PSHE EDUCATION

The overarching aim for PSHE education is to provide pupils with:

• accurate and relevant knowledge 
• opportunities to turn that knowledge into personal understanding 
  
• opportunities to explore, clarify and if necessary challenge, their own and others’ values, attitudes, beliefs, rights and responsibilities 
  
• the skills and strategies they need in order to live healthy, safe, fulfilling, responsible and balanced lives. 

At Key Stage 3:

PSHE education acknowledges and addresses the changes that learners are experiencing, beginning with transition to secondary school, the challenges of adolescence and their increasing independence. It teaches the skills which will equip them for the opportunities and challenges of life. Pupils are encouraged to manage diverse relationships and the increasing influence of peers and the media. PSHE education allows them to be more confident in addressing the challenges of effective learning and making a full and active contribution to society.

At Key Stage 4:

At Key Stage 4, pupils extend and rehearse the skills, further explore attitudes and values, and deepen knowledge and understanding acquired during Key Stage 3. PSHE education reflects the fact that learners are moving towards an independent role in adult life, taking on greater responsibility for themselves and others. By Key Stage 4 increasing numbers of pupils may be gaining direct experience of issues taught through PSHE education. Schools should not feel constrained by the Key Stage 3/4 demarcation shown below and should adapt their planning to reflect their pupils’ needs and local priorities.

Source: PSHE-association.org