“Students say, There's a great sense of community here. People are not afraid to speak in assembly.”
Ofsted Inspection Nov 2007
Personal, Social and Health Eductaion
Course Outline
Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) encourages students to learn more about themselves as growing and changing individuals. Through PSHE lessons students will learn the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary for making informed decisions about all aspects of their lives, as they change from children into young adults.
Students will also learn to respect the views, needs and rights of others, including people of different genders, ages and cultures to themselves. In each year a comprehensive Sex and Relationship unit of work is completed. Parents are notified of this and have the right to withdraw their son or daughter if they wish.
Citizenship features strongly in PSHE lessons, students cover issues such as Rights and Responsibilities and how they can contribute positively as active, caring citizens in school and the communities they live in.
Course Content - Key Stage 3
Students in years 7-9 receive one lesson each week taught by a specialist PSHE teacher.
Careers, drugs and Sex and Relationships Education are taught in every year.
In Year 7 students discuss the differences between Primary and Secondary School, learning about change and personal responsibility. Other topics studied include first impressions and considering others, Communication and Healthy living choices.
In Years 8 and 9 students cover topics such as Teenage Personal Safety, Assessing Risk, First Aid, Against Bullying option choices at 14+ and Emotional Health and Wellbeing.
Key Stage 4
1 hour lesson per week – Year 10
1 hour lesson every two weeks – Year 11
In Years 10 and 11 the emphasis in lessons is to gain knowledge and understanding of careers and options at 16+. Students in Year 10 prepare for Work Experience in PSHE lessons before completing a week in their chosen placements. Drugs and Sex and Relationships education includes visiting speakers such as the School nurse and Police liaison officer. Other topics studied include study skills and preparation for exams and citizenship.
Beyond the Classroom
To enhance the curriculum students take part in and watch theatre productions covering themes such as the dangers of drugs and careers choices and Road Safety. There is also a First Aid club which students can join to develop their skills and work towards the St Johns Ambulance Young Lifesavers Award. Members of this club have won the South East Region 2003 First Aid Competition and competed at National level coming first in the team competition. Those students who enjoy supporting others can choose to join the peer education scheme and become trained councillors.
Parental Support
We encourage students to raise and discuss personal issues at home. Talking and listening openly and honestly with young people about their worries, concerns and hopes for the future can help develop mutual trust and respect between parents and their children, as well as relieve the stress and pressures on young people as they complete their Secondary Education and enter adulthood.