience and achievement.

There's now a proven link between pupils' health and wellbeing, and their academic progress. Crucial skills and positive attitudes developed through comprehensive PSHCE are critical to ensuring children are effective learners. We recognise how important these skills and attitudes are in unlocking pupils' potential, helping to raise achievement and closing the gap in educational attainment.

The SCARF scheme of work provides a whole-school approach to building these essential foundations – crucial for children to achieve their best, academically and socially.