Introduction
The aim of the PSHE programme is to raise student achievement by promoting their personal and social development. PSHE is taught through a cross-curricular approach, it is embedded into curriculum subjects, tutorial time and through a series of PSHE days delivered throughout the year. A number of speakers and activities contribute to the teaching so that the students develop a wide range of skills.
Key concepts
PSHE promotes the well-being of students. There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of personal well-being. For example, understanding the range of factors that affect their sense of personal identity, recognising the factors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, understanding difference and diversity and how relationships affect every aspect of their lives.
Key Processes
There are certain key processes in personal well-being that students need to learn to make progress. These include the ability to critically reflect on their own and others’ values and to develop self-awareness. Through the PSHE programme they use the knowledge they gain to make informed choices about safety, health and well-being. They develop and use the social skill of negotiation in relationships and learn how to acquire information from a variety of sources.
Setting arrangements and the amount of curriculum time
There are two PSHE days each year. On a PSHE day the students are off timetable for the day and follow a carousel of seven different activities throughout the day. They are taught as a tutor group rather than teaching group. Active tutorial teaching occurs in tutor time. Areas of PSHE that are covered in subject lessons are taught according to the setting arrangements for that subject.
Assessment
Throughout the year, where relevant, students complete tasks that can be assessed. These may include pieces of written work or involve the students in making presentations or in demonstrating skills through working in a group.
Marking criteria
The students are assessed against set objectives. They will be graded according to whether they have achieved that objective, are working towards it or are working at a level above that target.
Homework
Homework is set once or twice a half-term, usually in the form of research or developing a presentation.
Curriculum opportunities
The curriculum offers opportunities for students to make real choices and decisions based on accurate information obtained through their own research using a range of sources including the internet, other media sources and outside speakers from the wider community. They use case studies, simulations, scenarios and drama to explore personal and social issues and have time to reflect on them in relation to their own lives and behaviour.
Extra-curricular opportunities
They have the opportunity to take part in many activities such as fund-raising for charities, year and student councils which all help them develop the skills and confidence needed to promote their sense of personal wellbeing.
Useful websites
http://www.younglivin.org.uk/http://www.younglivin.org.uk/index/links/positive_activitieshttp://www.talktofrank.com/home_html.aspxhttp://www.5aday.nhs.uk/topTips/default.htmlhttp://www.need2know.co.uk/health