Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education

PSHCE (PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH MISS B ROLFE & CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION)

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

There is one lesson of PSHCE every week in each of Years 7, 8 and 9. PSHCE is about:

• how individuals develop personally, how we grow up physically, and how our emotions change through adolescence • preparing you to make informed choices when faced with difficult situations as you move through life • managing your relationships with other people, your families, and friends • matters relating to being physically and emotionally healthy • what it means to be a good citizen, and the government and politics of Britain.

YEAR 7

Near the beginning of the year you will experience the Year 7 Challenge Day, when you will be placed in teams and set a number of exciting challenges. This will help you to get to know other pupils, and develop your communication and problem-solving skills when working as part of a team.

In lessons, we will cover subjects such as: settling into school routines and rules; what to do if you have a problem; coping with prep.; being organised; bullying and cyberbullying; developing relationships during puberty; staying safe online; learning to be responsible with money; thinking about future careers; healthy lifestyles and body image; charitable work; and preparing for examinations. YEAR 8

Some of the topics we cover are: well-being; practising assertive communication; forming positive relationships; dealing with difficult or unhealthy relationships; self-esteem; laws surrounding drugs and alcohol; making informed decisions; citizenship; reflection on both academic and personal progress through Year 8; and target-setting for Year 9.

Towards the end of the year you will become a ‘Young Entrepreneur’ for the day and rise to the challenge of designing a new product, whilst hearing from inspirational business people throughout the day.

YEAR 9

We will cover a range of topics, including: study and revision skills; healthy eating and eating disorders; how to handle peer pressure; drugs and alcohol awareness; inclusive relationships and sex education; making good choices; how to look after your own mental health or what to do if worried about somebody else’s mental health; and the judicial system and the British Government.

Alongside the lesson content, there may be external speakers on topics such as: drugs and alcohol, relationships, body image, and from charities such as The Teenage Cancer Trust.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

• You will develop the ability to understand and express your opinions in a safe environment. • You will learn factual, impartial information on important matters, such as e-safety, relationships and citizenship. • You will increase your strengths in communication and working with other people. • You will develop your skills in planning, research and presenting during your project work.

PSHCE will have a positive effect on your academic performance, your social development and your well-being, and help give you more self-confidence in all aspects of school life.