PSHCE

Year 7

Topics

• Setting Goals and Staying Organised: You’ll learn how to set personal goals, stay organised, and understand your own strengths and areas for improvement.
• Integrity, Empathy, and Communication: We'll focus on acting with honesty and responsibility, while also learning how to understand and show compassion for others. You’ll also develop communication skills to express yourself confidently and kindly.
• Managing Influence and Making Decisions: You’ll explore how to handle pressure from others and make decisions that help you succeed, by staying true to yourself.
• Building Confidence and Self-Worth: You’ll work on understanding who you are, boosting your confidence, and recognising your value and potential.
• Speaking Up and Asking for Help: Learn how to communicate assertively and stand up for yourself, manage risks, and know when and how to ask for support from others.
• Respect and Decision-Making: You’ll develop skills to respect yourself and others, and make thoughtful decisions by being aware of your actions and their impact.
   

Skills

1. Developing Goal Setting, Organisation Skills, and Self-Awareness

• Self-awareness: Understanding personal strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development.
• Goal setting: Learning how to set achievable short-term and long-term goals.
• Time management: Organising tasks and managing time efficiently to meet goals.
• Reflective thinking: Recognising what influences success or setbacks, and learning from them.
• Resilience: Developing perseverance when facing challenges.

2. Demonstrating Integrity and Developing Empathy, Compassion, and Communication

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Compassion: Responding to the needs of others with kindness and support.
• Active listening: Engaging fully with others during conversations.
• Non-verbal communication: Understanding the impact of body language and tone in communication.
• Integrity: Acting with honesty, responsibility, and strong moral principles.

3. Developing Agency, Strategies to Manage Influence, and Decision-Making

• Agency: Taking ownership of one’s actions and decisions.
• Influence management: Recognising external influences (peer pressure, media) and making independent choices.
• Critical thinking: Evaluating information and opinions to make informed decisions.
• Problem-solving: Identifying issues and exploring possible solutions.
• Risk management: Assessing risks before making decisions, while understanding consequences.

4. Promoting Self-Awareness, Self-Confidence, and Self-Worth

• Self-confidence: Building a belief in one’s abilities and qualities.
• Positive self-image: Developing a healthy view of oneself.
• Emotional regulation: Recognising and managing emotions effectively.
• Self-worth: Understanding and valuing personal contributions and identity.
• Positive mindset: Developing an optimistic outlook on life’s challenges and achievements.

5. Developing Integrity Through Assertive Communication, Risk Management, and Support-Seeking Skills

• Assertive communication: Expressing thoughts and feelings confidently without being aggressive.
• Boundary setting: Understanding how to establish personal boundaries respectfully.
• Risk evaluation: Assessing personal, social, and emotional risks in decision-making.
• Help-seeking behaviour: Recognising when and how to ask for help or support from trusted individuals.

6. Developing Agency and Decision-Making Skills Through Respect and Self-Awareness

• Respect for self and others: Understanding personal needs and the rights and needs of others.
• Self-discipline: Developing control over impulses and desires in decision-making.
• Conflict resolution: Handling disagreements in a respectful and constructive manner.
• Independent thinking: Making informed decisions based on personal values and respect for others' views.

Each of these skills contributes to overall emotional intelligence and life readiness in students, helping them navigate challenges with confidence, empathy, and integrity.

Year 8

Topics

• Integrity, Risk Management, and Critical Thinking: You’ll focus on acting with integrity, making safe and responsible choices, and analysing situations carefully to understand potential risks. You'll also learn how to recognise different influences on your decisions.
• Respect for Beliefs and Advocacy Skills: This will be about understanding and respecting other people's beliefs, values, and opinions, while developing the skills to advocate for your own ideas and stand up for what you believe in, in a respectful way.
• Careers, Education, and Goal Setting (CIEAG): You’ll work on setting clear goals for your future, staying motivated, and building self-awareness to help you succeed in school and life.
• Communication and Negotiation: You’ll develop skills to express yourself clearly and respectfully, negotiate in a way that respects others' views, and stay true to your values.
• Managing Influence: You’ll learn strategies to handle peer pressure and other influences, while still being respectful and standing by your own beliefs and decisions.

