Personal, Social, Health and Economic education

PSHE is essential in preparing all pupils for life in modern Britain. Working alongside the school’s Personal Development programme, PSHE plays a crucial role in shaping well-rounded, resilient young people who can face the challenges of the modern world with confidence. Through the subject, students develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to manage their lives, stay safe, make informed decisions, and thrive both as individuals and as active members of society. PSHE equips students with the personal and social skills necessary to succeed academically while navigating the ever-changing demands of the world around them.

PSHE became a statutory subject in September 2020 under the Children and Social Work Act.

Within each academic year, students engage with the subject through three core thematic units:

• Health and Wellbeing
• Living in the Wider World
• Relationships

These units include statutory content outlined by the DfE and follow the PSHE Association’s thematic model. Lesson content is age-appropriate and tailored to reflect the contextual needs of our school and local community, ensuring relevance and impact for all pupils.
 

Assessment in PSHE

Assessment in PSHE focuses on students’ personal, social, and emotional development rather than formal exams. Students are assessed through a combination of observation, reflection, and practical activities. Teachers monitor participation in discussions, group work, and role-plays, and provide feedback on skills such as empathy, communication, decision-making, and resilience. Students may also complete projects, presentations, or portfolios to demonstrate their understanding and application of PSHE topics. Assessment is primarily formative and qualitative, highlighting progress, strengths, and areas for development, ensuring that all pupils are supported to grow academically, personally, and socially.
 

Homework

While formal homework is not set in PSHE, we encourage students to continue exploring and applying their learning at home through discussions, reflection, and real-life experiences.
 

How Parents and Carers Can Support PSHE

Parents and carers play a vital role in reinforcing PSHE learning at home. They can support their child by:

• Engaging in open conversations about health, relationships, emotions, and online safety.
• Encouraging decision-making and independence through real-life opportunities, such as budgeting, planning, or problem-solving.
• Modelling positive behaviours like empathy, respect, and resilience.
• Reinforcing safe and responsible use of technology and social media.
• Supporting emotional wellbeing by listening, validating feelings, and promoting coping strategies.
• Staying informed about the themes included within the curriculum and the challenges young people face, so they can continue discussions at home.

By working together with the school, parents and carers help their children apply PSHE knowledge and skills in everyday life, fostering confidence, responsibility, resilience keeping them safe as they grow.
 

Additional Support Available/ Useful links

Here are some trusted websites to help you stay informed and hold open conversations with your child:

• Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education - GOV.UK – DFE Statutory Guidance content
• PSHE Association – Guidance on the PSHE curriculum, resources, and updates.
• www.youngminds.org.uk – Advice on children’s mental health, wellbeing, and coping strategies.
• www.minded.org.uk  – Evidence-based resources to support children’s emotional health and resilience.
• www.nspcc.org.uk – Guidance on safeguarding, relationships, and keeping children safe.
• www.brook.org.uk – Information on puberty, sexual health, and healthy relationships.
• www.familylives.org.uk – Support for parenting, family relationships, and communication skills.
• www.saferinternet.org.uk – Tips for keeping children safe online.
• www.childnet.com – Advice on social media, cyberbullying, and digital resilience.
• www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize – Accessible information on budgeting, life skills, and careers.