sphe
Introductory Statement
This policy is a record of the teaching and learning of social, political and health education in our school.
The policy was formulated by the Principal and staff of Cloughduv N.S during an in-school planning day, with the assistance of a local cuiditheoir from the Primary Curriculum Support Program, and brought to the attention of the Board of Management and Parents.
It was reviewed in 2004 and 2009 by the teaching staff and it is now being updated to keep it in line with our SSE PLAN and many staff changes. (January 2020)
Rationale
Aspects of SPHE have been taught in Cloughduv N.S. for many years through various programmes and initiatives such as Stay Safe, Walk Tall, Relationships and Sexuality Education and through our involvement in the Health Promoting Schools Initiative. It has also been taught through integration with other subject areas such as Physical Education, Religion, Geography, etc. However, we wish to formalise our teaching of SPHE and plan for it on a whole school basis.
Vision and Aims
Vision:
SPHE will foster the personal development, health and well-being of the children in Cloughduv NS and help them to create and maintain supportive relationships and become active and responsible citizens in society. The children will develop a framework of values, attitudes, understanding and skills that will inform their actions and decisions in these areas or their lives both now and in the future.
Aims:
The children of Cloughduv NS should be enabled to achieve the aims outlined in the SPHE curriculum, which include:
Curriculum:Strands and Strand Units:
The curriculum is delineated at four levels—infant classes, first and second classes, third and fourth classes, and fifth and sixth classes—and is divided into three strands: Myself, Myself and others, and Myself and the wider world.
Each of these strands is further subdivided into a number of strand units or topic areas that contain particular objectives.
Cloughduv NS will teach aspects of all three major strand units each year and strand units will be chosen in such a way that the child will receive a comprehensive programme in SPHE over a two year period.
Cloughduv NS have created this 2 year plan to reflect this approach:
Strands
Strand Units (Year 1) 2019-2020
Strand Units (Year 2) 2020-2021
Myself
Self-identity (Sept.–Oct.)
Growing and Changing (Jan-Feb)
(RSE is taught this year)
Taking care of my body (Mar - Apr.)
Safety & Protection (Jan -Feb)
(Stay Safe is taught is full this year)
Safety and Protection (Mar.-April.)
(Important aspects of Stay Safe are revisited)
Making decisions (Mar-Apr.) 3rd – 6th
More Self – Identity (Infants- 2nd) Mar – Apr
Myself and others
My friends and other people (Nov- Dec.)
Myself and My Family (Sept - Oct.)
Relating to others (Nov – Dec)
Myself and the wider world
Media Education (May-June)
Developing Citizenship (May - June)
Contexts for SPHE:
SPHE will be taught in Cloughduv NS through a combination of the following three contexts:
1.Positive School Climate and Atmosphere
Cloughduv NS has created a positive atmosphere by:
SPHE is allocated ½ hour per week on each teacher’s timetable in Cloughduv NS. However teachers may allocate 1 hour per fortnight to allow for more indepth exploration of a strand unit.
3.Integration with other subject areas and Linkage within SPHE
Teachers will endeavour to adopt a thematic approach to SPHE by integrating it with other subject areas such as Language, Geography, History, Religion, Visual Arts, Physical Education, etc. Themes/Projects such as Healthy Eating Week, Friendship Week etc. will also be explored.
Approaches and Methodologies:
Cloughduv NS believe that the approaches and methodologies used in SPHE are crucial to the effectiveness of the programme. Active learning is the principal learning and teaching approach recommended for SPHE, therefore we will endeavour to teach SPHE using a variety of strategies which include:
Assessment:
Assessment is a central part of the everyday learning and teaching process in SPHE. It can provide valuable information on the child’s progress and on the effectiveness and suitability of the programme and the teaching methods being used.
Cloughduv NS uses the following recommended informal tools for assessment in SPHE:
Children with Different Needs:
Teachers will endeavour to adapt and modify activities and methodologies in SPHE to encourage participation by children with special needs. The learning support and resource teachers will supplement the work of the class teachers where necessary. Cloughduv NS will liaise with trained professionals/appropriate agencies when dealing with sensitive issues such as bereavement or loss to ensure that the children involved are fully supported.
