PSHE
Head of PSHE
At The King's School, we uphold a commitment to delivering a dynamic and comprehensive Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education that cultivates the holistic development of our students across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5. Our curriculum intent for PSHE revolves around the implementation of a spiralled approach, ensuring a progressive, revisited, and reinforced learning experience. The aim of our curriculum is to equip our students with the resilience to be able to cope with the demand of 21st Century living.
The PSHE curriculum is crafted to foster the all-encompassing development of our students, embracing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Through an inclusive array of topics, we strive to nurture individuals who are resilient, empathetic, and equipped to confront the multifaceted challenges of contemporary life.
Concepts are introduced at an appropriate level and revisited with increasing depth as students journey through the key stages. This idea fosters continuous reinforcement of fundamental knowledge and skills and facilitates profound understanding.
Recognising the evolving needs and experiences of our students, our curriculum remains adaptable and responsive. This enables us to promptly address emerging issues, current affairs, and the diverse needs of our local student community. By remaining attuned to our students' realities, we deliver pertinent and impactful learning experiences.
At Key Stage 3, our focus lies in establishing foundational knowledge and skills across a diverse spectrum of PSHE topics. Through immersive and interactive learning experiences, students develop essential competencies such as effective communication, critical thinking, and responsible decision-making, establishing the groundwork for more complex learning in subsequent stages. Progressing into Key Stages 4 and 5, our curriculum delves into various pivotal issues, encouraging students to critically analyse complex topics and explore their own values and beliefs. Via robust discussions, research, and practical applications, students develop an understanding of themes including relationships, mental well-being, financial literacy, global citizenship, and comprehensive Relationships and Sex Education (RSE).
Where possible we invite guest speakers to give students the opportunity to listen to a range of rich and diverse experiences. This encourages empathy and widens their knowledge base whilst engaging in the wider world.
We also have a dynamic, student-led, Teen Health group who actively campaign to raise awareness of topical issues involving physical and mental health. They are also passionate about raising money for charities, which are decided upon by the group.
Ultimately, the spiralled PSHE curriculum is designed to empower students for life beyond the school gates. By nurturing vital life skills, promoting self-awareness and resilience, and fostering active citizenship, we equip our students to flourish in an interconnected world and to be able to make meaningful contributions to society.
KS3
Our lessons are interactive and discursive to enable students to build confidence by contributing to small group or class debates. Students are not formally assessed but they are encouraged to reflect upon their character and set meaningful personal and social goals.
Years 7 and 8
All students are taught the importance of understanding how our brain functions and how to recognise negative thought patterns. This introduction to cognitive behaviour therapy gives the students a toolbox to support themselves and others.
Each year pupils explore the relevance of financial capability through creative activities widening their experience of functional skills.
Learners are introduced to exciting career opportunities each year and how their personal skills relate to the real world.
How we function as human beings in various interactions is important and we spend quality time examining interpersonal skills, empathy and healthy relationships, body image and the complexities involved in consent.
Year 9
In Year 9 students are taught once a fortnight.
Key areas cover Careers, Relationships and Sex Education and Mental Health.
Typical activities include, debates on current affairs, clips from social media platforms and role plays.
KS4
Year 10 and 11
Students are encouraged to further develop their personal and social skills and reflect on how these attributes can lead to a fulfilling career. Lessons include CV writing, applying for jobs and employability skills. All students participate in a week’s work experience of their own choice in Year 10.
Entrepreneurial skills are encouraged during Mini-Enterprise where students form their own company raising money for selected charities selling at the Christmas Fayre.
Managing stress and revision skills are explored in depth and students are encouraged to build upon the techniques to manage a health lifestyle and are further exposed to different ways to relax and balance work and life pressures.
In Year 11 students are taught to fill in application forms and participate in a Mock Interview from experience business people in our wider community. The aim of these activities is to build confidence and motivate and encourage the youngsters at a challenging time in their lives.
We explore the consequences of risk taking including alcohol and other forms of drug misuse.
KS5
All students are taught PSHE once a fortnight during Year 12 as a cohort to promote cohesion and team work and a sense of community.
We place considerable emphasis on supporting students during their transition from GCSEs to A levels exploring study skills through interactive workshops.
We explore the complex nature of attitudes, values and involved in leading a healthy and fulfilling life and we continue to work on breaking down the stigmas of mental health, all of which are discussed in student led small group discussions.
Lessons invite students to look at the risks involved in modern society including recreational drugs and the law, relationships and sex education. Guest speakers support our work to keep the content topical and relevant.
Our main content allows students to explore Post 16 options such as employability skills and alternative avenues to gain fulfilment such as apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, work experience as well as University.