PSHE

 

Vision

 

The PSHE curriculum provides a focused, coherent and carefully sequenced programme across KS3–5 that supports pupils in developing the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to navigate the critical issues they face now and to make informed, responsible decisions about their future. It fully integrates statutory guidance for Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), ensuring learning is age-appropriate, inclusive and accurate. PSHE is delivered within a safe, respectful and supportive environment, enabling pupils to engage confidently in sensitive and complex topics. As a key component of personal development, PSHE plays a proactive role in safeguarding through education by equipping pupils to recognise risk, make safe choices and seek appropriate support. As stated by the Department for Education, “evidence shows that PSHE education can improve the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of pupils. Pupils with better health and wellbeing achieve better academically”, a principle that underpins our approach.

PSHE Curriculum Intent 

 

INCLUSIVE	PSHE helps create an inclusive environment in schools and communities by fostering understanding, respect and empathy among students. It promotes understanding of diversity by introducing students to different cultures, beliefs, backgrounds and lifestyles, encouraging respect for differences in race, gender, sexual orientation and ability, and promoting a strong sense of belonging. Students are equipped with the skills to address and challenge discriminatory behaviour, prejudice and bias, and feel valued and supported within a positive school culture. Through this, PSHE contributes to safeguarding by ensuring pupils understand respect, boundaries and how to seek help, and are able to communicate effectively and resolve conflict, reducing the risk of bullying, harm or exclusion.
SEQUENCED	PSHE is sequenced across KS3–5 through our Big Ideas to ensure pupils successfully develop the knowledge and skills they need to thrive now and in the future. At KS3, PSHE is delivered through an integrated curriculum with Religious Studies that rotates each half term across Living in the Wider World, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health and Wellbeing. At KS4, half-termly drop-down days centred on each Big Idea provide focused opportunities to explore key themes, supported by external speakers, workshops and tailored sessions. At KS5, PSHE is delivered through form time and assemblies, focusing on the Big Ideas. This structured approach ensures progression, allowing pupils to revisit key concepts in greater depth and apply their learning to real-life situations.
FOCUSED	The PSHE curriculum ensures that knowledge is age-appropriate and compliant with statutory government guidance, particularly Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). Content is selected to reflect current and emerging safeguarding priorities, equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills to recognise risk, make informed decisions and access appropriate support. Through the consistent use of Big Ideas, pupils are able to make clear links between topics and understand how their learning applies beyond the classroom.
COHERENT	PSHE provides a coherent curriculum by developing knowledge and skills progressively across KS3–5 through the continued study of six Big Ideas: Respectful Communities, Careers and Ambition, Healthy Relationships, Online Safety, Health and Wellbeing, and Risk and Safety. Pupils are supported in understanding how individual lessons connect to these themes and how learning builds over time. This coherence ensures that pupils can apply their knowledge in different contexts, make responsible choices and contribute positively to their communities.

Big Ideas

 

Respectful Communities

Respectful Communities are safe environments where each person in the community is respected as a unique and contributing member. These are cohesive communities where people can tackle problems, provide mutual support and to work together for a positive future free from discrimination, prejudice, or intolerance. This might be local, national, or international communities.

 

Careers and Ambition

Developing important interpersonal, enterprise and study skills to thrive in education and the workplace, to prepare for important events like GCSE options, work experience and application processes for post-16 and university and assess different career pathways and employment rights and responsibilities.

 

Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships are relationships that are respectful, stable, healthy, and joyful. There are a variety of different types of relationships including romantic, friendships, and relationships with family. Managing conflict, identifying unhealthy behaviours, understanding how to seek support for abuse, and judging readiness for intimacy are important aspects of forming healthy and stable relationships. Understanding sexual health, the meaning of consent, and methods of contraception will also be important aspects of developing healthy relationships and preparing for sexual activity.

 

Being aware of online dangers like grooming, cyberbullying, sharing indecent imagery, social media, extremism, and developing strategies we can use to stay safe online, challenge online hate, build digital resilience and maintain a positive online presence.

 

Health and Wellbeing

Focuses on the importance of our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This includes understanding changes in our physical and mental health that can occur with puberty and the potential impacts, how to deal with challenges to our mental health, taking responsibility for our physical health and knowing potential dangers to health like vaping, alcohol, and drugs and how to protect your health.

 

Risk and Safety

Risk and safety is about understanding potential risks and understanding how to protect yourself and remain safe. Potential risks cover road traffic, drugs, alcohol, vaping, peer pressure and involvement in gangs. Understanding how to make positive financial decisions for the future, through assessing potential financial risks, what makes products good value for money, the benefits of savings accounts and understanding how to effectively budget.

 

PSHE Curriculum Overview KS3-KS4   

 

orion ravensbourne pshe curriculum overview 26 27.pdf

 

 PSHe cross Curricular map

orion pshe cross curricular map .pdf

   

Embedding our Core Values:

 

 Trust

PSHE develops trust by promoting open communication, honesty and responsibility. Pupils learn the importance of integrity, accountability and making responsible choices, even when these are difficult. Through learning about boundaries and consent, pupils understand how to respect others and build safe, respectful relationships, contributing to a culture of trust and safeguarding.

 

Kindness

PSHE promotes kindness by developing empathy and helping pupils understand the impact of their actions on others. Through learning about relationships, community and wellbeing, pupils are encouraged to build positive, respectful connections and challenge unkind behaviour. This supports a safe, inclusive environment and encourages pupils to contribute positively to their school and wider community.

 

Endeavour

PSHE fosters endeavour by promoting resilience, perseverance and a growth mindset. Pupils are supported to set goals, overcome challenges and take responsibility for their personal development. Through developing self-discipline, motivation and problem-solving skills, pupils learn the value of effort and determination in achieving success.