Equality of Participation and Access:
Cloughduv NS recognises and values diversity, and believes all children are entitled to access the services, facilities, or amenities that are available in the school environment. Ours is a mixed-sex school and we endeavour to challenge traditional stereotypes and ensure that equal opportunities are given to boys and girls to participate in discussion, debate, presentation, etc. Cloughduv NS is under Roman Catholic school management, and we endeavour to provide for all members of society including Members of Travelling community, Children with disabilities, Families with literacy difficulties, Children who are learning English as a second language.
Organisation:
Policies and Programmes that support SPHE:
Substance Use Policy:
See Substance Use Policy
Relationships and Sexuality Education:
See Relationships and Sexuality Education Policy
Child Protection:
See Child Safeguarding Statement
Homework:
SPHE homework, if prescribed in SPHE, will reflect the active learning approach and will reinforce information already taught during class. To promote Wellbeing Wednesday in Cloughduv NS the children on occasions receive only oral homework on Wednesdays. They are encouraged to spend time with family playing games or enjoying activities outdoors together.
Resources:
Programmes and Other Materials:
Books for Pupil
Books for Teacher
Audio Tapes
Posters
Media & ICT
Busy bodies
Tom’s Flower Power
Weaving Wellbeing
Stay Safe
Walk Tall
RSE
Anti – bullying programme
Zippy’s Friends
Friends For Life
Mindfulness CDS
Weaving Wellbeing Cds
Anti- bullying posters
Kindness display
Restorative Practice Displays
You- tube clips for mindfulness, yoga, meditation and movement breaks
Guest Speakers:
When a guest speaker addresses the children in SPHE, the class teacher will remain in the classroom and make the speaker aware of this school plan and attached policies.
Individual Teachers’ Planning and Reporting:
This plan in SPHE and the curriculum documents will inform and guide teachers in their long and short term planning in SPHE. Each teacher will keep a Cuntas Míosúil and this will inform our progress and needs when evaluating and reviewing our progress in SPHE.
Staff Development:
The staff have attended training in the following areas and this training will support an effective implementation of the SPHE programme:
Teachers are encouraged to attend SPHE related courses and will share information/skills acquired at these courses with other members of staff during staff meetings.
Parental Involvement:
Parental involvement is considered an integral part to effectively implementing SPHE as Cloughduv NS believe that SPHE is a shared responsibility. This plan and the curriculum documents are available for parents to inform them of the programme for SPHE. They are also welcomed as committee members of the Health Promoting Schools initiative.
Community Links:
Cloughduv NS believe that the local community has a very important role to play in supporting the programme in SPHE and endeavour to liaise with the members such as the Dental Hygienist, Garda, Doctor, Health Nurse, Fireman, Vet, New Parent, etc.
Success Criteria
The success of this plan will be evaluated through teacher’s planning and preparation, and if the procedures outlined in this plan have been consistently followed. We will also judge its success if the children have been enabled to achieve the aims outlined in this plan.
Implementation
Roles and Responsibilities:
Cloughduv NS believes that the school community must be involved to successfully implement SPHE. Therefore, the teaching staff will implement this plan with the support of the Board of Management, Parents and the Local Community.
Wellbeing
Review
This policy will be reviewed if the curriculum changes or when necessary to ensure optimum implementation of the Social, Political and Health Education Curriculum.
We will
This review was done in January 2020
Ratification
This plan was ratified by the Board of Management
This policy is a record of the teaching and learning of social, political and health education in our school.
The policy was formulated by the Principal and staff of Cloughduv N.S during an in-school planning day, with the assistance of a local cuiditheoir from the Primary Curriculum Support Program, and brought to the attention of the Board of Management and Parents.
It was reviewed in 2004 and 2009 by the teaching staff and it is now being updated to keep it in line with our SSE PLAN and many staff changes. (January 2020)
Rationale
Aspects of SPHE have been taught in Cloughduv N.S. for many years through various programmes and initiatives such as Stay Safe, Walk Tall, Relationships and Sexuality Education and through our involvement in the Health Promoting Schools Initiative. It has also been taught through integration with other subject areas such as Physical Education, Religion, Geography, etc. However, we wish to formalise our teaching of SPHE and plan for it on a whole school basis.
Vision and Aims
Vision:
SPHE will foster the personal development, health and well-being of the children in Cloughduv NS and help them to create and maintain supportive relationships and become active and responsible citizens in society. The children will develop a framework of values, attitudes, understanding and skills that will inform their actions and decisions in these areas or their lives both now and in the future.
