At this school, we adopt a cross-curricular approach to the teaching of Health Education. Within the context of the broader school curriculum, we aim to provide children with knowledge, skills and attitudes which enable them to make informed choices about healthy living. The curriculum includes:
- Understanding ourselves
- Myself and others
- Protecting our health
- Lifestyle and health
- Food enjoyment and health
- Safety
Sex Education will form part of the curriculum during a pupil's time at this school. Appropriate and responsible sex education is an important element in the work of schools in preparing pupils for adult life and it calls for careful and sensitive treatment. Parents are the key figures in helping children to cope with the physical and emotional aspects of growing up and in preparing them for the challenges and responsibilities which sexual maturity brings.
The teaching offered at this school is, we hope, complementary and supportive to the role of parents.
At the primary school level we are aware that particular care and sensitivity is needed in matching teaching to the maturity of the pupils involved, which may not always be adequately indicated by chronological age. At this level, we endeavour to help pupils cope with the physical and emotional challenges of growing up and give them an elementary understanding of human reproduction.
Special Needs
Our aim is to assist each child to develop fully, both intellectually and socially. We recognize that some children at some time in their school life will have a Special Educational Need in one or more areas of the curriculum. We must identify that need and take appropriate action. Children with particular learning difficulties are primarily catered for in the class group with the help of support agencies, i.e.. The Borough's "Reading", "Partially Sighted" and "Hearing Impaired" Services, as applicable and appropriate. Our Special Needs Co-ordinator, and special needs support staff, based in the school, liaise with parents and class teachers in arranging support for these children. Regular consultations between parents, the Headteacher and class teachers are held when children are experiencing difficulties. After full discussion, children may be considered for assessment by the Educational Psychologist. Parents are welcome to discuss our special needs policy and provision with the Headteacher.
More Able
Solihull Local Education Authority has a policy for supporting the more able child. It is our school policy to extend and enrich the education of every child, but we are aware of the value of providing extra support and resources within school specially for the more able and we are currently liaising with other local schools to provide special courses for more able children through our More Able Teacher Co-ordinator.
Multicultural Education
We believe that children must be given an awareness of the multicultural society in which we live today. Our cross-curricular approach attempts to embrace an understanding of the culture of various ethnic groups living in Britain. Through an understanding and respect of their religions, customs and festivals, we are preparing children to play their part in a multiracial society.
Environmental Education
We believe that an understanding of pollution and conservation issues will encourage a much greater awareness towards the protection of the environment. The local area is used as a valuable resource in much of our environmental teaching across the curriculum, considering such aspects as industrial and economic awareness as well as pollution and conservation concerns.
Equal Opportunities
Balsall Common Primary School is a school committed to equality of opportunity within which all adults and children can realize their potential and make maximum contribution to the school and wider community. These principles will be expressed in ALL school policies so that equality of opportunity should be experienced by everyone throughout the school.
