PSHE

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education lessons, Citizenship and Careers are essential parts of Francis Holland’s commitment to schooling for life.

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education lessons are designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to manage their lives both now and in the future. According to the PSHE Association, these lessons aim to improve students’ wellbeing and ability to thrive as individuals and members of society. By addressing a range of topics, including health and wellbeing, relationships, and living in the wider world, PSHE lessons help students make informed decisions, build healthy relationships, and develop a strong sense of self.

Curriculum

The comprehensive curriculum supports students in understanding complex social and economic issues, ultimately preparing them for the challenges and opportunities they will face in adulthood. As part of the PSHE programme, we are pleased to welcome a host of guest speakers who are experts in their field. These talks compliment the content taught in lessons and we ensure we always discuss content in advance, and we only use trusted presenters and organisations.

Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) is introduced in the Thirds (Year 7), and we partner with IT Happens Education who provide, resources, presentations to pupils and parents, and training for staff.

Thirds (Year 7) topics:

Settling into a new school
Personal safety
Friendships
Physical and emotional wellbeing
Study skills
Self esteem
Puberty
Citizenship and British values
Nutrition
Online safety
RSE

Lower Fourth (Year 8) topics:

Study skills
Personal safety
Protected characteristics and Diversity
Wellbeing
Current affairs and Citizenship
Critical thinking
Careers
Online safety
RSE

Upper Fourth (Year 9) topics:

First aid
Further study skills
Research skills
Economic wellbeing
Wellbeing
Equality and equity
Careers
Personal safety
Online safety
RSE

Lower Fifth (Year 10) topics:

Personal safety
Alcohol, drugs and smoking
Wellbeing
Protected characteristics
Living in the wider world
Critical thinking
Online safety
RSE

Upper Fifth (Year 11) topics:

Further life skills
Everyday sexism to global women’s rights
Careers and higher education
Conflict resolution
EDBI
Online safety
RSE

Online Safety

Technology is a vital and overwhelmingly positive resource in education. At FHS, alongside the Scheme of Work taught in Computing lessons, the PSHE programme extensively covers all areas of online safety, from the Thirds (Year 7) through to the Upper Sixth.

The PSHE programme aims to teach from a ‘tech positive’ perspective, encouraging young people to reflect on their online behaviour whilst also equipping them with the necessary knowledge of how to respond to online safety issues, report any concerns and make positive choices. The lessons are complemented by visiting guest speakers and focus events such as our Safer Internet Day. Every year, each student and parent is required to complete an IT and Code of Conduct Form, and they are encouraged to report any negative issues they may be experiencing online. We have high expectations of online and offline behaviour, and systems in place which monitor students’ device activity.

Admissions

Prospectus