Aims:
The children of Cloughduv NS should be enabled to achieve the aims outlined in the SPHE curriculum, which include:
- to promote the personal development and well-being of the child
- to foster in the child a sense of care and respect for himself/herself and others and an appreciation of the dignity of every human being
- to promote the health of the child and provide a foundation for healthy living in all its aspects
- to enable the child to make informed decisions and choices about the social, personal and health dimensions of life both now and in the future
- To develop in the child a sense of social responsibility, a commitment to active and participative citizenship and an appreciation of the democratic way of life
- to enable the child to respect human and cultural diversity and to appreciate and understand the interdependent nature of the world
Curriculum:Strands and Strand Units:
The curriculum is delineated at four levels—infant classes, first and second classes, third and fourth classes, and fifth and sixth classes—and is divided into three strands: Myself, Myself and others, and Myself and the wider world.
Each of these strands is further subdivided into a number of strand units or topic areas that contain particular objectives.
Cloughduv NS will teach aspects of all three major strand units each year and strand units will be chosen in such a way that the child will receive a comprehensive programme in SPHE over a two year period.
Cloughduv NS have created this 2 year plan to reflect this approach:
Strands
Strand Units (Year 1) 2019-2020
Strand Units (Year 2) 2020-2021
Myself
Self-identity (Sept.–Oct.)
Growing and Changing (Jan-Feb)
(RSE is taught this year)
Taking care of my body (Mar - Apr.)
Safety & Protection (Jan -Feb)
(Stay Safe is taught is full this year)
Safety and Protection (Mar.-April.)
(Important aspects of Stay Safe are revisited)
Making decisions (Mar-Apr.) 3rd – 6th
More Self – Identity (Infants- 2nd) Mar – Apr
Myself and others
My friends and other people (Nov- Dec.)
Myself and My Family (Sept - Oct.)
Relating to others (Nov – Dec)
Myself and the wider world
Media Education (May-June)
Developing Citizenship (May - June)
Contexts for SPHE:
SPHE will be taught in Cloughduv NS through a combination of the following three contexts:
1.Positive School Climate and Atmosphere
Cloughduv NS has created a positive atmosphere by:
- building effective communication
- catering for individual needs
- creating a health-promoting physical environment
- developing democratic processes
- enhancing self-esteem
- fostering respect for diversity
- fostering inclusive and respectful language
- developing appropriate communication
- developing a school approach to assessment
SPHE is allocated ½ hour per week on each teacher’s timetable in Cloughduv NS. However teachers may allocate 1 hour per fortnight to allow for more indepth exploration of a strand unit.
3.Integration with other subject areas and Linkage within SPHE
Teachers will endeavour to adopt a thematic approach to SPHE by integrating it with other subject areas such as Language, Geography, History, Religion, Visual Arts, Physical Education, etc. Themes/Projects such as Healthy Eating Week, Friendship Week etc. will also be explored.
Approaches and Methodologies:
Cloughduv NS believe that the approaches and methodologies used in SPHE are crucial to the effectiveness of the programme. Active learning is the principal learning and teaching approach recommended for SPHE, therefore we will endeavour to teach SPHE using a variety of strategies which include:
- drama activities
- co-operative games
- use of pictures
- photographs and visual images
- written activities
- use of media
- information technologies and looking at children’s work
- Wellbeing Wednesday
Assessment:
Assessment is a central part of the everyday learning and teaching process in SPHE. It can provide valuable information on the child’s progress and on the effectiveness and suitability of the programme and the teaching methods being used.
Cloughduv NS uses the following recommended informal tools for assessment in SPHE:
- Teacher observation
- Teacher-designed tasks and tests
- Portfolios and projects
Children with Different Needs:
Teachers will endeavour to adapt and modify activities and methodologies in SPHE to encourage participation by children with special needs. The learning support and resource teachers will supplement the work of the class teachers where necessary. Cloughduv NS will liaise with trained professionals/appropriate agencies when dealing with sensitive issues such as bereavement or loss to ensure that the children involved are fully supported.
