Personal, Social & Health Education

Secondary schools do not have to teach PSHE, but the government encourages them to do so. However, it might not be taught as a subject in its own right - it could be taught through other subjects or by creating special opportunities for pupils to take responsibility.

1. Developing Confidence and Responsibility

Children are taught:

• to respect the differences between people as they develop their own sense of identity
• to recognise how others see them
• to be able to give and receive constructive feedback and praise
• to recognise the stages of emotions associated with loss and change caused by divorce, death, separation and new family members
• how to deal positively with the strength of their feelings in different situations
• what influences how we spend or save money
• how to become competent at managing personal money.
• to reflect on and assess their strengths in relation to personality, work and leisure
• to relate job opportunities to their personal qualifications and skills
• to understand how the choices they will make at key stage 4 should be based on knowledge of their personal aptitudes and strengths and on the changing world of work
• to plan realistic targets for key stage 4

2. Developing a Healthy, Safe Lifestyle

Children are taught:

• to recognise the physical and emotional changes that take place at puberty
• how to manage changes in a positive way
• to recognise when pressure from others threatens their personal safety and well-being,
• to develop effective ways of resisting pressures
• what influences health
• how to keep healthy
• the things in life that can promote physical and mental health
• to recognise and manage risk and make safer choices about healthy lifestyles
• basic facts and laws, such as:
• school rules
• alcohol
• tobacco
• illegal substances
• the risks of misusing prescribed drugs
• the importance of relationships
• human reproduction, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, HIV and high-risk behaviours including early sexual activity
• basic emergency aid procedures and where to get help and support.

3. Respecting Others

Children are taught:

• about the effects of all types of stereotyping, prejudice, bullying, racism and discrimination
• how to challenge stereotyping assertively
• to resist pressure to do wrong,
• to recognise when others need help and how to support them
• how to empathise with people different from themselves
• to communicate confidently with their peers and adults.
• the changing nature of relationships with friends and family
• to recognise some of the cultural norms in society, including the range of lifestyles and relationships
• about the role and importance of marriage in family relationships
• about the role and feelings of parents and carers
• about the value of family life
• about the nature of friendship
• how to make and keep friends
• to recognise that goodwill is essential to positive and constructive relationships
• to negotiate within relations...