Skills

Developing Integrity, Risk Management Skills, Analytical Skills, and Strategies to Identify Influence

• Integrity:

  • Acting consistently with moral principles and personal values.

  • Recognising and owning responsibility for actions and their consequences.

• Risk management:

  • Evaluating personal, social, and emotional risks in different situations.

  • Developing strategies to make informed decisions when faced with risks.

• Analytical thinking:

  • Assessing situations, recognising biases, and identifying influences (e.g., peer pressure, media).

  • Applying critical thinking to distinguish between safe and harmful behaviours.

• Influence management:

  • Recognising external influences (peer, societal, media) and developing strategies to resist undue pressure.

2. Developing Respect for Beliefs, Values, and Opinions, and Advocacy Skills

• Respect for diversity:

  • Understanding and appreciating different cultural, religious, and social values.

  • Demonstrating tolerance and respect for other people’s beliefs and opinions.

• Empathy and open-mindedness:

  • Being able to listen and consider others’ perspectives without judgment.

  • Cultivating empathy and sensitivity to the needs and experiences of others.

• Advocacy:

  • Learning to stand up for one’s own beliefs while respecting the beliefs of others.

  • Developing the skills to speak out or support causes related to justice, equality, and fairness.

• Conflict resolution:

  • Managing disagreements in a way that is respectful and constructive.

  • Advocating for peaceful and productive resolutions to conflict.

3. CIEAG (Careers, Information, Education, Advice, and Guidance): Developing Goal Setting, Motivation, and Self-Awareness

• Goal setting:

  • Establishing clear, realistic short- and long-term goals, particularly related to career aspirations and personal development.

• Self-motivation:

  • Developing intrinsic motivation to pursue goals, despite challenges or setbacks.

  • Understanding what personally drives ambition and how to stay focused on objectives.

• Self-awareness:

  • Reflecting on strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values to make informed decisions about future aspirations.

  • Exploring how personal characteristics may align with future career choices.

4. Developing Communication and Negotiation Skills, Clarifying Values, and Strategies to Manage Influence Respectfully

• Effective communication:

  • Practising clear, respectful verbal and non-verbal communication.

  • Developing the ability to express ideas, needs, and opinions confidently and diplomatically.

• Negotiation skills:

  • Learning to engage in discussions and reach compromises without undermining personal or others’ values.

  • Practising active listening and respectful dialogue to achieve mutual understanding.

• Clarifying values:

  • Identifying personal values and comparing them with societal expectations.

  • Reflecting on how personal beliefs shape behaviour, choices, and relationships.

• Influence management:

  • Recognising the influence of peers, media, and other external factors on decision-making.

  • Developing respectful strategies to assert oneself while navigating conflicting opinions or pressures.

Year 9

Topics

• Self-Awareness, Confidence, and Risk Management: You’ll develop a better understanding of yourself, build confidence, and learn how to manage risks in challenging situations. You’ll also explore strategies to handle peer pressure and other influences while staying true to your values.
• Careers, Education, and Goal Setting (CIEAG): You’ll focus on setting goals for your future, working hard to achieve them, and improving your decision-making and analytical skills to help you succeed in school and beyond.
• Empathy, Compassion, and Support-Seeking: This will help you grow in self-awareness and respect for others by developing empathy and compassion. You'll also learn how to ask for support when needed and how to offer help to others.
• Recognising Bias and Managing Influence: Learn how to identify bias in the information and influences around you, and develop strategies to make informed and independent decisions.
• Integrity, Communication, and Risk Management: You’ll practise assertive communication, learning how to express your thoughts confidently and respectfully. You'll also continue to work on risk management and develop the skills to seek support when necessary.

Skills

1. Developing Self-Awareness and Confidence, Risk Management, and Strategies to Manage Influence

• Self-awareness:

  • Identifying personal strengths, weaknesses, values, and aspirations.

  • Recognising emotions and how they impact behaviour and decision-making.

• Confidence:

  • Building belief in one’s own abilities to overcome challenges.

  • Developing resilience and self-efficacy through positive self-talk and perseverance.

