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PSHE

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PSHE at Excelsior Academy is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead healthy, safe and successful lives.

It prepares young people for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of modern Britain by exploring key topics such as British Values, relationships, protected characteristics, positive mental and physical wellbeing, personal safety, personal finance and financial literacy, and careers.

The curriculum also incorporates statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE), which is now compulsory in all schools. Through this provision, we aim to develop confident, resilient and independent individuals who are able to manage personal challenges and fulfil their potential. 

A broad and balanced PSHE curriculum enables students to develop the confidence to think critically, question the information they receive, draw upon their own experiences, and express their views and opinions respectfully. It encourages them to apply their learning to real-life situations, empowering them to make informed and responsible decisions as well as be respectful British citizens.

At Excelsior Academy, PSHE lessons are delivered in a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students feel valued, respected and heard. Through carefully planned and engaging activities, students are encouraged to explore and discuss a range of spiritual, moral, social, cultural and ethical issues. These discussions challenge stereotypes, promote respect and understanding, and support students in making positive, healthy choices throughout their lives. 

Subject leader: James.Smith@excelsiornewcastle.org.uk 

Key Stage 2

PSHE and RSE in Years 5 and 6 at Excelsior Academy Foundations

At Excelsior Academy Foundations, our ‘Jigsaw’ PSHE curriculum in Years 5 and 6 is taught in accordance with the National Curriculum for Key Stage 2 and our RSE is taught in line with RSE Guidance. It provides pupils with structured opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to manage their lives, relationships, and responsibilities safely and confidently.

Learning covers the following key areas:

  • Relationships: developing respectful friendships, understanding family relationships, recognising positive and harmful behaviours, resolving disagreements, and identifying trusted sources of support.
  • Health and wellbeing: maintaining physical and mental health, understanding emotions, making healthy lifestyle choices, managing change and preparing for puberty and the transition to secondary school.
  • Safety and risk: making informed decisions, responding appropriately to emergencies, understanding personal boundaries, and staying safe in the community (such as water safety) and online.
  • Living in the wider world: British Values, exploring rights and responsibilities, diversity, equality, democracy, rules and the role of individuals within society.
  • Economic wellbeing: developing financial awareness, understanding saving and spending, recognising the value of work, and preparing for greater independence.
  • Digital and media literacy: evaluating online information, communicating responsibly, protecting personal information, and recognising the influence of media and advertising.

Lessons at Excelsior Academy Foundations use age-appropriate discussion, scenarios, reflection and practical activities to support pupils in applying their learning to everyday situations. Content is taught sensitively, with opportunities for pupils to ask questions and seek appropriate support.

Links:

Jigsaw PSHE: https://jigsawpshe.online/

Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education: (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-education-relationships-and-sex-education-rse-and-health-education

Key Stage 2 PSHE and RSE Progression Model: PSHE-Foundations-Progression-Model.pdf

Key Stage 3 and 4

Aims of our PSHE curriculum 

The PSHE curriculum at Excelsior Academy is spiral curriculum designed to develop students' character, culture, and understanding of the world around them. It helps students build their social, moral, spiritual and cultural awareness while preparing them to become responsible and active global citizens. 

Our PSHE curriculum aims to: 

  • Communicate knowledge and understanding confidently through oracy (discussion and debate). 

  • Participate fully in classroom discussions, written activities and reflection. 

  • Work independently and collaboratively while respecting the views of others. 

  • Develop critical thinking skills and apply them to a range of real-life issues. 

  • Engage with external organisations to add depth to knowledge and skills.

The curriculum is centred around seven key themes: 

  1. Healthy Relationships 

  1. The Wider World 

  1. Being Safe 

  1. Healthy Living

  2. Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) 

  3. Specialist Lessons (including responsive and contextual sessions)

  4. Recap and Reflection

We work with external partners, including Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police's Violence Reduction Unit, to provide specialist sessions on topics such as water safety, knife crime awareness, domestic violence and relationships and personal safety. 

Aims of Key Stage 3 curriculum  

PSHE is delivered through a spiral curriculum, with key concepts built upon from Foundations and developed in Years 7 and 8 in age and stage appropriate ways which are then revisited throughout students' time at the academy, allowing knowledge and understanding to be developed and strengthened over time. 

Aims of Key Stage 4 curriculum  

At Key Stage 4, students continue to study the same core themes introduced in Key Stage 3. As students mature, learning becomes more age-appropriate, exploring more complex and sensitive topics alongside the essential knowledge and skills needed for adult life. 

Through PSHE, students develop key skills including critical thinking, collaboration, debate, financial literacy, media literacy, empathy, respect and the ability to consider different viewpoints. These transferable skills support learning across the wider curriculum, particularly in subjects such as English, History and Statuatory Religious Education. 

By the end of Year 11, students will have studied the full statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum. Regular retrieval activities, reflection and discussion ensure that students can demonstrate their understanding and apply their learning confidently to real-life situations. 

Links:

RSE Guidance Secondary School: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f2c2b988fa8f57ac88dc996/RSE_secondary_schools_guide_for_parents.pdf

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) Policy: EA-Relationships-and-Sex-Education-Policy-AJun26-RMay27.pdf

 

PSHE-Curriculum.pdf