PSHE
at Bishop Perowne Church of England College
Intent
Our intent in PSHE at Bishop Perowne CofE College is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and character to lead happy, healthy, safe, and fulfilled lives, both now and in the future.
Rooted in our Christian values, the curriculum promotes respect, compassion, resilience and integrity. We focus on building pupils’ personal development through key character skills such as decision-making, communication, informed risk-taking, and emotional regulation.
Lessons are real-world focused, inclusive, and adaptable, supporting students as they navigate adolescence and prepare for adulthood. Through a spiral curriculum model, pupils revisit key themes across five years, with increasing depth and maturity to reflect their personal growth.
Key Stages 3 & 4
KS3
At Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), all students receive two hours of PSHE per fortnight taught by a subject specialist. The curriculum is structured around three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World.
Students explore topics such as mental health, emotional resilience, friendships, digital safety, and respect for others. They also learn about citizenship, financial literacy, and water safety. Initiatives such as Well Aware, RLSS UK’s Water Smart scheme, and external visits from organisations like Smashed, Women’s Aid or The Money Charity ensure learning is grounded in practical, relatable content.
The spiral curriculum ensures pupils revisit key concepts over time, building their understanding and confidence in a supportive, respectful environment.
KS4
At Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), students continue their PSHE education through a combination of specialist lessons and tutor-led sessions—one hour each per fortnight.
In Year 10, students focus on mental health and wellbeing, preparing for work experience, and developing workplace readiness skills.
In Year 11, tutor sessions provide essential support with post-16 options, applications, and the transition to life beyond school. The curriculum continues to cover complex issues such as consent, managing relationships, financial decision-making, and resilience.
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is a statutory component, with parents informed of key content and their right to withdraw from specific lessons where permitted.
Assessment & Lessons
While PSHE is not formally assessed through national qualifications, assessment is woven into classroom practice. Students engage in reflective exercises, debates, and oracy-based tasks that build emotional intelligence and resilience.
Lessons are interactive, using discussion, real-life case studies, and scenario-based learning to deepen understanding. Pupils learn how to express themselves clearly, listen actively, and ask thoughtful questions—crucial skills for navigating both school and adult life.
The subject also plays a key role in developing oracy, empathy, and confidence, particularly when tackling sensitive or challenging topics.
Enrichment & Co-curricular
Our enrichment programme is central to PSHE at Bishop Perowne. We regularly welcome external speakers and organisations who bring lived experience and expertise into the classroom.
Contributors have included Alcoholics Anonymous, The Samaritans, Alison Cope (anti-violence campaigner), The Canal & River Trust, and Rabbit RSE.
As the first UK secondary school to earn the Water Safe School Accreditation, we offer practical water safety education, including canal-based sessions in partnership with local organisations.
We also respond to current events—for example, running a whole-school mock election to mirror national democratic processes—ensuring PSHE remains dynamic, relevant, and deeply valued by the entire school community.
