Personal, Health & Social Education (PHSE) and Relationship & Sex Education (RSE)

At Alsop High School, our Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) and Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) sit at the heart of our Personal Development curriculum. Guided by the PSHE Association Programme of Study, our curriculum equips young people with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to be healthy, happy, safe and successful members of society.

Our aim is to empower students to build positive relationships based on mutual respect, develop resilience and emotional wellbeing, and make informed decisions that support their future aspirations. Students learn how to keep themselves and others safe, manage their behaviour and emotions, and understand the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion. Lessons promote awareness of stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and extremism, and the harm these can cause. A strong emphasis is placed on creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and confident to express their views.

Ready • Respectful • Safe

Our PSHE curriculum is built around the core principles of being Ready, Respectful and Safe:

  • Ready – Students develop self-awareness, critical thinking, goal-setting and a growth mindset to support academic success, future careers and independent living.

  • Respectful – Students learn to build positive relationships, appreciate diversity, show empathy and resolve conflict respectfully, contributing positively to their school and wider community.

  • Safe – Students gain knowledge and confidence to manage physical and mental health, online safety, safeguarding, consent and personal boundaries, enabling them to make responsible choices.

Through this framework, we nurture confident, compassionate and well-rounded individuals who thrive in school and beyond.

Curriculum Overview

The Personal Development curriculum encompasses:

  • Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)
  • Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)
  • Modern British Values (MBV)
  • Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education (SMSC)
  • Citizenship
  • Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)

Learning is structured around three key themes:

  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Relationships
  • Living in the Wider World

Our curriculum is spiral in nature, meaning knowledge and skills are revisited and built upon progressively, ensuring learning is age-appropriate and responsive to students’ needs. Content is carefully sequenced to support safeguarding priorities and reflects local and emerging issues.

How Learning Is Delivered

Students access PSHE and RSHE through a wide range of planned opportunities, including:

  • Weekly PSHE/RSHE form time lessons in KS3 and Yr 10
  • Fortnightly timetabled lessons in KS4
  • As part of our Enrichment Programme in KS5
  • Careers-focused learning
  • Assemblies and enrichment activities
  • Cross-curricular links across subjects and wider school life

PSHE/RSE lessons encourage high-quality debate, critical thinking and respectful communication. Students explore current affairs, cultural awareness and Modern British Values, developing their confidence to express opinions while listening to others.

Citizenship education is embedded across Key Stages 3 and 4, helping students understand democracy, law, finance and social responsibility

Assessment and Student Voice

PSHE is assessed through self-assessment, pupil voice activities and interactive surveys rather than formal examinations. This approach allows students to reflect honestly on their learning and wellbeing, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant, inclusive and responsive.

Preparing for the Future

PSHE supports a wide range of future pathways by developing transferable life skills, emotional intelligence and social awareness. Career pathways may include psychology, education, healthcare, law, public services, politics, social care and leadership roles.

Working in Partnership

We recognise that young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world, balancing online and offline lives. By working in partnership with families, external agencies and the wider community, we ensure students are supported to stay safe, healthy and informed. Our curriculum provides opportunities for discussion, debate and reflection, enabling students to understand the world around them and their role within it.

Our commitment is to deliver a high-quality Personal Development programme that celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion and empowers every student to achieve their full potential.

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