Intent
PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) and RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) at Mayesbrook Park School aim to extend beyond the academic, technical and vocational. We support and encourage students to develop in many diverse aspects of life. We recognise that students are influenced by factors other than school and aim to teach students how to develop their confidence and resilience in an ever developing world.
We recognise the part we play in preparing pupils for adult life, teaching them how to engage with society and providing them with the opportunities to do so.
To do this we provide access to vital information about the students themselves and the many facets of the diverse world around them. We provide a tailored curriculum that is both broad and balanced, whilst meeting the unique context of our school. This subject is delivered to all students across all campuses at both KS3 and KS4.
Students are introduced to the core topics of PSHEE as prescribed by the PSHE association and statutory guidance of Living in the Wider World, Relationships and Health & Wellbeing. From the Spring term of year 10, students are introduced to the Health and Social Care SOW to prepare them for their Tech Award exam in year 11.
New arrivals
All students are fully supported to ensure that they can make adequate steps to catch- up on the curriculum. Teachers and LSPs take the time to meet with students to bring them up-to-date with the content being delivered.
Implementation
Differentiated PSHEE/Health & Social Care lessons are taught weekly to all students across the 3 sites with Mrs Waite leading as the subject specialist. Students have access to high-quality teaching as well as various external agencies visiting to provide specialist workshops and lessons. This includes SubWize, Come Correct, Fearless and Street Doctors to name a few.
The use of novels is key to the PSHEE curriculum. Throughout the autumn term, students study a novel and explore its key themes and content. This is then used throughout the year to provide contextual background to abstract issues which are covered. This provides a sense of safety and security for students by externalising challenging topics.
In recognition of the changing needs of our students, we have moved from a 100% coursework qualification to a Tech Award in Health & Social Care. This will allow us to meet all statutory requirements outlined by the DfE, as well as broadening the curriculum whilst ensuring that all students, regardless of their entry point, have the best opportunity for success.
We promote equality of opportunity so that all pupils can thrive together, understanding that difference is a positive, not a negative. We ensure that an inclusive environment is offered at all times and place a significant focus on teaching about equality and protected characteristics, in the classroom and beyond. We develop and deepen students' understanding of the fundamental British values through the curriculum, assemblies and wider opportunities.
Careers provision is provided in liaison with the schools careers/transition team. Together we encourage students to make good choices and understand what they need to do to succeed in the careers to which they aspire. Opportunities are provided for students in all year groups to access a range of education and training providers to inform them about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships. Unbiased careers advice and guidance is provided by the team, in liaison with external specialist services.
Impact
It is important to consider that the impact of the personal development curriculum may not be assessable during a student's time at school. We recognise, however, that it is important to acknowledge the hard work students do during their time with us. Therefore, all students have the opportunity to achieve a Level 1/2 Tech Award in Health and Social Care, as well as various Unit Awards through the AQA Unit Award Scheme.
PSHEE/Health & Social Care are subjects which impact on students personally, socially, morally and culturally as well as academically. Students leave Mayesbrook Park School able to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences, with a developed sense of morality and a deeper sense of understanding consequences of their behaviour and actions. This, in turn, supports them to use a range of social skills in different contexts with the ability to recognise and value the things we share in common across the socio-economic community they are members of.
Assessment within PSHEE/Health & Social Care lessons will ensure that students are building on their skills & knowledge over time. It will demonstrate progression and also uniformity across campuses. Predetermined assessment objectives allow teachers to be mindful of assessment elements within lessons and can help to pitch and plan subsequent lessons in liaison with stakeholders. KS4 students complete 2 coursework assignments, as well as 1 formal examination to gain the Tech Award at Level 1/2.
Activities are included within lessons to provide students the opportunity to self and peer-assess which gives them the opportunity to identify areas for self-development. Teacher and pupil dialogue is viewed to be of paramount importance. Ipsative, summative and formative assessment formats are all used.