The PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education) curriculum equips young learners with the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to flourish in society. PSHE education provides every child and young person with an equal opportunity to develop essential skills and knowledge for thriving now and in the future. This includes addressing critical issues they face daily, such as friendships, emotional well-being, and change. PSHE offers a solid foundation for any challenging opportunities ahead, enabling them to face a world full of uncertainty with hope.

Our PSHE curriculum aims to empower students with the essential knowledge, skills, and attributes required to navigate and thrive in an ever-evolving society. We believe in fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and equipped to face the challenges of modern life. Through a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum, we address crucial topics such as mental and emotional well-being, healthy relationships, financial literacy, and responsible citizenship. Our vision is to cultivate confident, resilient, and empathetic individuals who can make informed decisions, contribute positively to their communities, and lead fulfilling lives. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all students to explore their potential, understand their rights and responsibilities, and develop a strong moral compass. By embedding these principles in our PSHE curriculum, we prepare our students not just for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom.

All students have weekly timetabled lessons of PSHE and the opportunity to engage in additional curriculum and enrichment activities. PSHE is split into the three core themes of Health and Wellbeing, Relationships (RSE) and Living in the Wider World.

The Key Stage 3 curriculum is designed around the following big questions:

Year 7

• How do you transition and feel safe at St Peter’s Collegiate Academy?
• What is diversity, and how does it affect me?
• How do I build relationships at St Peter’s Collegiate Academy?
• Why are developing skills and being aspirational essential?
• Is being healthy really that important?
• What does it mean to be digitally-literate in the 21st Century? 

Year 8

• Emotional wellbeing - What does it mean to you?
• How can I develop my skills to get the career I want in the future? 
• How can I promote a healthy, positive relationship?
• What are the dangers surrounding drugs and alcohol? 
• What are the different forms of discrimination? 
• What is TAX?

Year 9

• What do we mean by consent?
• How do you “fight” peer influence?
• What are employability skills?
• How can I show respect in relationships?
• How can I improve my body confidence?
• WEK- What is it? What will my future career path look like?

All students have regular weekly timetabled lessons of PSHE and the opportunity to engage in additional curriculum and enrichment activities. The Key Stage 4 curriculum is designed around the following big questions:

• How am I influenced in the society that I live in?
• How do I maintain a healthy relationship?
• How can you address extremism and radicalisation?
• How good is my mental health?
• How can I be independent?
• How do I communicate in relationships?
• What are my next steps for my future?
• What is RSE?
• What are the different types of families?
• How can I build for the future?

Enriching the PSHE curriculum involves incorporating diverse perspectives, interactive activities, real-world connections and ongoing reflection to deepen students' learning experiences. One approach is to integrate current events and case studies that illustrate relevant social, health, and economic issues, fostering critical thinking and empathy. Guest speakers from various professions and backgrounds can provide first-hand insights and career guidance, enriching students' understanding of real-life applications of PSHE concepts. By continually evolving and adapting teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students, teachers can ensure that the PSHE curriculum remains dynamic, relevant and impactful.

PSHE forms a crucial foundation for career development by equipping students with essential life skills, values and attitudes that directly translate into the workplace. PSHE fosters self-awareness and confidence, enabling students to identify their strengths, interests and goals, which are fundamental for career exploration and decision-making. In our PSHE sessions, we support students with work experience in Year 10.