PSHCE Vision
The PSHCE Department at The English School is committed to fostering ‘Healthy Minds, Kind Hearts, and Strong Communities’. Our motto encapsulates our mission to nurture well-rounded individuals who think critically, care deeply, and act responsibly. Through Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic education, we aim to create confident, compassionate, resilient and socially engaged citizens ready to lead and contribute positively to society. We equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world.

Departmental Aims
Our curriculum promotes:

• Physical and mental well-being through resilience-building and self-care.
• Healthy, respectful relationships emphasizing empathy, kindness, and communication.
• Active citizenship and understanding of human rights and global responsibilities.
• Practical life skills, including financial literacy, career planning, and independent living.
• The 4 Cs of 21st-century skills: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

Curriculum Overview

Health and Mental Health

• Physical Health: Students learn about nutrition, physical activity, sleep, dental health, and first aid. Lessons address drug and alcohol awareness and making informed health choices.
• Mental Health: Resilience, emotional well-being, and seeking support are emphasized. Students also explore how to support others in their community.
• Growing and Changing: Lessons prepare students for puberty and adolescence, focusing on self-awareness and strategies for managing transitions.
• Personal and Digital Safety: Students learn to stay safe both online and offline by recognizing risks, protecting privacy, and avoiding harmful content.

Relationships

• Relationships and Sex Education (RSE): RSE covers building respectful, healthy relationships, including topics like consent, sexual health, and navigating intimacy responsibly.
• Bullying and Discrimination: Lessons promote inclusivity, teaching students how to respond to and prevent bullying and discrimination.
• Communication Skills: Anger management, conflict resolution, and assertive communication skills help students build positive relationships and navigate challenges constructively.

Living in the Wider World

• Media and Digital Literacy: Students critically assess information, recognize misleading narratives, and navigate media responsibly.
• Money and Careers: Financial literacy is taught through lessons on budgeting, saving, and career planning.
• Study Skills: Students develop effective habits, including time management, goal setting, and exam preparation.
• Guidance with Careers Office: The Careers Office provides support for GCSE and A-Level options, personal statements, university interviews, internships, and career pathways.
• Citizenship and Society: Citizenship education emphasizes European Citizenship, democratic values, and human rights. Students explore the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their role in global challenges.
• Life at University: Students prepare for independent living with lessons on budgeting, cooking, and personal safety, ensuring a smooth transition to adulthood.

Developing 21st-Century Skills
The PSHCE curriculum incorporates project-based learning to foster the 4 Cs of 21st-century skills:

• Critical Thinking: Students analyze complex issues, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
• Communication: Lessons develop clear and effective verbal and written communication skills, including managing conflicts and expressing ideas confidently.
• Collaboration: Students learn to work effectively in teams, respect diverse perspectives, and achieve shared goals.
• Creativity: The curriculum encourages innovative thinking and the ability to generate practical solutions to real-world challenges.

These skills are integrated throughout the curriculum to ensure students are prepared for success in a dynamic, interconnected world.