PHSCE

Effective PHSE and Citizenship should develop personal, social and moral responsibility, along with an understanding of Careers and financial planning. Citizenship encourages respect of cultural diversity and identities and addresses issues relating to social justice, human rights, community cohesion and global interdependence. They will empower pupils to make a difference to not only their own lives but also the lives of others both locally and globally. At Bury Church of England High School we want pupils to become fulfilled, self-motivated, responsible and caring members of society. Our PHSE and Citizenship programme will encourage pupils to consider their own strengths and weaknesses and reflect on the world around them to make informed choices. Pupils are encouraged to act in a caring and Christian manner, realising the worth of every individual, including themselves, in the eyes of God.

Our PHSE and Citizenship programme aims to achieve the outcomes of ECM and SEAL and provides young people with the opportunity to become:

• successful and independent learners who enjoy learning and making progress but also develop the skills and knowledge required to make informed and sensible judgements
• confident and conscientious individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives feeling valued
• responsible and caring people who make a positive contribution to the school, local, national and global communities, showing respect for both themselves and others

During PHSCE Activities we will achieve these aims by helping pupils to:

1. Develop an understanding of the key concepts which underpin the study of PHSCE in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding by:

• understanding that personal identity is affected by many factors
• recognising what affects confidence and self-esteem and realising that they can change with personal circumstances
• understanding that physical, mental, sexual and emotional health affect our ability to lead fulfilling lives
• using information to make informed and responsible choices
• appreciating that pressure can influence decisions in risky situations and that by developing the confidence to face challenges safely pupils can help protect themselves from harm
• encouraging tolerance of differences within our communities
• understanding career paths and exploring what qualities, skills and attitudes are needed for employability and the risks involved in career choices
• being able to manage their own finances and to appreciate enterprise and economics, understanding that there are risks involved in business

2. Understand the key processes and essential skills required in PHSCE to enable them to make progress by:

• reflecting on their own and others’ values and how their behaviour might impact on others and to use this knowledge to set personal targets
• reflecting on their own knowledge to make informed choices about safety, health and well-being and to form strategies to resist pressure and avoid risky situations
• developing the social skills to build positive relationships and understand that their actions have consequences.
• empathising with others and challenging prejudice and discrimination assertively
• reflecting and evaluating what they have learned and what they would do differently
• developing the essential skills and self-esteem necessary to make a positive future for themselves in work
• using a variety of information to select the right career path and then take action to improve their chances in that career
• managing their money and understanding the financial risks and rewards and how their aspirations will be affected by finance.

The study of personal wellbeing and economic wellbeing should include:

• participating in decision-making and voting and exploring local and national politics and government.
• respecting themselves and others in Britain’s diverse multicultural society, challenging stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities and tolerance
• understanding that justice is fundamental to a democratic society and exploring the role of law in maintaining order and resolving conflict
• exploring the rights and responsibilities of individuals, communities and governments
• to maintain and develop positive relationships both within the local community and wider world.

During Citizenship activities we will achieve these aims by helping pupils to develop an understanding of the key concepts which underpin the study of citizenship in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding by:

• participating in decision-making and voting and exploring local and national politics and government.
• respecting themselves and others in Britain’s diverse multicultural society, challenging stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities and tolerance
• understanding that justice is fundamental to a democratic society and exploring the role of law in maintaining order and resolving conflict
• exploring the rights and responsibilities of individuals, communities and governments
• to maintain and develop positive relationships both within the local community and wider world.

Understand the key processes and essential skills required in citizenship to enable them to make progress by:

• reflecting on different ideas, opinions, beliefs and values when exploring different topical and controversial issues
• research, plan and evaluate information and sources
• express and explain their own opinions and represent the views of others which they may or may not agree with.
• to encourage pupils to take informed and responsible action and analyse the impact of their actions on communities and the wider world, now and in the future
• to reflect and evaluate what they have learned and what they would do differently

Focusing on the political and social dimensions of living together in the UK and making sense of the world today by:

• exploring the political, legal, economic and human rights and responsibilities of us all as citizens
• reviewing democracy, cultural diversity and justice and how they relate to young people
• developing respect for the environment and our communities
• reviewing the influences of the media on society

We aim to provide the following curriculum opportunities for pupils to:

• debate and discuss personal, social and moral issues and make decisions about what they have learned
• use case studies, simulations, scenarios and drama to explore social and personal situations, along with work and enterprise issues and reflect on what they have learnt
• work individually and in groups, taking on different roles and responsibilities
• evaluate their own personal development and set realistic targets about future life choices and develop strategies for meeting them
• engage in and have contact with the business world
• write a personal statement and make an individual learning and career plan
• work with a range of community partners
• use different sources of information, media and communications
• complete PHSE and Citizenship work within other areas of the curriculum

Key Stages 3 & 4

At Key Stage 3&4, PSHE is studied in one lesson per fortnight. The course follows the statutory guidance for PSHCE. There are two key areas of learning in PSHE: economic well-being (careers, finance and enterprise) and personal well-being (health and relationships, including SRE - Sex and Relationships Education). These key areas cover the three core themes of Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World.

Lessons provide a safe and supportive learning environment where students can develop the confidence to ask questions, challenge the information they are offered, draw on their own experience, express their views and opinions and put what they have learned into practice in their own lives.

In addition to this, pupils in Years 7-10 will participate in a career focused Deeper Learning Day.

Click here to view our PSHE & Citizenship curriculum map

Extra Curricular Activities

Youth Cabinet – discussing issues which affect young people in Bury

Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award – carrying out a set of leadership challenges within the community that “serve others” in Year 7&8.

School Council – discussing issues that affect our pupils and campaigning for change.

Charities Group – this is a sub group of the School Council which works tirelessly to raise money for charities both locally and nationally. We also volunteer in the community to help contribute as active citizens.

Careers Club – this weekly lunchtime club hosts talks from employers about their careers as well as offering support to students with career exploration, college applications, CV writing, securing work experience etc.