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PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education)

What is PSHE?

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education) is a key part of the curriculum that supports students 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 student’s journey from Year 7 to Year 11.

What does PSHE look like at Benfield?

At Benfield, PSHE is delivered through a well-rounded program that integrates key themes into the school’s curriculum, assemblies, 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.

Benfield also aligns these themes with its values, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students.

How is PSHE developed from Y7-Y11?

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 Benfield, interview skills, advanced financial planning, and preparing for transitions (e.g., further education, apprenticeships).

How is PSHE explored in key components?

  1. Careers:
    • PSHE links closely with career guidance. Students learn employability skills, financial independence, and decision-making in careers through tailored sessions and guest speakers.
  2. Curriculum:
    • 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Universal Offer (Assemblies, 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 is PSHE adapted for vulnerable learners?

Benfield provides tailored support for vulnerable students, 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 organizations to offer specialized workshops and one-on-one support.

Parent (Carer)/Pupil/Staff Voice

Regular feedback is collected through:

  • Parents/Carers: Surveys, consultations, and open evenings to discuss the impact of PSHE.
  • Pupils: Student voice sessions and questionnaires ensure the program remains relevant and engaging.

Staff: Professional development sessions ensure PSHE is effectively delivered and that staff feedback is used to shape the curriculum.