PSHE
At Barton Manor School, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is a fundamental part of our curriculum and ethos, equipping students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to manage their lives now and in the future. Our carefully sequenced and age-appropriate curriculum covers key themes including health and wellbeing, relationships, and living in the wider world, enabling students to reflect, discuss and apply their learning to real-life situations. Through this holistic approach, we promote resilience, confidence, emotional literacy and respect for diversity, while embedding British Values and encouraging positive personal development. Our aim is that every student leaves school as a healthy, safe, respectful and responsible individual, with the skills and confidence to make informed decisions, sustain positive relationships, and contribute meaningfully to society as active and thoughtful citizens.
| Nurture Principle | How This is Achieved Through the PSHE Curriculum |
|---|---|
| 1. Children's learning is understood developmentally | The curriculum is carefully sequenced from Year 7 to Year 11, recognising that students develop socially, emotionally and physically at different rates. Learning progresses from self-awareness and emotional literacy to more complex themes such as healthy relationships, consent, mental health, employability and preparation for adulthood. |
| 2. The classroom offers a safe base | PSHE lessons provide a structured and supportive environment where students can discuss sensitive issues. Students are taught how to access support, report concerns and seek help for issues including bullying, mental health difficulties, abuse, exploitation, online safety and unhealthy relationships. |
| 3. The importance of nurture for the development of wellbeing | Emotional wellbeing is embedded throughout the curriculum. Students develop resilience, self-esteem, coping strategies and an understanding of mental health. Lessons promote healthy lifestyles, positive relationships and strategies for managing challenges and setbacks. |
| 4. Language is a vital means of communication | The curriculum develops students' ability to express themselves effectively, advocate for their needs and communicate respectfully with others. Students learn skills including active listening, conflict resolution, healthy communication, assertiveness and discussing sensitive topics appropriately. |
| 5. All behaviour is communication | Students explore how emotions, experiences and external influences can affect behaviour and decision-making. Learning around emotional regulation, peer influence, relationships and mental health helps students understand both their own behaviour and the behaviour of others. |
| 6. The importance of transition in children's lives | The curriculum supports key transitions, including the move into secondary school and preparation for post-16 education, employment and adulthood. Students develop independence, resilience, financial literacy, career awareness and personal safety skills to support successful transitions. |
Overall Evaluation
The PSHE curriculum demonstrates strong alignment with the Nurture Principles through its emphasis on wellbeing, emotional development, relationships, communication, resilience and preparation for future stages of education and life. It supports students to develop the social and emotional skills needed to thrive both within school and beyond.
