At Haut-Lac School, we believe in fostering both academic growth and student well-being. Our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) curriculum plays a key role in shaping responsible, mindful and emotionally-resilient individuals, who are prepared to navigate the challenges of the modern world.
Our holistic approach to learning ensures students develop a deep understanding of themselves, their relationships, and the wider world. And through it, we empower students to make informed choices, recognise and manage emotions, and approach life's challenges with confidence and empathy.
Building Essential Life Skills
Our PSHE programme is based on the Dimensions Curriculum, which focuses on developing key life skills such as decision-making, healthy relationships and self-awareness.
It is designed to promote active participation, enabling students to reflect on their own thoughts and experiences while building a supportive community of learners. Initiatives such as Kindness and Inclusion Week, encourage students to feel compassion for each other and show generosity towards the local community with projects like a Cartons du Coeur food collection.
Developing Digital Awareness
In today's digital world, understanding how to navigate technology responsibly is crucial. That’s why we follow the Common Sense Media curriculum as part of our Digital Citizenship programme.
This curriculum teaches students how to use technology safely, responsibly and ethically. From understanding online safety to managing screen time, our students are equipped with the tools to make positive decisions in the digital space. They learn how to protect their privacy, identify credible sources of information, and engage in respectful online communication.
In addition to classroom lessons, some of Digital Citizenship lessons are planned for outdoor learning such as the “Rings of Responsibility” activity. The students throw a stone in a pond to observe the ripple effect. This activity is a powerful metaphor for how our actions, whether personal within our community and in the wider world of digital media, can have a far-reaching impact.
Encouraging Mindfulness throughout Infant & Primary
One of the most exciting and transformative additions to our PSHE programme is Mindfulness.
Recently introduced as a whole-school initiative, mindfulness encourages our students to pause, take a deep breath, and be present in the moment. Each day, students dedicate 10 minutes to mindfulness, which helps them manage the fast-paced nature of life and foster emotional balance.
Mindfulness provides students with tools to cope with strong emotions, reduce stress and improve focus. It’s a practice that teaches them how to recognize and regulate their feelings, enhancing both their emotional intelligence and overall well-being. This approach helps students understand the connection between their body and brain, equipping them with valuable skills to manage challenges both in and outside of school.
Preparing Upper Primary Students for the Future
As students progress to upper primary, we introduce more specialised topics to prepare them for the next stages of life.
First Aid education is run in P4 by the school nurse. Students are taught basic life-saving skills, such as CPR, which empowers them to act confidently in emergencies and understand the importance of helping others in times of need.
We also explore Sex Education and Relationships in P5, providing a safe space for students to learn about their bodies, relationships, and the importance of mutual respect. Our approach is age-appropriate, ensuring that students feel comfortable and supported as they begin to explore these important topics.
We emphasise consent, respect and understanding in all aspects of relationships, which are core values at Haut-Lac.
Looking Ahead
At Haut-Lac, we take pride in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically capable but also emotionally intelligent and equipped with essential life skills. Our PSHE curriculum is designed to ensure every student feels supported, valued and empowered as they grow. From learning about healthy relationships to mastering mindfulness and navigating the digital world, we are dedicated to helping our students become the best version of themselves.
Our staff are continuously involved in Continuing Professional Development training, with a specific focus on Digital Citizenship. This ensures that they remain up-to-date with the latest trends, tools and best practices in teaching students how to navigate the digital world responsibly. By investing in ongoing professional development, we can better support our students in making safe, ethical, and informed decisions online.
We look forward to continuing this journey with our students and ensuring they are well-prepared to face the future with respect, resilience, kindness, open-mindedness and sense of belonging.
Narcis Iniesta
PHSE Subject Leader
