Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE)

At North Star 180, our PSHE curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils. Learning is carefully planned to be inclusive, accessible, and meaningful, supporting pupils to develop knowledge, skills, and understanding that are relevant to their lives. Through a well-sequenced and personalised approach, pupils are supported to make progress from their individual starting points, building confidence, independence, and
readiness for future learning and adulthood.

Intent

The intent of the PSHE curriculum in secondary is to:

• Develop pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills relating to health,
  relationships, life choices and personal development
• Equip pupils to make informed, safe and responsible decisions
• Promote emotional literacy, resilience and wellbeing
• Prepare pupils for adulthood, independence and participation in society, including
  relationships, work and financial responsibility
• Meet statutory guidance for Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), Health
  Education and safeguarding

The curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, enabling all pupils to succeed regardless of starting point, with a
strong focus on vulnerable learners and lived experience.

 Implementation

The PSHE curriculum in secondary is implemented through:

• A spiral curriculum model delivered through the six Jigsaw themes: Being Me in My World, Celebrating Difference, Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships and Changing Me

• Explicit teaching of key concepts such as consent, equality, mental health, online
  safety, relationships and risk 
• Trauma-informed and relational approaches, particularly for pupils with SEMH and SEND
• Regular opportunities for discussion, reflection and personal response, supported
  by clear routines and ground rules
• Adaptation and scaffolding to meet diverse needs, including EAL, SEND and pupils with
  adverse experiences

A range of strategies and resources are used to ensure learning is engaging, accessible and personalized,
including scenarios, discussion prompts, visual supports and real-life contexts.

 Impact

The impact of the PSHE curriculum is demonstrated by:

• Increased confidence and self-awareness in pupils
• Improved emotional literacy and relationship skills
• Greater understanding of risk, safety and personal responsibility
• Positive attitudes towards diversity, equality and inclusion
• Preparation for next stages, including adulthood, employment and independent living

Pupils are supported to make informed choices, understand their rights and responsibilities, and navigate
the challenges of adolescence safely and responsibly.

Parental Right to Withdraw from Sex Education in PSHE

Parents/carers have the legal right to request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of the sex education elements of the PSHE/RSE curriculum that go beyond statutory Relationships Education and Health Education. Sex education delivered in the Science curriculum is not subject to withdrawal. 

Requests must be considered by the headteacher and, except in exceptional circumstances, respected up until three terms before the pupil’s 16th birthday. During withdrawal, pupils will receive appropriate, purposeful alternative activities.

For further details about RSE and parent/carer rights follow link: https://jigsawlivestcmsuk.blob.core.windows.net/umbraco-media/u2gblcnk/rshe-a-guide-for-parents-and-carers-leaflet-sep-2023.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com