PSHE & RSHE
Our aim is to deliver a curriculum that will enable our students to become healthy, independent, and responsible members of a society who understand how they are developing personally, socially and give them confidence to tackle many of the moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up.
Our Curriculum seeks to provide our students with opportunities for them to learn about rights and responsibilities and appreciate what it means to be a member of a diverse society. Our students are encouraged to develop their sense of self-worth by playing a positive role in contributing to school life and the wider community. Supporting our values and school ethos of sowing the seeds of lifelong learning and following our Great Learners Charter.
Through the PSHE curriculum, students are encouraged to make connections to the wider curriculum allowing them to see the application of knowledge and skills gained. We also use Assemblies and Learning Mentor time as an opportunity to further promote PSHE, British Values and SMSC. In PSHE the aim is for all students to recognise and apply the British Values of democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, understand the rule of law and demonstrate a healthy outlook towards school. Students will be able to understand the physical aspects involved in RSE at an age-appropriate level. Through learning we endeavour to promote all students to have respect for themselves and others.
“By teaching students to stay safe and healthy, and by building self-esteem, resilience and empathy, an effective PSHE programme can tackle barriers to learning, raise aspirations, and improve the life chances of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged pupils”. (PSHE Association, 2017)
At Robertsbridge Community College, PSHE and RSHE are taught in discrete lessons to all students. The lessons cover a variety of topics such as safety, anti-bullying, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco education (DATE), careers and relationships and sex education (RSE).
As students move up through the school the lessons include topics such as domestic violence, careers - post16 options and relationship and sex education (RSE). This will be enriched by additional sessions facilitated by external speakers.
At Robertsbridge Community College, our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) curriculum is a fundamental part of our students' holistic development. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attributes needed to thrive as individuals, family members, and members of society. The PSHE curriculum helps students navigate and understand important aspects of life, including health and well-being, relationships, safety, and personal development.
Supporting British Values
Our PSHE curriculum actively supports and promotes British values, which are essential to creating a safe and inclusive school environment and preparing students for life in modern Britain. These values are:
- Democracy: Through classroom discussions and debates, students learn about the importance of democracy and are encouraged to express their opinions, understand the concept of voting, and appreciate the importance of having their voices heard in a democratic society.
- The Rule of Law: Students learn the value of laws and rules and how they protect individual rights, ensure safety, and maintain order. By understanding the importance of rules both in school and in society, students develop respect for the law and learn about the consequences of their actions.
- Individual Liberty: Our curriculum promotes a safe environment where students can make informed choices and express themselves freely while understanding that with rights come responsibilities. We encourage them to explore their interests, build confidence, and take ownership of their learning journey.
- Mutual Respect: Respect is a core value at Robertsbridge Community College. Through various activities and discussions, students learn to respect others' opinions, beliefs, and backgrounds. We foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is valued for who they are.
- Tolerance of Those of Different Faiths and Beliefs: We aim to create an inclusive community where students learn to appreciate cultural diversity and gain an understanding of different religions and beliefs. This helps them develop empathy, compassion, and a broader perspective of the world around them.
Comprehensive Learning
Our PSHE curriculum is comprehensive and progressive, covering topics such as mental and physical health, online safety, relationships, economic well-being, career planning, and civic responsibility. We provide students with opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions, reflect on their values, and build essential life skills to help them become confident, responsible, and active citizens.
By integrating PSHE education across all key stages, we ensure that our students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities they will face in an ever-changing world.
Overarching concepts developed through the programme of study
- Identity (their personal qualities, attitudes, skills, attributes and achievements and what influences these; understanding and maintaining boundaries around their personal privacy, including online);
- Relationships (including different types and in different settings, including online);
- A healthy (including physically, emotionally and socially), balanced lifestyle (including within relationships, work-life, exercise and rest, spending and saving and lifestyle choices);
- Risk (identification, assessment and how to manage risk, rather than simply the avoidance of risk for self and others) and safety (including behaviour and strategies to employ in different settings, including online in an increasingly connected world;
- Diversity and equality (in all its forms, with due regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010);
- Rights (including the notion of universal human rights), responsibilities (including fairness and justice) and consent (in different contexts);
- Change (as something to be managed) and resilience (the skills, strategies and ‘inner resources’ we can draw on when faced with challenging change or circumstance);
- Power (how it is used and encountered in a variety of contexts including online; how it manifests through behaviours including bullying, persuasion, coercion and how it can be challenged or managed through negotiation and ‘win-win’ outcomes);
- Career (including enterprise, employability and economic understanding).
Curriculum overview
Detailed information about the curriculum for each year group can be found in the document below.
Curriculum Map - PSHE and RSHE 2022.pdf
Subject Leader Self-Reflection - PSHE & RSE.pdf
Related policies
For information on our RSHE policy, please click here
Parent/Student Communication
Our parental consultation period is now complete. Thank you to all who took the time to provide us with feedback and ideas. If you have any questions or would like more information on the new Statutory Curriculum, please contact the PSHE Leader, Laura Linch llinch@robertsbridge.org.uk
PSHE & RSE Padlet
Click the red block below to see the RCC PSHE Padlet.