The aim is to provide the students with the facts to make their own decisions, to develop the tools and the skills they need to carry out that decision, and the ability to enjoy or cope with the consequences of their decisions and actions. We want our young people to make independent, healthy choices that keep their bodies and minds healthy, safe and thriving. This includes making choices around sleeping, eating, exercise, their online life and digital profiles, positive relationships, sex, alcohol, drugs, vaping, budgeting and saving, parties, festivals and travelling, the world of work, qualifications options, governance, the responsibilities of citizenship, the rule of law, planetary health and sustainability. We also want them to be able to have open, candid conversations with parents before they HAVE to have conversations under more difficult, forced circumstances. They learn research skills, where to go for information and support, communication skills, conflict management, self-awareness, how to help each other, and how to seek help.
The spiral progression of the PSHE programme means that topics are revisited in older years, in more depth, with scenarios progressing in complexity and understanding. Staff volunteer from across the Common Room and topics are often linked across the academic curricula, and timed to coincide with School, National or International events such as Mental Health week, National Careers Week, International Human Rights Day or the International Day of Happiness. We follow closely the national Government guidelines for British Values, Relationship and Sex Education, and Prevent, celebrating and championing diversity, difference and the idea of living on Planet Why?
