Formally PSHE/RSHE/Citizenship

“The fundamentals of living”

Context

Personal Development is the new umbrella term for RSHE (statutory), PSHE and Citizenship at Deptford Green School . It builds on the relationship and health education pupils receive at KS1 and 2. PSHE and RSHE (statutory) involve learning about: healthy relationships, healthy bodies and minds, sexual health, alcohol and drugs use and equality. It also addresses online safety. Citizenship covers areas including: the law, politics, democracy and British values. There are also units on financial awareness which will provide pupils with a grounding in budgeting and independent living. Pupils are also prepared for life at KS4 through exam and study skills as well as KS5, where they interact with local sixth form colleges and begin to apply for courses. This runs parallel with their career's pathways.

Our pupils are growing up in a rapidly changing world that can be confusing and daunting. Personal Development equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding, skills and strategies required to live healthy, safe, productive, capable, responsible and balanced lives. It encourages them to be enterprising and supports them in making effective transitions, positive learning and career choices and in achieving economic wellbeing. A critical component of Personal Development is providing opportunities for children and young people to reflect on and clarify their own values and attitudes and explore the complex and sometimes conflicting range of values and attitudes they encounter now and in the future.

It contributes to build students confidence, resilience, self-esteem and self-identity. The learning helps them to identify and manage risk, make informed choices and understand what influences their decisions. It enables them to recognise, accept and shape their identities, to understand and accommodate difference and change, to manage emotions and to communicate constructively in a variety of settings. Developing an understanding of themselves, empathy and the ability to work with others will help pupils to form and maintain good relationships, develop the essential skills for future employability and better enjoy and manage their lives.

Class Activities and Enrichment

Our working style allows pupils to find their own voice through debates or to focus on creative interests through art responses, script-writing, role play and story boards. Laws, attitudes and information changes overtime; as such we have a dedicated team ensuring that all content is relevant and up to date for our pupils and the community that they live in.

There are many opportunities outside of lesson time to support the learning, this can come in the form of visiting theatre groups, professional companies conducting info and Q&A sessions.

Mr Hewson; Head of Department: ahewson@deptfordgreen.co.uk