PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) at St Hilds

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education) is a key part of the curriculum that supports pupils in developing essential life skills, knowledge, and understanding to help them thrive both now and in the future. It encompasses themes such as British Values, financial literacy, physical and mental health, relationships, and personal development. The spiral curriculum approach ensures that topics are revisited and built upon progressively throughout a pupil’s journey from Year 7 to Year 11. At St Hild’s, PSHE is delivered through a well-rounded program that integrates key themes into the school’s curriculum, worship, form time, and enrichment activities. Specific emphasis is placed on:

• British Values: Democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance
• Financial Awareness: Topics like budgeting, saving, understanding taxes, and preparing for future financial responsibilities
• Health: Physical and mental health awareness, healthy lifestyles, and decision-making
• RSE: Age-appropriate education around relationships, consent, and sexuality
• Mental Wellbeing: Building resilience, understanding emotions, and managing stress effectively

St Hild’s also aligns these themes with its values, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students.

How PSHE is developed from Year 7 to Year 11

The spiral curriculum approach ensures that students revisit core themes each year, with increasing depth and complexity as they mature:

• Year 7: Foundation skills—transition to secondary school, building friendships, and understanding British values. Introduction to financial basics and emotional wellbeing
• Year 8: Developing knowledge—personal safety, online awareness, and healthy relationships. Financial topics such as budgeting begin to emerge
• Year 9: Expanding focus—mental health education, managing peer pressure, careers introduction, and in-depth RSE topics
• Year 10: Preparation—exam stress management, employment skills, financial literacy for adulthood, and relationship management
• Year 11: Consolidation—life beyond St Hild’s, interview skills, advanced financial planning, and preparing for transitions (e.g., further education, apprenticeships)

How PSHE is explored in key components

• Careers: Pupils learn employability skills, financial independence, and decision-making in careers through guest speakers
• PSHE principles are embedded across subjects. For example, RSE elements may be explored in science or English, while financial awareness may appear in math or business studies. Keeping well and safe is explored in PE and through the wider curriculum

Co-curricular/Enrichment (NEAT Experience):

• Activities such as charity events, community projects and extracurricular clubs allow students to experience British values like democracy and respect in action

Universal Offer (Worship, Form Time):

Weekly assemblies and form-time sessions focus on mental health awareness, celebrations of diversity, and reinforcement of PSHE themes such as tolerance and resilience

How PSHE is adapted for vulnerable learners.

St Hild’s provides tailored support for vulnerable pupils, including:

• Differentiated content: Adapting resources and lesson plans to suit individual needs
• Small group work: Focused sessions to build confidence and understanding
• Support staff involvement: Learning mentors and SEND teams collaborate to ensure accessible delivery of PSHE

External partnerships: Engaging with external organisations to offer specialised workshops and one-on-one support.

Parent/Carer Pupil and Staff Voice

Regular feedback is collected through:

• Parents/Carers: Surveys, consultations, and open evenings to discuss the impact of PSHE
• Pupil voice sessions and questionnaires ensure the programme remains relevant and engaging
• Staff voice guides professional development, ensuring PSHE is effectively delivered and that staff feedback is used to shape the curriculum