PSHE
Head of PSHE
Our department believes that the emotional health and wellbeing of all our students is the key to success in life. The aim of our curriculum is to equip students with the resilience to be able to cope with the demands of 21st Century living.
Students are taught once a week in Years 7,8,10 &11 in mixed ability classes and once a fortnight in Years 9 & 12. The PSHE team is full of dedicated trained staff who value the subject and the importance of effective pastoral care in supporting our students to be their best selves.
Our curriculum is spiralled revisiting key themes at age appropriate levels building on their learning from earlier years and further exploring that topic in more detail. Our curriculum meets and extends beyond the statutory requirement for PSHE ensuring that all our students leave King’s fully equipped to be able to tackle any issues life may provide.
During consultation with students and other stakeholders the curriculum does evolve to adapt to the changing and challenging nature of our world and also the specific needs of each of the cohorts as they grow and change throughout the year. PSHE is proactive equipping students with the necessary tools and knowledge as well as having the flexibility to be reactive also. Being there to support when issues arise to discuss in a safe and supportive space.
Wherever possible we invite guest speakers to give students the opportunity to listen to rich and diverse experiences, to encourage empathy and widen their knowledge base whilst engaging in the wider world.
We have a dynamic Teen Health group which is student lead who actively campaign to raise awareness of topical issues involving physical and mental health. As well as this we have our Mental Health Ambassadors who are a team of trained Sixth Formers who mentor and support students in lower years and also offer drop in sessions and leading on campaigns and raising awareness for mental wellbeing.
KS3
Our lessons are interactive and discursive to enable students to build confidence by contributing to small group or class debates. Students are not formally assessed but they are encouraged to reflect upon their character and set meaningful personal and social goals.
Years 7 and 8
All students are taught the importance of understanding how our brain functions and how to recognise negative thought patterns. This introduction to cognitive behaviour therapy gives the students a toolbox to support themselves and others.
Each year pupils explore the relevance of financial capability through creative activities widening their experience of functional skills.
Learners are introduced to exciting career opportunities each year and how their personal skills relate to the real world.
How we function as human beings in various interactions is important and we spend quality time examining interpersonal skills, empathy and healthy relationships, body image and the complexities involved in consent.
In Year 9 students are taught once a fortnight.
Key areas cover Careers, Relationships and Sex Education and Mental Health.
Typical activities include, debates on current affairs, clips from social media platforms and role plays.
KS4
Year 10 and 11
Students are encouraged to further develop their personal and social skills and reflect on how these attributes can lead to a fulfilling career. Lessons include CV writing, applying for jobs and employability skills. All students participate in a week’s work experience of their own choice in Year 10.
Entrepreneurial skills are encouraged during Mini-Enterprise where students form their own company raising money for selected charities selling at the Christmas Fayre.
Managing stress and revision skills are explored in depth and students are encouraged to build upon the techniques to manage a health lifestyle and are further exposed to different ways to relax and balance work and life pressures.
In Year 11 students are taught to fill in application forms and participate in a Mock Interview from experience business people in our wider community. The aim of these activities is to build confidence and motivate and encourage the youngsters at a challenging time in their lives.
We explore the consequences of risk taking including alcohol and other forms of drug misuse.
KS5
All students are taught PSHEE once a fortnight during Year 12 as a cohort to promote cohesion and team work and a sense of community.
We place considerable emphasis on supporting students during their transition from GCSEs to A levels exploring study skills through interactive workshops.
We explore the complex nature of attitudes, values and involved in leading a healthy and fulfilling life and we continue to work on breaking down the stigmas of mental health, all of which are discussed in student led small group discussions.
Lessons invite students to look at the risks involved in modern society including recreational drugs and the law, relationships and sex education. Guest speakers support our work to keep the content topical and relevant.
Our main content allows students to explore Post 16 options such as employability skills and alternative avenues to gain fulfilment such as apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, work experience as well as University.