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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
Parental Website Info

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

Y12 PSHCE Programme

Y13 PSHCE Programme

Yrs 12 & 13 PSHCE Weekly Timetable 2025-2026

Parental Website Info
01845 522024