• Risk management:

  • Evaluating the potential consequences of actions and decisions.

  • Weighing risks versus benefits when faced with personal, social, or emotional challenges.

• Influence management:

  • Identifying different sources of influence, including peer pressure, social media, and societal expectations.

  • Developing strategies to maintain individuality and personal values while navigating external pressures.

2. CIEAG: Demonstrating Endeavour Through Goal Setting, Analytical Skills, and Decision-Making

• Goal setting:

  • Setting realistic and attainable short- and long-term goals related to academic, personal, or career aspirations.

  • Monitoring progress and adjusting strategies to achieve goals.

• Endeavour and perseverance:

  • Cultivating a mindset of hard work, persistence, and overcoming obstacles to meet goals.

• Analytical thinking:

  • Critically evaluating information to make informed decisions.

  • Breaking down complex situations or problems to analyse outcomes and make strategic choices.

• Decision-making:

  • Weighing options and considering potential consequences before making decisions.

  • Using reflection and feedback to improve decision-making in the future.

3. Improving Self-Awareness and Respect by Developing Empathy, Compassion, and Strategies to Access Support

• Empathy:

  • Understanding and sharing the feelings, perspectives, and experiences of others.

  • Practicing active listening and emotional sensitivity in interactions.

• Compassion:

  • Responding to others' needs with kindness, understanding, and a desire to help.

  • Offering support or advocating for others who may be struggling.

• Help-seeking behaviour:

  • Recognising when and where to seek help for personal, academic, or emotional concerns.

  • Developing comfort in reaching out to trusted adults, friends, or mental health services for support.

4. Developing Self-Awareness and Analytical Skills, and Strategies to Identify Bias and Manage Influence

• Bias identification:

  • Recognising personal biases, stereotypes, and prejudices, as well as those present in media, advertising, or societal norms.

  • Understanding how bias can influence decision-making, perceptions, and relationships.

• Analytical skills:

  • Evaluating information critically to distinguish fact from opinion or bias.

  • Using reflective thinking to challenge one’s own biases and assumptions.

• Influence management:

  • Acknowledging how external influences like media, social networks, or cultural pressures may shape thinking and decisions.

  • Developing strategies to think independently and make informed choices.

5. Developing Integrity Through Assertive Communication, Risk Management, and Support-Seeking Skills

• Integrity:

  • Acting in accordance with one’s values and principles, even in difficult situations.

  • Taking responsibility for actions and demonstrating honesty and consistency in behaviour.

• Assertive communication:

  • Expressing opinions, needs, and boundaries confidently and respectfully, without aggression.

  • Balancing self-expression with consideration for others' perspectives and feelings.

• Risk management:

  • Developing foresight in evaluating risks before making decisions, especially in social or emotional situations.

  • Understanding when to seek help or guidance when facing complex or high-risk choices.

• Support-seeking skills:

  • Identifying trusted sources of support, such as family, teachers, or counsellors.

  • Building the confidence to ask for help when needed, both for oneself and for others.

Topics

Year 10 PSHCE Study Journey Overview

In Year 10, students embark on a personal development journey through three key topics designed to build vital life skills, emotional intelligence, and personal responsibility. Each topic provides students with practical tools and strategies to navigate the complexities of adolescence, relationships, and the wider world. 

Topic 1: Developing Self-Awareness, Goal Setting, Adaptability, and Organisation Skills

The first topic focuses on fostering self-awareness and personal growth. Students learn to reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement, set realistic and meaningful goals, and develop strategies for managing their time and resources effectively. They are encouraged to adapt to new situations and challenges, building resilience and flexibility. Organisation skills are key, helping students manage their workload, responsibilities, and future aspirations with greater confidence.

Topic 2: Developing Empathy and Compassion, Managing Influence, and Assertive Communication

In this topic, students explore the importance of empathy and compassion in their interactions with others. They learn how to understand different perspectives and show kindness in their daily lives. Alongside this, they develop the ability to manage external influences, including peer pressure and media, while maintaining their own values. Assertive communication skills are introduced, enabling students to express themselves confidently and respectfully, without being passive or aggressive in challenging situations.

