All students in years 7 - 9 have discrete timetabled lessons for PSHE and Citizenship.

As part of the PHSE programme students study modules on Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Sex Education and Living in the wider world. This includes lessons on wellbeing, healthy lifestyles, careers, making informed choices, the law on drug and alcohol use and online safety. There is a strong focus on developing the skills to become resilient young people who can stay healthy and be prepared for life and work in modern Britain. The PSHE programme also develops the skills of discussion, critical thinking and active participation to enable students to become informed citizens who can make a positive contribution to their community,

As part of the Citizenship curriculum students learn about the nature of British values along with the political and justice systems. There are additional lessons on current affairs, rights and responsibilities and global issues which encourage students to consider the role they can play as an active citizen in their community. The Citizenship curriculum is complemented through the tutorial programme and assemblies.

Students in Years 10  and 11 students  have additional lessons delivered by their tutors which focus on aspects of the PSHE curriculum including the transition from Year 11 to post 16 courses. This is supplemented through some drop down days such as Year 10 careers day.

Aims of the PHSE and Citizenship programme

• To encourage students to be confident individuals who are able to make responsible decisions in preparation for the demands of adult life
• To form positive relationships and respect differences between people
• To lead healthy and safe lifestyles
• To be able to consider different opinions on a range of issues
• To work successfully in small groups
• To develop skills of enquiry and communication
• To develop skills of participation and responsible action
• To develop the knowledge to become an informed citizen

How to support a student studying PHSCE and Citizenship

Newspapers 

• Do encourage your daughter to read newspapers both local and national weekly.
• Keeping a news diary of current stories will also support your daughter in their understanding of the subject. In citizenship, it is really important that students can relate citizenship topics to real life events.

Discussion

• It is essential that students are able to discuss current affairs as part of the course. Try to ask your daughter their opinion on current news stories and read around health-related issues.

Additional research

• Try to support your daughter in additional reading around the subject content.
•  The library at school has a wide variety of books on a large number of social issues that would help her to gain a deeper insight into the subject matter.  Alternatively try a visit to your local library.