King Edward VI School - Personal Education

Personal Social Education and Citizenship

We aim to promote the spiritual, cultural, mental and physical development of students for both their lives in School and in Society.

As part of a cohesive whole School approach, Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) develops the qualities and attributes students need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society. Therefore, students are prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences that they may encounter in adult life.

Our aim is to encourage the development of independence of mind, self-reliance, self-discipline and self-respect. We promote respect for the process of law and for the legal and human rights, both for our students themselves and for others, together with an enterprising and persistent approach to tasks and a sense of fairness.  Respect for the ways of life, opinions and ideas different from the student’s own is advocated, as well as a desire to act on behalf of the legitimate interests of others who cannot effectively act themselves.

Diversity and individuality are generally celebrated, as students are encouraged to develop an awareness and understanding of their own personality needs, abilities and interests, together with their particular strengths, as well as areas for improvement.  They will consider human growth, including the nature of emotional, physical, psychological and social development – and the similarities and differences between themselves and others in terms of biological needs, physical characteristics and cultural background.  They will reflect on the implications any of these differences may have on the ways people relate to and treat each other.

Relationships among families, peer groups, friends and colleagues are considered as well as the social responsibilities, moral codes and behaviour that are expected by School and Society.

In Year 7 PSHE is taught by our Year 7 tutors who cover topics such as emotional wellbeing, bullying, healthy eating and citizenship. Students also meet their Year 12 Mentors regularly to discuss a range of issues including effective revision and time management.  All Year 7 students complete a touch typing course, which we regard as an essential skill for their academic career and beyond.  Students also learn about the history of the School, its buildings and the local area in visits to the School Archive, Lower Guildhall, Big School and Town Hall.

In Years 8-13 PSHE is taught during sessions where the regular timetable is suspended for time dedicated to PSHE education. During PSHE Days students focus on topics and themes within a planned programme of learning through which they acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to manage their lives and external speakers and professionals are invited to deliver topics to meet the PSHE needs of a particular year group.

The benefits to students of such an approach are numerous as PSHE prepares them to manage many of the most critical opportunities, challenges and responsibilities they will face growing up in such rapidly changing and challenging times. It also helps them to connect and apply the knowledge and understanding they learn in all subjects to practical, real-life situations. Further PSHE learning is provided through weekly tutor-led discussions, assemblies, national curriculum subjects and one-off projects that enrich our students understanding of their personal and economic wellbeing today and for the future.

Whatever the topic under review, the lesson’s aim remains the same – to provide the student with knowledge enough for him to make informed choices and hopefully to provide education for life.