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PSHE

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PSHE at Excelsior Academy is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead healthy, safe and successful lives.

It prepares young people for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of modern Britain by exploring key topics such as relationships, positive mental and physical wellbeing, personal finance, and careers.

The curriculum also incorporates statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE), which is now compulsory in all schools. Through this provision, we aim to develop confident, resilient and independent individuals who are able to manage personal challenges and fulfil their potential. 

A broad and balanced PSHE curriculum enables students to develop the confidence to think critically, question the information they receive, draw upon their own experiences, and express their views and opinions respectfully. It encourages them to apply their learning to real-life situations, empowering them to make informed and responsible decisions. 

At Excelsior Academy, PSHE lessons are delivered in a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students feel valued, respected and heard. Through carefully planned and engaging activities, students are encouraged to explore and discuss a range of spiritual, moral, social, cultural and ethical issues. These discussions challenge stereotypes, promote respect and understanding, and support students in making positive, healthy choices throughout their lives. 

Subject leader: James.Smith@excelsiornewcastle.org.uk 

Key Stage 2

PSHE.pdf

Key Stage 3 and 4

Aims of our Key Stage 3 curriculum 

The Key Stage 3 PSHE curriculum at Excelsior Academy is designed to develop students' character, culture, and understanding of the world around them. It helps students build their social, moral, spiritual and cultural awareness while preparing them to become responsible and active citizens. 

Our PSHE curriculum aims to: 

  • Communicate knowledge and understanding confidently through discussion and debate. 

  • Participate fully in classroom discussions and written activities. 

  • Work independently and collaboratively while respecting the views of others. 

  • Develop critical thinking skills and apply them to a range of real-life issues. 

The curriculum is centred around four key themes: 

  1. Healthy Relationships 

  1. The Wider World 

  1. Being Safe 

  1. Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) 

We also work with external partners, including Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police's Violence Reduction Unit, to provide specialist sessions on topics such as water safety, knife crime awareness and personal safety. 

PSHE is delivered through a spiral curriculum, with key concepts introduced in Years 7 and 8 and revisited throughout students' time at the academy, allowing knowledge and understanding to be developed and strengthened over time. 

Aims of Key Stage 4 curriculum  

At Key Stage 4, students continue to study the same core themes introduced in Key Stage 3. As students mature, learning becomes more age-appropriate, exploring more complex and sensitive topics alongside the essential knowledge and skills needed for adult life. 

Through PSHE, students develop key skills including critical thinking, collaboration, debate, empathy, respect and the ability to consider different viewpoints. These transferable skills support learning across the wider curriculum, particularly in subjects such as English, History and Sociology. 

By the end of Year 11, students will have studied the full statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum. Regular retrieval activities, reflection and discussion ensure that students can demonstrate their understanding and apply their learning confidently to real-life situations. 

PSHE-Curriculum.pdf