Why Teach PSHE?

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education) provides students with the knowledge, skills, and values to navigate their personal lives and the wider world effectively. It empowers students to make informed decisions, develop emotional resilience, and foster positive relationships while promoting an understanding of health, safety, and societal responsibilities. By addressing key topics such as relationships, health, and careers, PSHE ensures students are well-equipped to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities.

Curriculum Intent

The PSHE curriculum is designed to cover three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World. These themes underpin the big ideas, which include:

  • Promoting physical and mental health, including personal safety and lifestyle choices.
  • Fostering respectful and healthy relationships, embracing diversity, and understanding the impacts of discrimination.
  • Preparing for future aspirations by developing skills for employability, financial literacy, and responsible citizenship.
  • By embedding British values and cross-curricular links, the curriculum ensures a holistic approach to personal and social development.

Curriculum Implementation

PSHE lessons will be delivered through a combination of teacher-led discussions, interactive activities, and project-based learning. Each year group will explore age-appropriate topics to build knowledge progressively and revisit key themes to deepen understanding. The curriculum incorporates:

  • Use of external visitors (e.g., NHS, local MPs) to provide expert perspectives.
  • Cross-curricular links with science, careers, and digital literacy for practical application.
  • Regular opportunities for self-reflection through student voice and personal development activities.
  • Engagement with British values to contextualise societal roles and responsibilities.

Curriculum Impact

Students will:

  • Understand and practice strategies for maintaining physical and mental health.
  • Develop the skills to form and maintain positive and respectful relationships.
  • Gain awareness of personal safety, peer pressure, and societal risks such as substance misuse.
  • Build aspirations and readiness for future careers and financial independence.
  • Act as responsible, informed members of their communities, upholding values of equality and respect.