Aim

The aim of PSHE (which includes elements of the Citizenship curriculum) is to provide learning situations in which students can develop the skills, knowledge and personal qualities that they will need to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives and become active citizens.

Topics covered

Autumn

• Emotional health and well-being (coping with stress and anxieties)
• Health Education (illegal drugs, including visit by a SHED education worker)

Spring

• Gender and careers (equal opportunities) to include ‘If I can, you can’ visitors

Summer

• Relationships Education, inc. relationship abuse, keeping healthy and safe, HIV, respectful relationships
• We also include occasional topical lessons related to current news items

Teaching groups

Year 9 students are taught in their mixed ability form groups.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous and varied, including:

• Teacher observation
• Reflection (oral and written)
• Student self-assessment
• Peer assessment (e.g.during role-plays and group work)
• Group work feedback
• At the end of Year 9, students will be awarded Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze awards based on their year’s achievement

How to support at home

• Encourage your child to read/watch the news
• Talk to your child: Get them used to discussing ideas, issues and current events with you and others
• Listen to your child: Respect their views and explain your own clearly and calmly. Teach them to make their point and listen to others. Help them learn there are many sides to an argument
• Take an interest: Find out what your child is doing in PSHE and discuss it with them