At times, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) can feel a rather overshadowed part of our school curriculum. However, as Pastoral Deputy, I believe it is an unsung heroine, making a vital contribution which complements the academic development of our girls. Our ethos is to develop students by not only delivering important information about life skills, but to challenge them to think, debate and reflect on their perceptions and consider the implications of potential choices. I write in the week our Year 12 went to Safe Drive Stay Alive, a hard hitting but invaluable road safety presentation.
PSHE helps our students to feel positive about who they are and prepares them to enjoy healthy, safe, responsible and fulfilled lives. Through active learning opportunities in form or Team PSHE girls recognise and manage risk, take increasing responsibility for themselves, their choices and behaviours. We also discuss and actively promote opportunities to make positive contributions in schools and wider communities - such as LEPRA and the Christmas Bazaar. As students learn to recognise, develop and communicate their qualities, skills and attitudes, they build knowledge, confidence and self-esteem and make the most of their abilities. Heads of Year have a linked and coordinated programme which considers themes termly going into topics more deeply as students’ progress through the years. These include revision techniques, stress management, and keeping safe in a variety of aspects.
Girls explore similarities and differences between people and discuss social and moral dilemmas confronting modern soci-ety. In doing so, they learn to deal with challenges and accommodate diversity; challenging prejudice and radical views in all its forms. The world is full of complex and sometimes conflicting values. PSHE helps students explore this complexity and reflect on and clarify their own values and attitudes. They are able to identify and articulate feelings and emotions in a safe environment. Allowing them to learn how to manage new or difficult situations positively and form and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of people.
PSHE makes a major contribution to the promotion of personal development.
Giles Monks, Deputy Head
