Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)
Curriculum Intent
At Chingford Foundation School, our PSHE curriculum equips students with the knowledge, skills and values needed to lead healthy, safe and fulfilling lives. It empowers them to make informed decisions, build positive relationships and navigate the challenges of adolescence and adult life with confidence and compassion.
We believe that PSHE is central to personal development and the creation of a kind, respectful and inclusive community. Our curriculum helps students to understand themselves and others, fostering empathy, resilience and responsible citizenship.
Through age-appropriate and well-sequenced learning, students explore key themes around health and wellbeing, relationships, and the wider world. These themes evolve as students mature, allowing them to reflect on identity, diversity and the impact of their choices on themselves and others.
Our approach is built around the school’s four pillars:
- Knowledge – Students learn about key issues such as health, relationships, equality, finance and careers, gaining a clear understanding of how to make informed, safe decisions.
- Independence – Students develop confidence in managing their emotions, relationships and personal goals.
- Empowerment – Lessons encourage students to take ownership of their wellbeing and aspirations, equipping them to make a positive contribution to society.
- Inclusion – The curriculum celebrates diversity and promotes respect, ensuring that every student feels represented and valued
Key Stage 3 ( Years 7-9)
At KS3, students are introduced to fundamental concepts of identity, health, safety and relationships. Lessons are designed to help them navigate change, build resilience and understand the importance of respect and empathy.
Topics are taught through three interlinked strands:
Health and Wellbeing
- Transition and managing change
- Healthy routines, puberty and hygiene
- Building resilience and coping with setbacks
- Recognising and managing emotions
- Mental health and where to seek help
Relationships
- Friendship, empathy and communication
- Recognising safe and unsafe relationships
- Respect for diversity, equality and inclusion
- Challenging discrimination and prejudice
- Online safety and managing digital relationships
Wider World
- Responsibility and community
- Understanding influence and decision-making
- Financial awareness and basic budgeting
- Developing employability and teamwork skills
By the end of KS3, students understand how to maintain their health, wellbeing and safety, both online and offline. They are encouraged to think critically, respect differences, and make choices that promote personal and collective wellbeing.
Key Stage 5 ( Years 10-11)
At KS4, students revisit key PSHE themes in greater depth, linking them more explicitly to real-life experiences and future aspirations. Lessons are responsive to the challenges of teenage life, supporting students through topics such as relationships, wellbeing, careers and responsible citizenship.
Health and Wellbeing
- Mental health, coping with stress and emotional regulation
- Healthy lifestyles, exercise, diet and substance awareness
- Managing risk, including road safety and first aid
- Body image, self-esteem and managing social pressures
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
- Healthy and unhealthy relationships
- Consent, communication and respect
- Online and sexual safety, including pornography and digital boundaries
- Identity, sexuality and equality
- Managing conflict, breakups and loss
Living in the Wider World
- Financial decision-making and managing money
- Preparing for work experience and future employment
- Rights, responsibilities and equality under the law
Students are encouraged to become confident, responsible citizens who contribute positively to school and society. They develop strategies for managing stress, maintaining healthy relationships and preparing for life beyond school.
Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13)
At KS5, PSHE continues through a tailored Life Skills and Personal Development programme that supports students’ transition into adulthood.
Topics include:
- Health and wellbeing, including stress management and mental health
- Personal finance, budgeting and avoiding exploitation
- Relationships, consent and sexual health
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
- Employability, leadership and university preparation
- Political participation, rights and responsibilities
Students explore complex real-world issues and are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their decisions, developing the confidence and independence needed for adult life.
Links to Other Curriculum Areas
PSHE complements and reinforces learning across the wider curriculum. It connects naturally with:
- Science – physical and mental health, reproduction, hygiene
- Religious Studies – moral decision-making, diversity and values
- Computing – online safety, digital literacy and influence
- PE – wellbeing, exercise and lifestyle
- Citizenship and Careers Education – democracy, rights and financial literacy.
This integrated approach ensures that students develop both the academic and emotional intelligence needed to succeed in School and beyond.
Impact
Through PSHE, students at Chingford Foundation School become self-aware, empathetic and confident individuals who can make informed choices and build positive relationships. They leave school with the resilience, understanding and respect needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the wider world.
