PSHE

At Weston Secondary School, the PSHE curriculum is designed to provide all students with the knowledge, skills and understanding required to lead confident, healthy and responsible lives. It supports young people to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, relationships and future pathways, both within school and beyond. Through a structured and progressive programme of study, students develop self-awareness, resilience, respect for others and the ability to respond thoughtfully to the challenges of modern society. 

The curriculum explores a broad range of real-life themes including emotional wellbeing, personal safety, financial awareness, diversity, relationships, media influence and future aspirations. Learning is sequenced to ensure age-appropriate development and revisiting of key concepts, enabling students to build confidence and deepen understanding over time. 

Teaching and learning in PSHE at Weston Secondary School is discussion-led and participation-focused. Lessons are designed to create an inclusive environment where all students feel safe to express views, ask questions and engage with differing perspectives respectfully. Each lesson begins with Knowledge Recall Starters (KRS) to reinforce prior learning or introduce new ideas, followed by clear learning objectives and key vocabulary to support understanding. 

A consistent “Safe Space” approach is embedded across the curriculum, establishing expectations of maturity, empathy and respect when exploring sensitive or personal topics. Students are encouraged to think independently, contribute to structured discussions and debates, and reflect on their own values and choices. Mind-mapping, opinion tasks and collaborative activities are regularly used to stimulate critical thinking and communication skills. 

The PSHE curriculum is organised around six core themes: Aspiration, Online Safety, Character, Healthy Living, Relationships, and Personal Safety. Students utilise dedicated PSHE booklets each half term to record learning, respond to Knowledge Recall Starters and Knowledge Recall Exits, and prepare for discussion-based tasks. This structured approach ensures continuity, reflection and evidence of progress. 

Our Relationships, Sex, Health Education (RSHE) curriculum is supported by guidance set by the Government and teaches the laws surrounding relationships and sex and health education themes and topics. When RSHE topics are covered, parents will be informed about the topic that will be covered. Furthermore, we work to ensure that all RSHE is suitable for the particular year group. 

In KS3, students learn how to be responsible members of the school community and the wider world. They learn about the importance of building respectful relationships, healthy lifestyles through balanced choices and protecting themselves online. Students also explore how to make sensible choices for their future, including understanding the risks of falling into dangerous groups, exploitation, harmful influences and substance abuse.  

In KS4, students begin to look towards their post-16 pathways and aspirations. They develop different employments skills, including how to write a CV and personal statements, and gain an understanding in managing their finances responsibly. In RSHE, students build on prior learning to develop the knowledge they need to form safe relationships based on consent, trust and to reduce risks within intimate relationships. 

Through this balanced and student-centred curriculum, PSHE at Weston Secondary School aims to develop confident, respectful and informed individuals who are equipped with the personal, social and practical skills necessary to thrive in education, employment and the wider community. We aim to equip our students with the skills and knowledge to make well-informed choices and decisions.