Topic 3: Developing Respect for Diversity, Risk Management, and Support-Seeking Skills

The final topic in Year 10 encourages respect for diversity and an appreciation of the differences that make individuals and communities unique. Students explore strategies for managing risks related to personal safety, mental health, and decision-making. They also learn the importance of seeking help when needed, understanding the support networks available to them, and how to access appropriate guidance when facing difficulties.

Year 11 PSHCE Study Journey Overview

In Year 11, students build on the foundation laid in Year 10 with an emphasis on personal growth, empathy, and preparing for the critical period of GCSE exams. The PSHCE curriculum is designed to enhance students' confidence, communication skills, and ability to seek support when needed. 

Topic 1: Improving Self-Awareness Through Developing Confidence, Agency, and Support-Seeking Skills

In this topic, students are encouraged to develop greater self-awareness by building confidence in their abilities and taking ownership of their actions. They learn how to cultivate a sense of agency, allowing them to take proactive steps towards their goals, both in school and in their personal lives. A key focus is on recognising when and how to seek support, empowering students to ask for help and make informed decisions about their well-being. The skills developed in this topic will help students approach challenges with self-assurance and resilience.

Topic 2: Being Respectful by Developing Empathy and Compassion, Clarifying Values, and Support-Seeking Skills

This topic deepens students' understanding of empathy and compassion, particularly in how they interact with others. It encourages students to reflect on their own values and how these shape their relationships and behaviour. Alongside this, they continue to develop their support-seeking skills, recognising the importance of accessing help in times of need. By building emotional intelligence and clarity around personal values, students become more respectful and understanding individuals, capable of fostering positive relationships.

Topic 3: Revision and GCSEs

As students approach the crucial exam period, this topic focuses on equipping them with effective revision strategies and stress management techniques. Students are guided on how to plan and organise their revision time, set realistic goals, and use a variety of techniques to retain information and prepare for exams. In addition, they will explore ways to manage exam stress, maintain a healthy balance between revision and personal well-being, and seek support from teachers, family, and friends. This final topic ensures that students are not only academically prepared for their GCSEs but also emotionally resilient during this high-pressure period.

Skills

1. Self-Awareness

   • Recognising personal strengths and areas for improvement.

   • Understanding emotions and behaviours.

2. Goal Setting and Organisation

   • Setting realistic, achievable goals.

   • Developing time management and organisational skills.

3. Adaptability and Resilience

   • Adjusting to changes and new challenges.

   • Building emotional resilience to overcome setbacks.

4. Empathy and Compassion

   • Understanding and appreciating the feelings of others.

   • Showing kindness and consideration in personal relationships.

5. Assertive Communication

   • Expressing oneself clearly and confidently.

   • Balancing assertiveness without being passive or aggressive.

6. Respect for Diversity

   • Appreciating differences in culture, background, and perspectives.

   • Promoting inclusivity and tolerance in interactions.

7. Risk Management

   • Identifying potential risks in personal, social, and online situations.

   • Making informed decisions to stay safe and healthy.

8. Support-Seeking Skills

   • Recognising when to seek help from others.

   • Identifying appropriate support networks and resources.

9. Confidence and Agency

   • Developing self-confidence in personal abilities and decision-making.

   • Taking responsibility for actions and choices.

10. Clarifying Values

• Reflecting on personal values and ethics.

• Aligning behaviours and decisions with core values.

11. Stress Management

• Managing stress, particularly in high-pressure situations like exams.

• Developing techniques to cope with anxiety and maintain mental well-being.

12. Revision and Exam Preparation (Year 11 Focus)

• Effective revision strategies and time management.

• Maintaining a balanced lifestyle during exam periods.

1. Social Work
   PSHCE encourages empathy, understanding, and communication skills—key attributes for social workers who support individuals in challenging situations.

2. Counsellor/Psychotherapist
   PSHCE helps students understand mental health, resilience, and emotional wellbeing, which are important foundations for careers in counselling and therapy.

3. Human Resources (HR)
   The ability to understand people’s needs, mediate disputes, and ensure the wellbeing of employees is essential in HR roles. PSHCE nurtures these interpersonal skills.

