Curriculum Intent

Equipping our students for their futures is at the heart of our PSHCE curriculum. The subject explores sensitive and sometimes controversial topics, but this is something we do not shy away from. Our context as a Catholic school means that we approach these issues with scripture as the foundation of what we teach alongside the 8 Essentials. Nevertheless, students will leave St Ambrose with a comprehensive and realistic picture of what they can expect to encounter in their lives with the emotional intelligence and skills to be able to make positive life choices. We deal with the social and economic issues that affect communities and families, helping them to make positive choices now and into their future. A careers education is also essential to a rounded education, and all students across the school will focus on careers throughout the second half of the spring term. We strive to teach the skills that young people need to deal with life and its complexities, giving them the tools to handle challenges they may face. PSHCE is, ultimately, about teaching students how to be resilient, healthy and happy members of the community.

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Overview

PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, Careers and Economic Education) and RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) are fundamental to providing our students with a rounded, Catholic education. Young people need to learn about the realities of modern life, confronting sometimes challenging topics, to ensure that they are ready to take on the world.

We strive to teach the skills that young people need to deal with life and its complexities, giving them the tools to handle challenges they may face. PSHCE is, ultimately, about teaching students how to be resilient.

Why is pshce important?

•  It allows students to make positive choices which will allow them to achieve the best they can
• It develops their independence and encourages them to take responsibility
• It teaches them how to live full and healthy lives
• It allows them to understand how to keep themselves and other safe and well
• It encourages them to hone their employability skills which they will need in the near - future as they enter the workforce
• It develops their personal and social skills
• It prompts them to become more resilient and aware of their own emotions and feelings
• It is a space for them to explore their opinions on challenging topics, considering consequences and seeing the impact they have on the world
• It is an opportunity for them to ask questions about sensitive topics in a safe and professional environment

PSHE education raises academic achievement. Students are more likely to do well at GCSE and A Level if they learn the knowledge and skills that young people need to be safe and healthy, and to thrive in the modern world. Establishing a strong foundational knowledge of mental health, relationships, safety and physical health significantly benefits their success. It helps them to become healthier, happier and safer, thus doing better in school and leading more positive lives beyond this.

key stage 3

Students will look at relationships and bullying, internet safety, equality for all, health and prevention (including smoking and vaping), British values, sexual exploitation and changing adolescent bodies. They will also cover careers in the second half of the spring term (see the 7 Year Overview for more details).

key stage 4

Students will explore growth mindsets, professional and personal skills, financial skills, addiction (including drugs and alcohol), mental wellbeing, being safe (including sexual abuse, harassment and rape), and intimate sexual relationships (including consent). They will also cover careers in the second half of the spring term (see the 7 Year Overview for more details).

Key stage 5

Students will explore misogyny and incel culture, social media and maintaining a positive image online, body image and eating disorders, forming and maintaining positive relationships, alcohol and drug addiction, consent, and knife crime. They will also cover careers in the second half of the spring term (see the 7 Year Overview for more details).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Amaze Org Youtube Channel - AMAZE Org - YouTube

KOOTH Website - Home - Kooth

Rise Above Website - Rise Above

Anti-Bullying Alliance website - Anti-Bullying Alliance

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek Youtube - #mentalhealthawarenessweek - YouTube