PSHE/RSE

According to the PSHE Associations case study “curriculum for life”, there is compelling evidence that PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) – when taught well - helps keep children and young people safe, mentally and physically healthy and prepared for life and work. At Colchester Academy we believe in developing our students beyond academic content and exam outcomes. Our young people need to learn the skills and have knowledge to know how to be safe and healthy, manage their academic, personal and social lives in a positive way to help them become successful members of our society.

At Colchester Academy we take PSHERSE - Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE), Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) very seriously. It is important for our cohort to learn how to lead a healthy, happy and economically sound life. We consulted with our community to ensure their views and needs were considered, this enabled us to ensure the curriculum was crafted with our students and community in mind. As a result, we have a well-planned, timetabled programme of age appropriate lessons and tutor sessions to guide our young people to develop and grow into rounded individuals, respectful and resilient members of families, our school community and society.

All our lessons are age appropriate, sensitive and all inclusive, we endeavour to ensure respect of all backgrounds and beliefs of students, parents, our community and society; students are then given the opportunity to put these skills and newly acquired knowledge into practice as they develop, begin to make sound decisions when facing the risks, challenges that modern-day life in Britain can bring.

Where appropriate the curriculum is supported by visits from a range of specialist speakers who give presentations on topics such as health and personal hygiene, relationships, crime, drug and gang culture.

Key Stage 3

Curriculum Outline

Year 7	Topics Covered:
Autumn	Health and Wellbeing - healthy and unhealthy lifestyle, healthy eating, puberty and periods, smoking and drugs
Spring	Living in the wider world - finances and saving, budgeting, aspirations, racism and prejudice, social media
Summer	Relationships - bullying, cyber bullying, positive relationships, personal identity, extremism

Year 8	Topics Covered:
Autumn	Health and Wellbeing - emotional literacy and managing behaviour, self-confidence, personal target setting, first aid, mindfulness, addiction
Spring	Living in the Wider world - communication skills, teamwork skills, finances, discrimination, homophobia, discrimination, internet safety
Summer	Relationships - body image, safe sex and consent, British values, extremism and prejudice

Year 9	Topics Covered:
Autumn	Health and Wellbeing - how to cope with stress and change, behaviour and mindset to achieve, alcohol, drugs and the law, discrimination and self-belief
Spring	Living in the Wider World - employability and equality, workplace skills, financial literacy, The Human Rights Act, sending aid and sustainability
Summer	Relationships - body image and the media, how to deal with peer pressure, child sexual exploitation, immigration, British community and religion, LGBT community within Britain