PSHCE

The PSHE Association’s exemplary programme of study has been used as a framework in the development of the Personal Development Curriculum. The aim of the PSHCE curriculum is to teach our young people how to be healthy, happy and safe individuals who know how to forge positive relationships built on mutual respect whilst equipping them with the skills they need to function effectively within society. The PSHCE curriculum is designed to enable students to learn powerful knowledge that will enable them to live their best lives, broaden their horizons and respect and value all people. They will learn how to keep themselves and others safe and healthy and how to manage their own responses, behaviour and relationships. Students will learn about diversity, equality and inclusion and how to recognise stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and extremism and the harms they cause. During all PSHCE sessions there is an emphasis on creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone is valued, and students feel able to express themselves.

Our PSHE curriculum is designed to empower students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to be Ready, Respectful, and Safe in all areas of their lives. Rooted in the principles of personal development, our intent is to create confident, informed, and compassionate individuals who can navigate an ever-changing world with resilience and empathy. 

Being Ready means equipping students with the tools to make informed decisions about their future. Our curriculum develops self-awareness, critical thinking and goal-setting skills, ensuring students are prepared for academic success, future careers and the challenges of adult life. We encourage a growth mindset, fostering motivation and readiness to embrace opportunities and responsibilities. 

Being Respectful emphasises the importance of building positive relationships. We instil values of kindness, inclusivity and cultural awareness, helping students understand the perspectives and experiences of others. Our curriculum fosters emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and an appreciation for diversity, ensuring every student contributes to a respectful and supportive school and wider community. 

Being Safe underpins our commitment to student well-being. Our curriculum addresses physical and mental health, online safety and safeguarding, empowering students to recognise and manage risks. We provide a safe space for exploring sensitive topics, including relationships, consent and personal boundaries, enabling students to make responsible and safe choices. 

Through the Ready, Respectful, Safe framework, our PSHE curriculum aims to nurture well-rounded, informed, and responsible individuals who thrive in school and beyond. 

At Alsop High School, we have sequenced our PSHE curriculum to ensure a logical and progressive development of knowledge, skills and values that support students’ personal growth and wellbeing. Our approach aligns with students' maturity levels, addressing relevant issues at appropriate stages—beginning with self-awareness and anti bullying in lower years, then moving to relationships, health, and careers education, as well as financial literacy, economic well being and leading a healthy lifestyle. This structure supports safeguarding priorities and statutory guidance while allowing flexibility for local and emerging needs. By sequencing content thoughtfully, we provide a consistent, inclusive and supportive framework that empowers students to make informed, responsible life choices.

At Alsop High School, PSHE is assessed through pupil voice activities and interactive surveys rather than formal tests. This approach allows students to reflect honestly on their understanding, engagement and personal development. Teachers gather feedback on how well key topics are understood and how effectively lessons support wellbeing and decision-making. This ensures the curriculum remains relevant and responsive, fostering a safe space where students feel heard and valued without the pressure of formal assessment.

Enrichment activities like university visits, careers fairs and guest speakers enhance PSHE by providing real-world context and inspiring experiences. They help students broaden their aspirations, develop confidence and connect classroom learning to future opportunities, supporting personal growth, informed choices and preparation for life beyond school. 

PHSCE can lead to a wide range of higher education paths and careers by developing essential life skills, emotional intelligence and awareness of social issues. Students may pursue degrees and careers in:

  • Psychology, Sociology, or Social Work – supporting mental health and community wellbeing

  • Teaching or Education – especially in pastoral, PSHE, or citizenship roles

  • Healthcare Professions – such as nursing, counselling, or public health

  • Law or Criminology – using ethical reasoning and empathy in justice systems

  • Politics or Public Policy – addressing social change and advocacy

  • Human Resources or Management – promoting wellbeing and ethical leadership