This Term 

This term the students have been focussing on relationships.  Within KS3 this has delved into the online world and how people can act online very differently in comparison to in person.  In classes we also discussed the impact of social media and how it is changing the way people act towards each other in society.  Students also showed they have some great ideas about how we can be safe online regarding how people speak to one another and what to do if they feel uncomfortable with how someone acts towards them online and who they can report it to.  A further part of our studies expanded on beliefs and identities and how this may shape a person and the way they act in society or to their friends and family.  With a young person's behaviour being shaped greatly by influencers and what can be misleading information from the online world it was great to see the students show their strong morals and were able to clearly explain what is right and wrong information.  As we move through the rest of the autumn term, we are going to be studying respect and discrimination. 

For the KS4 students they are continuing to work towards their SWEET qualification.  This consists of completing different modules which at the moment is Social Skills.

Intent 

We believe that PSHE aims to teach the skills that will equip students for the opportunities and challenges of life.  Students are encouraged to manage diverse relationships, be respectful of others and the increasing influence of peers and the social media.  

PSHE education at Marland School acknowledges and addresses the changes that young people are experiencing, beginning with transition to a new school, the challenges of adolescence and their increasing independence as they grow into young adults and become global citizens. 

Implementation 

PSHE will be delivered in a variety of ways whilst following the national curriculum.  Lessons will involve but are not limited to class-based learning, utilisation of the outdoor space in our school grounds and trips out within our local area to enhance learning and help develop independent skillsets within each student.  PSHE is delivered using ‘Sweet’ which is an innovative and engaging resource package and covers the following main concepts 

• Healthy me – to explore what is a healthy lifestyle and what isn’t and find ways to improve our health both physically and mentally. 

• Changing me – as we grow bodies change naturally and understanding these changes and how they may affect a person both physically, mentally and responsibilities we have as we get older. 

• Celebrate difference – our world is incredibly diverse and is now more interlinked than ever. Developing the knowledge and understanding of these diversities and differences is a key part to becoming a global citizen.  This concept also links closely with living in a wider world. 

• Relationships – to know what a positive relationship is and to develop understanding of how relationship may change over time and how to stay safe in a relationship. 

• The future – this section educates and helps develop students understanding of managing money, setting goals for future aspirations and what looking at what students may want to do after they leave school. 

Students will be entered for qualifications under WJEC and AQA awards which will be matched to their abilities and pathways through the school. 

Cross curricular links 

PSHE is such a diverse subject and links to many other subjects within our school.   

Examples include: 

Biology – learning about how to be healthy and how that affects organs in the body. 

Maths – money management.  

Geography – being part of the wider world and how a student can contribute to society. 

Beliefs and Values – diversity of people from around the world and different cultures. 

Impact 

PSHE helps pupils develop the knowledge, skills and qualities they'll need to deal with the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities they'll face as they grow up and go onto their next steps in life.  PSHE contributes to personal development by helping pupils to build their confidence, resilience and self-esteem, and to identify and manage risk within and outside of school.   

THRIVE is embedded deeply within our approach and the PSHE curriculum delivered here aims to help improve students emotional and mental wellbeing.