4. Healthcare Professional (Nurse, Doctor, Health Visitor)
   PSHCE teaches students about health, lifestyle choices, and wellbeing, forming a basis for careers in healthcare where physical and emotional health are priorities.

5. Teacher/Education Professional
   PSHCE develops communication, empathy, and the ability to guide young people—key skills for those interested in becoming teachers, particularly in pastoral care roles.

6. Police Officer
   Understanding diversity, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making, all taught in PSHCE, are essential for a career in the police force.

7. Charity Sector Roles (Community Outreach Worker, Fundraiser)
   The values of helping others and promoting equality, often discussed in PSHCE, align well with roles in charities, where compassion and support for vulnerable groups are crucial.

8. Public Health Officer
   PSHCE covers key topics such as health promotion, wellbeing, and preventative care, which can lead to a career in public health, promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviours in the community.

9. Youth Worker
   PSHCE helps students build skills in communication, empathy, and support, which are important for working with young people in community settings.

10. Diversity and Inclusion Specialist

     With PSHCE covering themes like equality and anti-discrimination, students can be prepared for roles focusing on diversity and           inclusion in organisations, helping ensure fair treatment for all employees.

Health and Well-Being

1. "The Self-Care Solution" by Jennifer Ashton

   • Practical advice on maintaining physical and mental health.

2. "The Stress-Proof Brain" by Melanie Greenberg

   • Strategies to manage stress and build emotional resilience.

3. "Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams" by Matthew Walker

   • Explores the importance of sleep for health and well-being.

4. "How to Build a Healthy Brain" by Kimberley Wilson

   • Discusses the connection between lifestyle, diet, and mental health.

5. "Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day" by Jennie Marie Battistin

   • Mindfulness techniques tailored for young people.

Relationships

6. "The Five Love Languages of Teenagers" by Gary Chapman

   • A guide to understanding and nurturing healthy relationships.

7. "How to Talk So Teens Will Listen and Listen So Teens Will Talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

   • Practical communication strategies for fostering healthy interactions.

8. "Can We Talk About Consent?" by Justin Hancock

   • A teen-friendly guide to understanding boundaries and respect in relationships.

9. "Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls" by Rachel Simmons

   • Examines social dynamics and relationships among teenagers.

10. "Boys Don’t Cry" by Malorie Blackman

    • A novel exploring themes of relationships, responsibility, and emotions.

Living in the Wider World

11. "I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai

    • Inspiring memoir about education, activism, and resilience.

12. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey

    • Strategies for personal development and goal-setting.

13. "Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls" by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

    • Short biographies of inspiring women who changed the world.

14. "We Should All Be Feminists" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    • A thought-provoking essay on gender equality and inclusion.

15. "You Are a Champion" by Marcus Rashford

    • Life lessons on resilience, goal-setting, and using your voice to create change.

Diversity and Inclusion

16. "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas

    • Explores themes of race, inequality, and activism through the eyes of a teenager.

17. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio

    • A heartwarming story about empathy, kindness, and overcoming differences.

18. "This Book Is Anti-Racist" by Tiffany Jewell

    • A practical guide for young people to understand and challenge racism.

19. "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

    • Examines themes of identity, love, and the value of life.

20. "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

    • Explains the history of racism and how young people can combat it today.

Citizenship and Social Responsibility

21. "No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference" by Greta Thunberg

    • Collection of speeches advocating for urgent climate action.

22. "How to Change the World" by John-Paul Flintoff

    • A practical guide to activism and creating meaningful change.

23. "Fake News: Falsehood, Fabrication and Fantasy in Journalism" by Brian McNair

    • Explores the impact of misinformation and the importance of media literacy.

24. "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba

    • Inspirational story about innovation and problem-solving in a rural community.

25. "The Good Immigrant" edited by Nikesh Shukla

    • Collection of essays exploring the experiences of immigrants and diversity in modern society.

These books cover a broad spectrum of topics relevant to PSHCE, offering insights into health, relationships, diversity, and social responsibility. They encourage critical thinking and personal growth in a variety of engaging and age-appropriate ways.

RSHE-policy-2021-2022-KLAL.pdf