PSHE/RSHE

The Team 

What is PSHE/RSHE and why is it important? 

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) and is designed to allow every student equal opportunities to develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive now and in the future. This includes helping students to deal with critical issues they face every day, such as friendships, emotional well-being and change.  

What do students learn in PSHE/RSHE?  

The PSHE curriculum is defined by 3 themes: 

• Health & wellbeing. 

• Living in the wider world. 

• Relationships. 

These themes are revisited twice in each academic year to help students deepen their knowledge and develop essential life skills. 

Within the PSHE curriculum, RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) is also provided to all students as per section 34 of the guidance issued by the secretary of state as outlined in section 403 of the Education Act 1996. RSHE aims to assist the emotional, social and cultural development of students. Within this aspect of PSHE, students learn about: relationships, sexual health, sexuality, healthy lifestyles, diversity and personal identity. RSHE involves a combination of sharing information and exploring issues and values. RSHE is not about the promotion of sexual activity. 

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from the non-statutory/non-science components of sex education within RSHE up to and until 3 terms before the child turns 16. After this point, if the child wishes to receive sex education rather than being withdrawn, the school will arrange this. Requests for withdrawal should be put in writing using the form found in Appendix 3 of the RSHE policy and addressed to the Headteacher. A copy of withdrawal requests will be placed on the student’s educational record. 

Summary of curriculum content 

Link to PSHE Learning Journey

Our curriculum follows statutory guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) and adopts the thematic approach recommended by the PSHE Association. All lesson resources are provided through the PSHE Association, ensuring students receive high-quality, engaging materials to make informed decisions about their health, finances, relationships and our responsibilities within the wider community. 

Challenge and support in PSHE/RSHE 

In PSHE, students are taught in mixed ability groupings. Teachers set the highest expectations of behaviour for learning and encouraging critical thinking, debating and problem-solving skills from our students.  

How is PSHE/RSHE assessed?  

PSHE is a non-examined subject, students focus on developing the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to navigate life successfully and responsibly in the wider world. We use a variety of methods to check student progress, such as retrieval quizzing of key knowledge, use of hypothetical scenarios for students to apply their understanding and class discussions surrounding ethical issues. Students will receive feedback on effort only throughout the academic year. 

Learning beyond the classroom 

Our home learning encourages further development of opportunities to engage with PSHE topics talk beyond the classroom by asking students to: 

• Ask for help if they need it – who can they talk to? Are there any other sources of support available? 

• Keep up to date with and discuss current affairs – what is happening in the news? 

• Encourage further interest in topics – what documentaries could they watch to further their knowledge? Are there local volunteer groups they can help with?

To further students’ opportunities for students to engage with key life skills, the PSHE curriculum in Yr10 includes active participation in the national Restart a Heart Day which is led by the British Heart Foundation. In October, all Yr10 students are given the opportunity to learn how to effectively use CPR to save lives, under the instruction of volunteers from St John’s Ambulance. 

Where can PSHE/RSHE lead?