I visited Parkgate House School where they have been using Jigsaw PSHE since September 2017 to see how the approach and the curriculum have impacted the pupils. The school has also been using the Jigsaw Resilience and Engagement Scale and Toolkit, which was created in partnership with the Headmaster at Parkgate, Malcolm McKinlay.
Stepping into the classrooms it is clear to see how much the pupils at Parkgate have taken to the routine of the Jigsaw lessons. Their appreciation for the ‘Calm Me’ section is evident in the maturity with which they respond to the chime bar (from Reception to Year 6) and their comments about it:
The staff have seen a noticeable impact on how pupils respond to situations which might previously have upset them. Using Jigsaw has allowed the children to develop the way in which they communicate with each other, showing respect for each other’s opinions. Their listening skills have also improved in terms of responding to each other as opposed to simply offering their own ideas and thoughts.
The school now has a shared language based around a growth mindset; the Jigsaw lessons are helping to embed this, alongside use of the Jigsaw R.E.S.T (Resilience and Engagement Scale and Toolkit) which is having an impact not just on their resilience within
Early Years
We have seen a big impact on the pupils’ readiness to make mistakes. The language used in Jigsaw lessons and the ‘learning to learn’ songs have really supported this. Pupils are also particularly fond of their Jigsaw Friend, Jigsaw Jenie, and use it for comfort, role play and for increasing their confidence when talking in a group.
Looking forward, Parkgate staff are excited about how whole school use of Jigsaw, the mindful approach to PSHE and the Jigsaw R.E.S.T will continue to have an impact on their pupils. Development of their resilience, empathy and self-efficacy is an ongoing commitment and journey for Parkgate House, which is being supported through the implementation of the Jigsaw Programmes.