Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)
At Longdendale High School, our PSHE curriculum plays a central role in our wider Personal Development provision. It equips students with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives, develop positive relationships and prepare for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
PSHE is delivered through a spiral curriculum using Unifrog, with carefully sequenced learning from Year 7 onwards. Key themes are introduced at an age-appropriate stage and revisited as students mature, allowing them to build upon prior knowledge, explore increasingly complex issues and apply their understanding to situations they may encounter in the wider world.
Our curriculum incorporates statutory Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education, alongside wider learning relating to personal development, relationships, physical and mental health, financial wellbeing, online safety, equality, citizenship and life in modern Britain.
our spiral curriculum
Our use of the Unifrog PSHE curriculum provides a coherent and progressive programme of learning across Key Stages 3 and 4.
Rather than teaching important topics as isolated lessons, the spiral approach enables students to revisit key concepts at different stages of their development. Their knowledge and understanding therefore become increasingly sophisticated as they progress through school.
Across the curriculum, students explore areas including:
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healthy and respectful relationships, consent and personal boundaries
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physical health, healthy lifestyles and accessing appropriate support
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mental health, emotional wellbeing, resilience and coping strategies
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puberty, sexual health and age-appropriate Relationships and Sex Education
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online safety, social media, misinformation and responsible use of technology
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alcohol, smoking, vaping, drugs and other risk-taking behaviours
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healthy and unhealthy relationships, exploitation, harassment and abuse
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equality, diversity, protected characteristics and challenging discrimination
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identity, self-esteem, confidence and managing social influences
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the rule of law, rights, responsibilities and British Values
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financial decision-making and preparation for adult life.
Learning is carefully sequenced so that students develop the vocabulary and powerful knowledge needed to discuss these issues confidently, make informed decisions and know where and how to seek support when they need it.
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
Relationships and Sex Education forms an important part of our wider PSHE curriculum.
Our RSE provision helps students understand what constitutes a healthy, respectful and safe relationship, both online and offline. Students develop their understanding of friendship, families, committed relationships, consent, boundaries, intimacy and sexual health at an age and developmentally appropriate stage.
Teaching reflects relevant legislation, including the Equality Act 2010, and supports students in understanding their rights and responsibilities. It also enables students to recognise inappropriate, unhealthy or abusive behaviour and understand how to access support.
Our RSE Policy is available to view on our Policies page.
teaching and learning
PSHE is delivered as part of our core Personal Development curriculum at Key Stage 3 for one hour per fortnight. At Key Stage 4, PSHE is delivered by form tutors, half an hour once per week.
Lessons are designed to be age-appropriate, inclusive and accessible, including for students with SEND. Teachers are supported with high-quality Unifrog resources and guidance to ensure that sensitive and complex topics are approached confidently, consistently and appropriately.
High-quality discussion, questioning and reflection are important features of our curriculum. Students are encouraged to consider different perspectives, challenge stereotypes and misconceptions, and develop the confidence to articulate their own views respectfully.
Our curriculum reflects our school values of Aspiration, Resilience and Respect and supports students in becoming responsible, respectful and active members of their community.
Preparing students for Life Beyond School
PSHE does not exist in isolation. It forms part of our wider approach to Personal Development, alongside careers education, enrichment, electives, assemblies, cultural experiences and opportunities for leadership and community participation.
Together, these experiences help students develop their character, confidence and cultural awareness while preparing them for their next steps in education, training, employment and adult life.
Our curriculum also supports students in understanding Fundamental British Values - democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance - and promotes equality of opportunity and respect for the protected characteristics.
parents and carers
We recognise the important role that parents and carers play in supporting their child's personal, social and emotional development.
Parents and carers can view the PSHE curriculum for their child's year group through the relevant Curriculum by Year Group page. This provides an overview of the learning pupils will encounter as they progress through school.
We encourage parents and carers to contact the school if they would like to discuss any aspect of the PSHE or RSE curriculum.
Relationships and Sex Education is a statutory part of the secondary curriculum. Parents and carers retain the right to request that their child is withdrawn from certain aspects of sex education that fall outside the statutory Science curriculum, in accordance with Department for Education guidance.
