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 adulthood. 

Our secondary PSHE curriculum is delivered through the Pol-Ed programme, which supports PSHE, RSHE, Citizenship and Personal Development. The programme equips young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to stay safe, make informed decisions, understand risks, contribute positively to society and prepare successfully for adult life. 

Intent 

The intent of the PSHE curriculum in secondary is to: 

• Equip pupils with the knowledge and skills needed for successful adulthood. 

• Develop understanding of healthy relationships, consent, personal responsibility and respect for others. 

• Support pupils to manage their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. 

• Build resilience, self-confidence and self-advocacy skills. 

• Help pupils recognise and respond appropriately to risks both online and offline. 

• Develop understanding of citizenship, the law, rights and responsibilities within modern society. 

• Prepare pupils for employment, community participation and independent living. 

• Support EHCP outcomes relating to personal development, emotional wellbeing, communication, independence and preparation for adulthood. 

• Promote the school’s values and characteristics while meeting all statutory RSHE requirements. 

The curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, ensuring all pupils can achieve and succeed regardless of need. It recognises the additional vulnerabilities some young people may experience and provides explicit teaching around safeguarding, risk management, exploitation awareness, healthy relationships and informed decision-making. 

Implementation 

The PSHE is implemented through the Pol-Ed framework in weekly PSHE lessons by assemblies. 

Four key curriculum strands: 

1. Relationships (including Relationships and Sex Education) 

1. Wellbeing 

1. Understanding the law  

1. Keeping Safe 

• Learning that develops awareness of risk, citizenship, the law and personal safety. 

• Discussion-based learning, scenario work, debates and problem-solving activities. 

• Real-life contexts that prepare pupils for adulthood, employment and community participation. 

• Explicit links to safeguarding, online safety, county lines awareness, exploitation prevention and personal risk management. 

• Adaptive teaching approaches that support pupils with SEND. 

• Practical opportunities to apply learning and develop independence skills. 

• Assessment through observation, pupil reflection, discussion and progress against intended outcomes and EHCP targets. 

Staff use a range of strategies and resources to ensure learning is engaging, accessible and personalised. Lessons are designed to encourage critical thinking, reflection and informed decision-making whilst ensuring pupils feel safe and supported when discussing complex or sensitive topics. Staff use a range of strategies and resources to ensure learning is engaging, accessible and personalised. Learning is delivered in a safe and supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to explore ideas, ask questions and develop the confidence to apply their learning in everyday situations. 

Impact 

The impact of the PSHE curriculum is demonstrated by: 

• Progress in personal, social and emotional development from individual starting points. 

• Increased confidence, resilience and emotional regulation. 

• Stronger understanding of relationships, consent and personal safety. 

• Improved ability to identify, assess and respond appropriately to risks. 

• Increased independence and readiness for adult life. 

• Successful application of learning within school, home and community settings. 

• Progress towards EHCP outcomes and preparation for adulthood targets. 

• Pupils leaving North Star 180 as safer, more confident and informed young people who are ready for their next stage of education, employment or training. 

This aligns closely with the North Star aims of keeping pupils safe, building resilience, developing citizenship, supporting informed choices and preparing young people for their future roles in society. 

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.

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 and parent/carer rights follow link: 

Relationships education, relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education: FAQs – GOV.UK

PSHE promotes both SMSC and British Values. 

SMSC:  

 British Values: