PSHE and RSE
"God has created all things for good; all things for their greatest good; everything for its own good. What is the good of one is not the good of another; what makes one man happy would make another unhappy. God has determined, unless I interfere with His plan, that I should reach that which will be my greatest happiness. He looks on me individually, He calls me by my name, He knows what I can do, what I can best be, what is my greatest happiness, and He means to give it me.
― ST JOHN HENRY NEWMAN
At Cardinal Newman, we deliver our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education through the Ten Ten Life to the Full Plus programme—a comprehensive, Catholic resource designed to nurture the spiritual, emotional, and social development of every child.
Intent
Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, Life to the Full Plus aims to help children understand their God-given dignity, build healthy relationships, and make wise, compassionate choices. The curriculum is designed to support pupils in becoming confident, respectful, and resilient individuals who can navigate the complexities of modern life with faith and integrity. The intent of our PSHE curriculum is to nurture the whole child—spiritually, morally, socially, and emotionally—rooted in the teachings of the Church and the example of Christ. Using the Ten Ten Life to the Full Plus programme, we aim to provide a rich, inclusive, and values-driven curriculum that supports pupils in developing a strong sense of self-worth, respect for others, and an understanding of their role in the wider community.
Our PSHE curriculum aims to prepare each child for their life in the wider world, now and in the future. We look to develop the child as a whole person, supporting them in developing the knowledge, skills and values they need to make informed decisions, overcome challenges and keep themselves safe. The Department for Education refers to PSHE as, 'an important and necessary part of all pupil's education', one that we believe is vital to help them to develop socially, mentally and physically.
Implementation
The curriculum is carefully sequenced and age-appropriate, covering key areas such as relationships, health and wellbeing, and living in the wider world, while embedding Catholic Social Teaching throughout. Implementation is supported through high-quality resources, regular staff training, and a whole-school approach that ensures consistency and fidelity to the programme.
The programme is taught across all key stages through a carefully sequenced structure that covers three core modules:
Created and Loved by God – exploring identity, self-worth, and emotional wellbeing
Created to Love Others – focusing on relationships, forgiveness, and community
Created to Live in Community – addressing social responsibility, citizenship, and stewardship
Lessons are interactive, reflective, age-appropriate, and inclusive, using a blend of video, discussion, prayer, and reflection, all underpinned by Gospel values. This enables children to explore complex topics in a safe and respectful environment. The Plus element of the scheme provides additional content tailored to meet statutory requirements and the specific needs of our pupils, including SEND adaptations and safeguarding guidance.
PSHE is taught in weekly sessions. Where appropriate, teachers may adapt lessons to best meet the needs of their children.
At Cardinal Newman, we also take part in a number of themed weeks and events during the year, that relate to different aspect of the PSHE curriculum. These include Anti-bullying week, World Mental Health Week and Internet Safety Day. In addition, we recognise the importance of children’s mental health. Within our school, we use worry boxes, Zones of Regulation and our ELSA team as part of an effort to create an environment which supports children’s wellbeing and mental health.
Catholic Ethos
Every aspect of the curriculum is underpinned by Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching, ensuring that pupils grow not only in knowledge but also in faith and character. The programme supports our mission to educate the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.
Relationships & Sex Education
RSE: Our Intent, Approach and Implementation
RSE is the life long learning about physical, moral and emotional development. It forms part of our RE, PSHE, Science, RE and Computing curriculum and our key objective is developing the well-being of the child. We believe parents are the prime educators of their children. Therefore, our school as a school is to support you and not to replace you.
In line with guidance from the Diocese, we are using a programme called 'Life to the Full' by Ten Ten Resources. This programme has been approved by the Diocese. Furthermore, Ten Ten Resources has entered into a partnership with the Catholic Education service and the Department for Education to provide training for teachers in Catholic schools on the subject of RSE.
As a Catholic school, our mission is to support the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all of our children, rooted in the wisdom and teaching of the Church. The education of children in human sexuality is an important, precious and privileged responsibility.
Further information about the statutory guidance on RSE can be found Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education - GOV.UK
Life to the Full- Ten Principles for Catholic RSE:
- Our bodies are good
- Through loving relationships we become close to the image and likeness of God
- Catholic Relationship Sex Education is about the whole person
- Catholic RSE should be taught in partnership with parents
- Our deepest identify is as a child of God
- Story can change heart and mind
- Catholic RSE is an education in virtue
- Catholic RSE is an education in conscience
- Relationship education is about striving for the common good
- Prayer, scripture and the Sacraments underpin the teaching
Structure of 'Life to the Full'
Each year group covers the same three modules, which take their names from the three themes of the CES Model Curriculum:
- Module 1: Created and loved by God
- Module 2: Created to love others
- Module 3: Created to live in the community
Online Parent Portal
Within this programme, there are some key decisions which are to be made and are explained through the Ten Ten consultation tool. This is a simple-to-follow, short online course. To access the consultation tool, please visit www.tentenresources.co.uk/parent-consultation-primary and using the following login credentials for our school:
Username: cardinal-newman-kt12
Password:swimming-pool