PSHE
Curriculum Aims
The purpose of the new PSHE and Citizenship curriculum at Gartree is to prepare our young people for the world beyond, through better understanding of their physical, social, health and economic education (PSHE) and of the world around them. It aims to enable people to make their own decisions and to take responsibility for their own lives and the communities they affect.
Though Citizenship is taught through the whole-school curriculum and assemblies, designated lessons designed to inspire and challenge are taught through Tutor Time, and additionally for Year 9 through a weekly PSHE lesson.
Experiences are:
Relevant – they are under constant review, to ensure that they are in keeping with the needs of young people in our care.
Appropriate – they are designed to transfer knowledge and skills at a time when students need them most, and delivered at a level sensitive to their stage in development.
Emotive – they feature content and tasks of which students should have strong opinions or feelings.
Thought-provoking – due to the sensitive nature of some of the topics students are given time to talk-through and reflect on learning at regular intervals.
PSHE benefits students at Gartree in the following ways:
It helps them to develop self-confidence and successfully deal with significant life changes and issues such as bullying and discrimination
It enables them to make a positive contribution by developing the expertise and experience needed to claim their rights and understand their responsibilities and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of adult and working life
It centres heavily on wellbeing, promoting mental awareness, and spiritual sensitivity in a secular and worldly way, promoting cultural awareness and appropriateness
Citizenship aims to:
impart “a sound knowledge and understanding of how the UK is governed, its political system and how citizens participate actively in its democratic systems of government;”
“develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the role of law and the justice system in our society and how laws are shaped and enforced;”
“develop an interest in, and commitment to, participation in volunteering as well as other forms of responsible activity, that they will take with them into adulthood;”
equip students “with the skills to think critically and debate political questions, to enable them to manage their money on a day-to-day basis, and plan for future financial needs;”
Key Stage 3 Curriculum Overview
By the end of KS3, students should be able to demonstrate political awareness, including their roles as citizens, those of parliament and those of the Monarchy.
They should identify with their freedoms and liberties as a citizen, and the impact of law and the justice system.
As a diverse school, identity, awareness and community are prevalent themes in the curriculum, which reinforce our expectations from the young people taught – to show belonging to our community within the school, the country and the world as a global citizen.
Year 7 topics – taught within PSHE lessons and Assemblies
Children’s Rights
Sex & Relationship Education (SRE) – Puberty
What Is Money?
Social Media
Fair Trade
Communication & Self Esteem
Year 8 topics – taught within PSHE lessons and Assemblies
Body Image
Healthy Living
Equality & Identity
Emotional Awareness
Sex & Relationships Education (SRE) – Commitment & Health
Global Citizenship
Year 9 topics – taught within PSHE lessons and Assemblies
Gender & Equality
Nutrition
Drugs Education (DE) – Alcohol, Smoking & Cannabis
Monarchy & Rule
Study Skills
Commitment & Volunteering
Gender & Equality
Nutrition
Drugs Education (DE) – Alcohol, Smoking & Cannabis
Monarchy & Rule
Study Skills
Commitment & Volunteering
Key Stage 4 Curriculum Overview
Taught through Tutor Time, Extended Tutor Time and Assemblies
The Work of Amnesty International
Local Politics
Volunteering
Gender Equality & Emerging Issues
Crime, The Law & Punishment
Motivation
Poverty
LGBTIQ Rights
Homelessness
Drugs Education (DE)
The Environment
Mental Health Awareness