Helping our girls thrive through Jigsaw

This year, we are proud to have introduced the Jigsaw scheme at Juniors to engage the whole school in a structured programme of pastoral support.

Jigsaw aims to build the capacity of children for learning and equip them with skills for life. It brings together PSHEE education, emotional literacy, mindfulness, social skills and spiritual development. 

As the name suggests, our girls work on a ‘puzzle’ chosen from six themes (Being Me In My World, Celebrating Difference, Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships, and Changing Me). The six puzzles (half-term units of work) each have six ‘pieces’ or lessons and all Year groups work on the same puzzle to enable a whole school approach. A variety of teaching strategies are employed to be mindful of each girl’s learning style, and lessons are delivered in an age and stage appropriate way.

Each puzzle starts with an introductory assembly, which is followed by a weekly celebration that highlights a theme from that week’s lesson across the school, and encourages girls to reflect that learning in their behaviour and attitudes. The whole school work towards an end of puzzle product such as a display or assembly, which is then shared and celebrated by all in Juniors.

Underpinned by mindfulness, Jigsaw develops our girls’ awareness and teaches them to understand their thoughts and feelings. Additional resources for each class include a Jigsaw Friend (a jigsaw-shaped soft toy) and a Jigsaw chime to help and encourage calming techniques. 

The programme has been very well received and in line with the aims of PHSEE, has helped our girls develop the qualities and attributes they need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.