PSHE
The Big Picture – why we do what we do
Here at Prince Henry’s we believe that a holistic approach is essential to enabling our students to grow emotionally, culturally, morally and physically developing into respectful, independent and empathetic youngsters with the skills they need for the next part of their personal journeys.
The Personal, Social Moral and Cultural development of students at Prince Henry’s is an area of focus that gives us our foundation and lies within our very ethos. It is embedded within our whole approach to Teaching and Learning and everything that goes here within school life.
PSHRE at Prince Henry’s enables students to develop knowledge skills and values to help keep themselves healthy and safe in our ever-changing and demanding society. It encourages students to actively and positively participate in their local community with the knowledge that they make a difference.
Through the curriculum both at Keys Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, students are given opportunities to engage with and explore difficult thought provoking issues with lessons themselves enabling students to develop respectful discussion skills; allowing them to ask questions and share their opinions whilst at the same time being respectful and mindful of the views of others. Giving students such time and a safe environment to explore personal and social issues is invaluable. It may be the only opportunity they have to take time out to reflect on their own opinions on themselves, their aspirations and hopes as young people.
The topics they engage with during lessons may be something of significance now or it may be something that they can consider at a later stage. The relevance of the material being studied will be ongoing but as they have been given the opportunity to explore it they will feel a sense of confidence that they can deal with and manage any similar situations.
- We want pupils to develop their beliefs, attitudes, values and practices through reflection, discovery and critical evaluation.
- We want pupils to develop the skills of reflection, discernment, critical thinking and deciding how to act when making moral decisions.
- We want pupils to see that PSHRE helps us to establish a firm foundation for lifelong learning, further learning and adult life.
Behaviour and Attitudes
- We have high expectations for pupil’s behaviour and follow the Warning System fairly and consistently. This creates a calm, focused and secure learning environment.
- Pupils feel safe in their lessons and feel that they can share their personal responses knowing that they will be valued and respected.
- Pupils demonstrate a positive approach and attitude towards their learning in PSHE which is reflected in their participation and notes in their note books.
- Attention is given to developing their discussion skills and applying/relating what they learn to themselves and their own experiences.
- Pupils are given time to reflect upon what they have learnt in lesson and share their appreciation and applications.
- Pupils are encouraged to reflect and evaluate their progress in terms of key skills of justification/Teamwork etc as well as setting themselves a personal learning target to work and develop in their next unit on the carousel(KS4).
Personal Development
- Personal development is at the heart of the curriculum and the nature of the way in which lessons are taught and delivered.
- We strive to encourage students to engage with the concept of holistic development in terms of their personal wellbeing and skills for the future.
- We encourage students to take time to reflect both interpersonally and introspectively so as to develop skills further.
- We encourage pupils to participate in discussions (class/paired) to help develop their ideas and confidence. We talk about the importance of listening to each other and speaking kindly and supportively.
- We visibly and verbally share signposts of support for students regarding the issues we teach.
- The Climate for Learning we create in our classrooms encourages students to ask questions and be curious about the issues. We challenge misconceptions and tackle prejudice and discrimination on the rare occasion it arises promoting British Values and PHHS Values of respect Tolerance and Understanding that lie at the foundation of a flourishing community.
Department Staff
Head of Department – Miss S Thomas
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