The aim of the PSHE Department is to give all pupils the
knowledge, understanding and skills to enable them to lead healthy
lives and to participate in society as active and informed
citizens. It forms an essential element of provision within the
pastoral system. Each pupil has a 50 minute lesson once every two
weeks.
Two key areas are covered:
- Economic Wellbeing- brings together
careers education, work-related learning, enterprise, and financial
capability.
- Personal Wellbeing- concentrates on
the personal development of pupils and covers sex and
relationships, as well as drugs education.
One other important area of the PSHE programme is that of Study
Skills. The idea is to show boys how they learn, what multiple
intelligence best suits their style of learning and provide them
with the tools to become more effective learners. This will allow
boys to achieve, make a positive contribution and gain Economic
Wellbeing all of which are key elements of the PSHE criteria.
In Year 7 issues such as 'settling into a new school', health,
study skills, school rules, rights and responsibilities, personal
safety and bullying are covered. The School Nurse gives a talk to
the pupils on personal hygiene and later in the year the School's
Liaison Police Officer is invited to talk about personal
safety.
In Year 8 issues such as personal finance, laws and crime,
careers and the role of government are covered. Pupils research
their local MP and lessons make use of up-to-date DVD and
interactive resources. The school nurse gives a talk to pupils on
healthy living and a guest speaker advises boys on saving and
borrowing money.
In Year 9 PSHE focuses on healthy living and the role of the
individual within society. Topics such as sexual health are taught
by members of the Biology department. This includes the
transmission of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and the
School Nurse talks to the pupils about contraception. The effects
and dangers of drug use are explored and again our local Police
Liaison Officer talks to the pupils about drugs and associated
issues.
In Year 10 pupils concentrate on the economic wellbeing section
of the PSHE programme and will have the option of gaining an
Intermediate Certificate in Personal Finance. This is equivalent to
a GCSE qualification (Grade A*-C)
In Year 11 pupils cover issues from the citizenship section of
the syllabus. Areas of study include: Peace for a day campaign, the
role of Police in society, testicular cancer, human rights,
challenging racism and discrimination, The European Union, the
world of work and global issues. Form tutors and guest speakers
deliver the programme.
All pupils in Year 12 and 13 attend lectures on issues relevant
to life beyond the age of 18, including sexual health, driving
safety and drug abuse.
The PSHE department is keen to deliver the curriculum in a
non-judgemental manner and lessons are enhanced by speakers from
relevant organisations, such as representatives from the
Samaritans. Outside the immediate PSHE curriculum, form tutors in
all years of the school regularly discuss topical issues with their
form groups. Over the course of their time at school, pupils are
prepared well for the challenges of adulthood and PSHE plays an
integral part in enhancing the academic curriculum.
Head of Department
P Jackson, BSc