PSHE is taught in all year groups. 

What we teach 

The Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our curriculum ensures that pupils can make informed decisions to lead safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Through their lessons, pupils develop the confidence to communicate their thoughts clearly, listen and respond to others, work collaboratively, and understand perspectives different from their own. The knowledge and skills gained are directly applicable to real-life situations, helping students navigate complex social, personal, and economic challenges effectively. 

The PSHE curriculum is structured around three core themes, revisited and developed each year:

Relationships, The World Around Me, and Health and Wellbeing.

These themes build progressively to provide a coherent and comprehensive understanding across all year groups, including Year 11. 

Educational Goals 

By the end of their secondary education, pupils will: 

• Develop critical thinking, empathy, and resilience to confidently face real-world challenges. 

• Demonstrate informed decision-making in areas such as relationships, health, personal finance, and social issues. 

• Build essential skills in teamwork, communication, and self-reflection. 

• Recognise and value diversity, embracing tolerance and mutual respect in their interactions with others. 

Rationale 

The PSHE curriculum is designed to address students' current needs and prepare them for the future by fostering self-awareness, respect for others, and a deep understanding of their role in society. Our curriculum reflects the school’s ethos and values, emphasizing personal development, responsibility, and the ability to make positive contributions to modern Britain. It is informed by: 

1. Pupil Needs: Regular feedback and consultation ensure lessons remain relevant and impactful. 

2. Local Context: Insights from community partners, such as local policing teams and youth organisations, shape our curriculum. 

3. Government Guidelines: Statutory content for Relationships, Sex, and Health Education is fully embedded. 

Coherence and Sequencing 

The PSHE curriculum builds knowledge and skills in a structured and logical way. Each year group’s content aligns with the three core themes and increases in complexity: 

• Year 7: Focuses on foundational topics such as transition to secondary school, developing friendships, British values (including democracy and tolerance), and an introduction to identity with lessons exploring Jewish, Buddhist, and Hindu identities. Students also study the importance of community, tolerance, and law. 

• Year 8: Explores deeper issues such as mental health, peer relationships, and emergency first aid, including CPR and the recovery position. Other lessons address what it means to be Muslim, the importance of Tawhid, and gender equality, focusing on confidence and perceptions in sports. 

• Year 9: Addresses complex subjects such as consent, racism, human rights, and sexuality, fostering an understanding of inclusion and the lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. A two-lesson project on same-sex rights in different countries raises global awareness, alongside lessons on gender equality and its impacts on men and women. 

• Year 10: Prepares students for adulthood with topics like personal finance, reproductive health, and workplace rights. Lessons on religion focus on practices such as Salah, fostering an understanding of religious observance and commitment. 

• Year 11: Consolidates prior learning with advanced topics such as long-term health management, financial independence, ethical decision-making, and preparing for post-16 transitions. Students reflect on their personal growth and readiness for the challenges ahead. 

This progressive model ensures pupils have the opportunity to revisit and build upon prior knowledge, developing a more sophisticated understanding of each theme over time. 

Inclusivity 

PSHE is an inclusive subject, designed to meet the needs of all learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Lessons are adaptable to ensure that every pupil can access and engage with the curriculum. Activities encourage collaboration and discussion, allowing all pupils to feel supported and valued. Differentiated tasks and real-life scenarios provide appropriate challenge and support, fostering a sense of achievement for all. 

Cultural Capital 

The PSHE curriculum broadens pupils’ understanding of the world, enhancing their cultural capital by exposing them to diverse perspectives, experiences, and values. By exploring topics such as democracy, equality, and human rights, students develop a critical awareness of societal structures and their roles within them. Case studies, current events, and guest speakers enrich learning, helping pupils connect their studies to the wider world. 

Assessment and Evaluation 

Student progress is assessed through: 

1. Self-Assessment Sheets: At the beginning and end of each topic, students complete self-assessment sheets, including a 10-question quiz on the key elements of the topic and 3 self-reflection questions. This process allows teachers to measure improvement and progress over time. 

2. Online Quizzes: At the end of each term, students complete online quizzes set on Teams, which recap content from the term as well as essential information from previous years. 

3. Formative Assessment: Ongoing formative assessment occurs within lessons, allowing teachers to monitor understanding and provide targeted support as needed. 

How we teach 

PSHE lessons follow an enquiry-based approach, encouraging independent and critical thinking. Lessons are designed around key questions, promoting active engagement and meaningful discussions. Topics are frequently updated to reflect current events and societal changes, ensuring relevance and immediacy. 

The curriculum incorporates literacy through the use of case studies and numeracy through financial education and data analysis. Collaboration with other departments, such as Mathematics for finance topics, strengthens cross-curricular links and supports holistic learning. 

Preparation for next steps 

PSHE prepares pupils for future education, employment, and adult life. By developing transferable skills such as resilience, empathy, and critical thinking, the curriculum empowers students to navigate personal and professional challenges confidently. Topics like personal finance, reproductive health, and workplace rights ensure pupils leave school equipped for the realities of adult life. 

Linking to future careers and jobs 

PSHE develops skills essential for success in a wide range of careers, including: 

• Communication and teamwork, valuable in any profession. 

• Analytical and decision-making skills, applicable to roles in management, law, and healthcare. 

• Social awareness and empathy, crucial for careers in education, social work, and public service. 

By fostering these competencies, PSHE helps students build a strong foundation for lifelong success. 

Core Values 

The PSHE curriculum aligns closely with our school’s core values of Care, Aspire, and Include: 

• Care: Pupils learn to respect and support one another, building a caring community through topics like mental health, empathy, and relationships. 

• Aspire: PSHE challenges pupils to aim high, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to achieve personal and professional success. 

• Include: Inclusivity is central to the curriculum, teaching pupils to value diversity and promote equality. 

The curriculum also supports our aim to develop students as healthy, literate learners; numerate, knowledgeable, and deep thinkers; culturally aware and ethical global citizens; and future leaders.

Through its diverse topics and skills focus, PSHE empowers pupils to thrive as engaged and responsible members of society.