PSHCEE

The PSHCE education programme at City makes a significant contribution to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, their behaviour and safety, and the school’s statutory responsibility to promote pupils’ wellbeing.

Personal, social, health, citizenship and economic education (PSHCEE) is a planned programme of learning through which our pupils acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives both now and in the future. As part of a whole-school approach, PSHCE education develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals and as members of wider society. Our PSHCEE curriculum is broad and balanced, ensuring that it:

• Promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of our children and of society;

• Equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding, skills and strategies required to live healthy, safe, productive, capable, responsible and balanced lives;

• Offers clear information and advice about about keeping healthy and safe – emotionally, physically and socially;

• Encourages pupils to be enterprising and supports them in making effective transitions, positive learning and career choices and in achieving economic wellbeing;

• Provides crucial opportunities for pupils 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.

PSHCEE is delivered formally to years 7 – 10 through 40 minute timetabled lessons by PSHCE teachers and is supplemented by relevant external speakers. There are also 20-minute form times on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, led by form tutors and encompassing a range of PSHCEE-related topics. PSHCEE is assessed through class discussion and reflection; engagement with learning resources; and pupil voice. Pupils receive reports for their progress and engagement in PSHCEE but do not receive a grade.

For years 11 –13, we have a programme of workshops and external speakers held during either a 40 minute or a one-hour timetabled lesson on a Wednesday. These session are delivered to the whole year group(s).

PSHCE education is also delivered through the academic curriculum particularly in subjects such as computer science, religion, philosophy and ethics, history, English, geography, biology, PE and KS4 critical thinking lessons.

PSHCE education is the curriculum subject that gives young people the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live and thrive in safe, healthy, and productive lives. The PSHCEE curriculum is monitored and reviewed regularly by the head of PSHCEE, staff and governing body.

Relationships and sex education (RSE)

Relationships and sex education (RSE) has been a long-established and extremely important part of PSHCE at City of London School for Girls. It is about educating pupils to make informed and responsible choices and the subject is taught across the school curriculum through biology, religion, philosophy and ethics, and also PSCHEE. The aspects of the RSE programme delivered through the PSCHEE programme are the responsibility of the PSCHEE coordinator.

A comprehensive programme of RSE is crucial for pupils in order that they have clear understanding about the body, reproduction, sex, sexual health, and sexuality. It lays immensely important foundations for pupils to build respectful, positive, enjoyable and healthy relationships. RSE is taught sensitively and inclusively.