Equality of Participation and Access:
Cloughduv NS recognises and values diversity, and believes all children are entitled to access the services, facilities, or amenities that are available in the school environment. Ours is a mixed-sex school and we endeavour to challenge traditional stereotypes and ensure that equal opportunities are given to boys and girls to participate in discussion, debate, presentation, etc. Cloughduv NS is under Roman Catholic school management, and we endeavour to provide for all members of society including Members of Travelling community, Children with disabilities, Families with literacy difficulties, Children who are learning English as a second language.
Organisation:
Policies and Programmes that support SPHE:
- Code of Behaviour
- Enrolment Policy
- Health and Safety Statement
- Internet Safety Policy
- Anti-bullying Policy
- Healthy Eating Policy
- RSE Policy
- SEN Policy
Substance Use Policy:
See Substance Use Policy
Relationships and Sexuality Education:
See Relationships and Sexuality Education Policy
Child Protection:
See Child Safeguarding Statement
Homework:
SPHE homework, if prescribed in SPHE, will reflect the active learning approach and will reinforce information already taught during class. To promote Wellbeing Wednesday in Cloughduv NS the children on occasions receive only oral homework on Wednesdays. They are encouraged to spend time with family playing games or enjoying activities outdoors together.
Resources:
Programmes and Other Materials:
Books for Pupil
Books for Teacher
Audio Tapes
Posters
Media & ICT
Busy bodies
Tom’s Flower Power
Weaving Wellbeing
Stay Safe
Walk Tall
RSE
Anti – bullying programme
Zippy’s Friends
Friends For Life
Mindfulness CDS
Weaving Wellbeing Cds
Anti- bullying posters
Kindness display
Restorative Practice Displays
You- tube clips for mindfulness, yoga, meditation and movement breaks
Guest Speakers:
When a guest speaker addresses the children in SPHE, the class teacher will remain in the classroom and make the speaker aware of this school plan and attached policies.
Individual Teachers’ Planning and Reporting:
This plan in SPHE and the curriculum documents will inform and guide teachers in their long and short term planning in SPHE. Each teacher will keep a Cuntas Míosúil and this will inform our progress and needs when evaluating and reviewing our progress in SPHE.
Staff Development:
The staff have attended training in the following areas and this training will support an effective implementation of the SPHE programme:
- two full days in-service seminars in 2002-4 by the Primary Curriculum Support Programme
- Child Abuse Prevention Programme/ Stay Safe
- Substance Misuse programme /Walk Tall
- Relationships and Sexuality Education programme /R.S.E.
- Zippy’s Friends
- Health Promotion Workshops
- Mindfulness Workshops
- Fundamental Movements Workshops
- SPHE through art
- Friends for life training
Teachers are encouraged to attend SPHE related courses and will share information/skills acquired at these courses with other members of staff during staff meetings.
Parental Involvement:
Parental involvement is considered an integral part to effectively implementing SPHE as Cloughduv NS believe that SPHE is a shared responsibility. This plan and the curriculum documents are available for parents to inform them of the programme for SPHE. They are also welcomed as committee members of the Health Promoting Schools initiative.
Community Links:
Cloughduv NS believe that the local community has a very important role to play in supporting the programme in SPHE and endeavour to liaise with the members such as the Dental Hygienist, Garda, Doctor, Health Nurse, Fireman, Vet, New Parent, etc.
Success Criteria
The success of this plan will be evaluated through teacher’s planning and preparation, and if the procedures outlined in this plan have been consistently followed. We will also judge its success if the children have been enabled to achieve the aims outlined in this plan.
Implementation
Roles and Responsibilities:
Cloughduv NS believes that the school community must be involved to successfully implement SPHE. Therefore, the teaching staff will implement this plan with the support of the Board of Management, Parents and the Local Community.
Wellbeing
- In 2019 - 2020, the staff of CNS are examining the area of Wellbeing for our School Self Evaluation. Parents, teachers and pupils will be surveyed and their feedback will form the foundation for further improvements in SPHE and Wellbeing going forward.
- Wellbeing is prioritised in our school and improvements and initiatives are ongoing
Review
This policy will be reviewed if the curriculum changes or when necessary to ensure optimum implementation of the Social, Political and Health Education Curriculum.
We will
- co-ordinate the progress of the plan
- encourage and accept feedback on its implementation
- ensure teachers have the resources needed to implement this plan
- ensure each teacher has a copy of this plan
This review was done in January 2020
Ratification
This plan was ratified by the Board of Management
