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PSHRCE (Personal, Social, Health, Relationships, and Citizenship Education)
At BWS we have worked hard to ensure that our Personal, Social, Health, Religious, and Citizenship Education (PSHRCE) curriculum aligns with statutory guidance from the Department for Education. The curriculum covers the necessary areas of relationships education, sex education, health education, and citizenship, while emphasising key topics like mental health, online safety, and physical wellbeing.
Year 7: Building Foundations
Healthy Eating – Aligns with statutory guidance on Physical Health, focusing on the importance of a balanced diet and making informed food choices.
Eating Disorders – This fits under Mental Wellbeing, addressing body image, emotional health, and the impact of media on self-perception.
Screen Time – This falls under Internet Safety and Harms, discussing the mental and physical health impacts of excessive screen time.
Digital Footprints – Linked to Online Safety and Media Literacy, helping students understand the long-term impact of their online presence.
Importance of Sleep – Covers Mental and Physical Wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of good sleep hygiene for overall health.
Gambling Risks – Tied to Risk Education, discussing the dangers of gambling and its addictive potential.
Year 8: Developing Awareness
Careers and Aspirations – Related to Citizenship, introducing career planning, future aspirations, and self-improvement.
Peer Pressure – Covered under Relationships Education, teaching students how to handle pressure from peers responsibly.
Gender Stereotypes and Transgender Issues – This falls under Respectful Relationships, encouraging inclusivity and challenging stereotypes.
Cyberbullying and Social Media Stress – Linked to Online Safety and Mental Wellbeing, addressing the impact of technology on relationships.
Homelessness – Falls under Citizenship, promoting empathy and understanding of societal issues.
Year 9: Navigating Complex Issues
Gender and Equality – Sits within Respectful Relationships, discussing equality and gender dynamics.
Sexual Harassment and the Law – Covered under Being Safe and Respectful Relationships, focusing on consent and legal protections.
Mental Health Stigma – Falls under Mental Wellbeing, discussing how to break down stigma and support mental health.
First Aid and CPR – Tied to Physical Health, equipping students with essential life-saving skills.
Year 10: Making Informed Decisions
Sexual Health – Covers the statutory requirements for Sex Education, teaching about contraception, STIs, and making responsible choices.
Critical Thinking and Decision Making – This aligns with Citizenship, fostering students' ability to think critically about information and media they encounter.
Drugs and Alcohol – This falls under Health Education, focusing on substance misuse and the associated risks.
Mental Health Stigma – Continues to emphasize Mental Wellbeing, discussing emotional resilience and seeking help.
Independent Living – Falls under Citizenship, preparing students for adulthood, including financial management and responsibilities.
Year 11: Preparing for Adulthood
Taxes – Linked to Citizenship, educating students on financial literacy and their roles as contributing members of society.
Relationships and Emotional Health – Covered under Relationships Education and Sex Education, helping students navigate intimate relationships and emotional well-being.
Risk-taking – Tied to Physical and Mental Wellbeing, discussing the risks of substance abuse, gambling, and other behaviours.
Independent Living – Falls under Citizenship, preparing students for financial independence and understanding real-world responsibilities.
Summary of Alignment
The curriculum adheres to the statutory guidance by covering essential areas, including mental health, relationships, physical health, online safety, and citizenship. While the lessons are delivered in half-hour blocks, we have managed to maintain a clear focus on delivering key content and ensuring students have the tools they need to make informed choices.
RSE Opt-Out: Parents retain the right to withdraw their child from the RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) portion of the curriculum. Requests must be submitted to Mr. M. Morgan (Headteacher) before the child’s 16th birthday, after which the student can decide for themselves whether to participate in RSE lessons
You can find further information about the statutory guidance from these three links: