PSHE and RSE (Foundation Subject)

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PSHE and RSE (Foundation Subject)
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PSHE and RSE Curriculum

At Gilbert Ward Academy, our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education) and RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) curriculum is designed to empower our pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to lead safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives. As a special school supporting pupils with social, emotional, mental health needs, and autism, we tailor our curriculum to meet the unique needs of our learners, ensuring that safeguarding is central to all aspects of their education.

Our Curriculum Focus

The PSHE and RSE curriculum is organised around six key strands, which provide a comprehensive framework for learning:

  1. Self-Awareness: Building a sense of identity, understanding personal strengths, and recognising the value of diversity.
  2. Self-Care, Support, and Safety: Teaching pupils how to stay safe, manage risks, and understand appropriate boundaries.
  3. Managing Feelings: Supporting pupils in identifying and expressing their emotions and developing resilience and coping strategies.
  4. Changing and Growing: Exploring the physical, emotional, and social changes associated with growth and relationships.
  5. Healthy Lifestyles: Promoting physical and mental well-being, including healthy eating, hygiene, and the impact of lifestyle choices.
  6. The World I Live In: Preparing pupils for life in the wider community, covering topics such as diversity, financial literacy, and responsible citizenship.

Embedding Safeguarding in the Curriculum

Safeguarding is at the heart of our PSHE and RSE curriculum. Through carefully planned lessons and cross-curricular links, we ensure that pupils learn how to stay safe, recognise risks, and seek help when needed. Key safeguarding themes include:

  • Online Safety: Pupils learn how to navigate the digital world safely, understand privacy, and recognise inappropriate behaviours online.
  • Recognising Risks: Pupils are taught to assess risks in different contexts, from relationships to community situations, and how to make safe decisions.
  • Trusted Adults and Support: Lessons emphasise the importance of identifying trusted adults and knowing how to communicate concerns effectively.
  • Boundaries and Consent: Pupils explore personal space, respect, and the importance of giving and seeking consent in appropriate situations.
  • Healthy and Respectful Relationships: Topics include recognising healthy relationships, addressing peer pressure, and understanding the importance of mutual respect and kindness.

A Whole-School Approach

Safeguarding education extends beyond PSHE lessons. We integrate these important themes across the curriculum:

  • ICT Lessons: Focus on responsible use of technology and cyber safety.
  • Science Lessons: Cover physical health, reproduction, and hygiene.
  • Assemblies and Pastoral Support: Reinforce key messages on respect, kindness, and staying safe.

Tailored to Meet Diverse Needs

Our curriculum is highly flexible and designed to meet pupils at their individual stage of understanding. We use adaptive teaching strategies and resources to ensure accessibility for all. Pupils are given opportunities to revisit and consolidate learning to build confidence and embed key safeguarding principles.

Why This Matters

The PSHE and RSE curriculum at Gilbert Ward Academy not only meets statutory requirements but also equips pupils with essential life skills. By teaching them how to stay safe and empowering them to make informed decisions, we prepare our pupils to thrive both in school and in the wider world.