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Personal, social, health and citizenship education
PSHCE is a vital part of our school’s curriculum. Students learn how to become healthier individuals, physically and mentally; how to establish and maintain good relationships with others; and how to prepare themselves for a fulfilling role in wider society. It is taught for one hour a week in the Autumn term, one hour a fortnight thereafter. Lessons are mostly taken by a student’s tutor. PSHCE is also covered in drop down days, which are run throughout the year, and in assemblies, which students attend once a week.
Relationships and Sex Education Policy
In KS3 PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION WE STUDY THE FOLLOWING
- mental well-being is a whole school focus in the first term
- reflecting on and evaluating achievements and strengths in all areas of our lives and recognising our own worth
- learning the basic facts and laws about alcohol, tobacco and legal and illegal drugs
- recognising some strong emotions and identifying ways of managing these emotions positively
- staying physically and mentally healthy
- making informed choices to maintain health and well-being
- assessing the element of risk attached to making choices about healthy lifestyles, travel, personal safety and personal finances
- demonstrating effective ways of resisting negative pressure
- recognising difference and diversity and demonstrate understanding and empathy towards others who live their lives in different ways
- assertively challenging prejudice and discrimination
- recognising and discussing the importance of relationships to sexual activity and to marriage, parenthood and family life
ASSESSMENT
- informally via student contributions in lessons
- self assessment which each student fills in at the end of the decisions unit
- end of term quizzes that reflect the knowledge of the term
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
- practicing assertive responses to threatening situations
- reflecting on discussions which have taken place in lessons
- making informed choices when faced with situations which involve an element of risk
Mr M Mars – Head of PSHCE
Links:
Year 7 Scheme of learning
Year 8 Scheme of learning
IN KS4 PersonaL, social health and citizenship education WE STUDY THE FOLLOWING
- assessing our personal qualities, skills and achievements and using them to set future goals
- presenting ourself confidently and using praise and criticism effectively
- using some of the financial tools and services available to manage personal finances
- describing the shortand long-term consequences of personal health choices, and how to make decisions based on this knowledge, and finding professional health advice and confidence in seeking it
- identifying some of the causes, symptoms and treatments of mental and emotional health disorders such as stress and depression, including the link between eating disorders and self-image, and can identify strategies for preventing and addressing these
- assessing the risks and benefits associated with lifestyle choices such as sexual activity or using alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs, and making safer choices based on this assessment
- comparing the diversity of ethnic and cultural groups
- taking the initiative in challenging and giving support in connection with offensive behaviour
- developing appropriate relationships with a range of adults
- discussing relationships,feelings and emotions, and analysing ways of managing these in connection with family event
- explaining the importance of different relationships and associated responsibilities, including those of marriage, parenthood and family life
ASSESSMENT
- informal assessment by their SRS teacher and Form Tutor in Tutorial lessons
- self-evaluation,a form is completed by all students at the end of the PSHE unit
- end of term quizzes that reflect the knowledge of the term
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
- practicing assertive responses to threatening situations
- reflecting on discussions which have taken place in lessons
- making informed choices when faced with situations which involve an element of risk
- involving themselves inappropriate extra-curricular activities both in and out of school
Mr M Mars – Head of PSHCE
Links:
Year 9 Scheme of learning
Year 10 Scheme of learning
Year 11 Scheme of learning
IN KEY STAGE 5 PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION WE STUDY THE FOLLOWING
- assessing personal strengths, values, skills and aspirations, and using these to make informed decisions about future pathways
- managing physical and mental health during transition to adulthood, including stress, anxiety, workload and work–life balance
- evaluating risks associated with drugs, alcohol and personal safety, including drink spiking, and making responsible choices
- developing effective study habits, revision strategies and independent learning skills to support academic success
- forming and maintaining healthy, respectful relationships, including understanding consent, boundaries, sexual norms and expectations
- recognising and responding to unhealthy or abusive behaviours, including bullying, discrimination, gaslighting and coercive control
- communicating assertively and confidently in personal, social and professional contexts
- understanding power differences within relationships and the workplace, and how to challenge inappropriate behaviour safely
- developing professional relationships and behaviours required for employment, work experience and further study
- exploring post-18 pathways, including higher education, apprenticeships and alternatives to university
- preparing for careers through work experience, personal statements, interviews and career planning
- understanding financial responsibility, including budgeting, payslips, rental agreements and being financially savvy
- developing digital literacy, including managing online identity, digital footprint and media influence
- engaging with citizenship and democracy through debate, elections and active participation in college and wider society
- contributing to social action and community initiatives, including charity and volunteering projects
ASSESSMENT
- informal assessment through discussion, participation and reflection during PSHCE lessons
- self-evaluation activities to support personal development and goal setting
- end-of-term quizzes and tasks to assess understanding of key knowledge and concepts
- reflection activities linked to careers planning, work experience and post-18 preparation
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
- applying assertive communication and decision-making skills in real-life situations
- reflecting on personal values, relationships and wellbeing outside of lessons
- making informed choices when faced with academic, social or lifestyle pressures
- participating in enrichment opportunities, work experience, volunteering and student leadership
- developing independence, resilience and responsibility in preparation for adult life





