PSHE

PSHE is a school subject through which students develop the knowledge, skills, and qualities they need to keep themselves healthy and safe and prepare for life in modern Britain. Evidence shows that well-delivered PSHE programmes have a significant impact on both academic and non-academic outcomes for students. At OHA, our PSHE curriculum uses a spiral structure which means that we cover topics at an age-appropriate level and continue to revisit key topics as our pupils grow and mature.

Our programme of study is bespoke to our local area. We use regional and local data to assess trends and make decisions on what our students should study to help prepare them for life outside the classroom. We couple this bespoke learning with the statutory requirements set out by the National Curriculum, and a range of visits from external agencies to ensure that our young people benefit from a variety of topics throughout their time at OHA.

What is PSHE?

Schools, in partnership with parents, have a vital role in preparing children and young people to negotiate the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly complex world. Personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education deals with real life issues affecting our children, families, and communities. It is concerned with the social, health and economic realities of their lives, experiences, and attitudes. It supports pupils to be healthy (mentally and physically); safe (online and offline) and equipped to thrive in their relationships and careers.

Why is PSHE important?

  • Contributes to physical and mental health and wellbeing, encouraging individual responsibility for health.
  • Contributes to the safety and protection of our children and young people, from staying safe online to understanding risks associated with drugs and alcohol.
  • Promotes independence, resilience, and responsibility — preparing children and young people for future roles as parents, employees, and leaders.
  • Supports employability by developing the personal and social skills demanded by commerce and industry.
  • Supports pupils to be critical consumers of information and develops the skills to identify misleading news or views on social media and elsewhere.
  • Our curriculum: PSHE Curriculum

Our scheme of learning has been designed to increase in maturity and challenge as your child grows. Topics are explored in appropriate depth based on their age. If you have any questions about out PSHE curriculum, please email [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Support for parents and carers when discussing relationships and sex at home:
Discussing PSHE and RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) can be difficult. Children learn about sex from a young age even if we don’t talk with them about it. Many of the things they learn are incorrect, confusing, and frightening. Many of us may feel embarrassed and worry that we don’t know enough, teenagers need us to talk about feelings and relationships, and answer their questions. Please use the links to key resources below to support these conversations:

My Healthfinder – Sexual health –

Healthline – The talk –

Planned Parenthood –

Stonewall – LGBTQ+ –

LGBTStoke –

Kids Health – Puberty –

Digital parenting advice
If you would like any further support please feel free to get in touch.