PHSE / Citizenship

The aims of Personal Health and Social Education / Citizenship here at St. Vincent’s are linked to our school Mission Statement:

  • To recognise the individuality of each member of the school community;
  • To encourage mutual respect, a sense of achievement and self worth;
  • To enable all our pupils to become independent and fully integrated into society.
  • Developing confidence and responsibility and making the most of their abilities.

PSHE is taught throughout all key stages. In addition, Citizenship ans aspects of PSHE are delivered on a cross-curricular whole school basis.

The PSHE/Citizenship scheme has been devised specifically for the needs of our pupils and the topics have been carefully chosen from those recommended and outlined by the DCFS. These recommendations have been carefully adopted by the Examination Boards.

PSHE/Citizenship also covers the 24-hour curriculum and aims to fulfil four main areas:

  1. Education for Personal Relationships
  2. Social Education
  3. Health Education
  4. Pastoral Provision

The school also provides opportunities for:

  • Student Council
  • Collaboration with the wider community
  • Anti-bullying Campaign
  • Pro-active action against ‘Bystander Apathy’
  • Whole School policy making

Overview of topics covered

The following topics are covered and delivered according to age appropriateness and Key Stage:

  • Rights and responsibilities
  • Respect for property
  • Feelings and friendships
  • Mind and body
  • Myself and others
  • Choices
  • Animals and us
  • Self esteem and self awareness
  • Parenthood
  • Living in a diverse world
  • How do rules and laws affect me?
  • Drugs and my health
  • Right or wrong?
  • Responsibilities for parenthood
  • Respecting the differences between people
  • Relationships
  • Families
  • Human rights
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • War and conflict
  • Prejudice and difference
  • Bullying
  • Violence
  • Emotional well-being
  • Developing a healthy safer lifestyle
  • Healthy lifestyle
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Sex education and contraception

Sessions may be led by appropriate external specialists, e.g. Anti bullying organisations.

A PSHE module is also incorporated into an accreditation unit as part of the BTEC Certificate at Entry Level