Personal Development

To develop the physical, intellectual and emotional well-being of our pupils

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education

We believe that every pupil deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. That's why we offer a broad and balanced curriculum that includes Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education.

PSHE education is a vital part of any child's education. It helps pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, to manage their lives effectively and to make informed choices.

We use the UK PSHE Association scheme of work as a guide to develop skills and attributes such as resilience, self-esteem, risk-management, team working and critical thinking in the context of three core themes:

Health and wellbeing

Relationships

Living in the wider world

Integrating PSHE into our Curriculum

To develop the physical, intellectual and emotional well-being of our pupils

Our PSHE programme is woven into our school curriculum and also links closely with our wellbeing action plan, as we take our children's mental health and wellness very seriously.

We teach our pupils to identify, name and learn to regulate their emotions through the Zones of Regulation process. We help them learn to respect themselves and others and to be held to account, knowing what is unkind, mean or bullying behaviour.

Although PSHE is a curriculum subject, we understand that children's personal and social attributes and their physical and mental health may shape their self-identity and transcend curriculum areas and, indeed, their academic learning at school. Our teachers are constantly coaching our pupils to be the best possible versions of themselves, pausing the curriculum if necessary to talk through concerns arising - we teach our children what they need to know now. 

Integrating PSHE into our Curriculum

To develop the physical, intellectual and emotional well-being of our pupils

Our PSHE programme is woven into our school curriculum and also links closely with our wellbeing action plan, as we take our children's mental health and wellness very seriously.

We teach our pupils to identify, name and learn to regulate their emotions through the Zones of Regulation process. We help them learn to respect themselves and others and to be held to account, knowing what is unkind, mean or bullying behaviour.

Although PSHE is a curriculum subject, we understand that children's personal and social attributes and their physical and mental health may shape their self-identity and transcend curriculum areas and, indeed, their academic learning at school. Our teachers are constantly coaching our pupils to be the best possible versions of themselves, pausing the curriculum if necessary to talk through concerns arising - we teach our children what they need to know now. 

Well-rounded and confident students through PSHE and strong pastoral support

On a day-to-day basis, our pupils learn how to manage themselves, interact well with others and start to learn how to manage when feeling in conflict. We seek to develop assertive and confident pupils; neither passive nor aggressive, but well-rounded and strong young individuals who can thrive in a range of different contexts.

PSHE is very much a ‘living subject’ about equipping children for their lives today – and for their future lives tomorrow. Of course, sometimes our pupils need that extra help, and we have a strong pastoral team to give that additional level of support and guidance when necessary.

Well-rounded and confident students through PSHE and strong pastoral support

On a day-to-day basis, our pupils learn how to manage themselves, interact well with others and start to learn how to manage when feeling in conflict. We seek to develop assertive and confident pupils; neither passive nor aggressive, but well-rounded and strong young individuals who can thrive in a range of different contexts.

PSHE is very much a ‘living subject’ about equipping children for their lives today – and for their future lives tomorrow. Of course, sometimes our pupils need that extra help, and we have a strong pastoral team to give that additional level of support and guidance when necessary.

Why is PSHE education important?

PSHE education is important because it:
  • Makes a major contribution to the health and wellbeing of pupils, now and in their future lives
  • Contributes to the safeguarding of pupils
  • Underpins pupils’ future employability through the development of the personal and social skills which commerce and industry demand
  • Helps to increase pupils’ independence and ultimately enables them to take responsibility for themselves
  • Prepares pupils for their future role as parents, employees and leaders.

What does PSHE include?

PSHE education covers a wide range of topics, including:

Health

Healthy lifestyles, healthy eating and exercise, mental and emotional health, relationships education, and the impact of narcotics for older pupils.

Risk

Financial and career choices, personal safety, internet safety and violent incidents.

Relationships

Developing and maintaining positive relationships, dealing with negative relationships which may include bullying and sexual violence.

Loss

Bereavement, separation and divorce.

Change

Managing transition, adversity and developing resilience.

Career choices

Interviews, business conduct and finance.

Personal finance

Savings, debt and budgeting.

At The Aquila School, we believe that every pupil has the potential to be great. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum that includes PSHE education, to help pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to succeed in life.

We are committed to providing a safe, happy and supportive learning environment where all pupils can thrive. Our teachers are highly qualified and experienced, and they are passionate about helping pupils to learn and grow.