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"Stop worrying about what other people think of you, and start thinking about who you want to be"
Zadie Smith - English Author and Essayist
At Clarion, our purpose is to ensure we develop well-rounded pupils who achieve great grades through raising aspirations and building confidence in independent studies, work on improving their character through our high standards and expectations. Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) at Clarion is delivered to support our school vision. It is delivered fortnightly within KS3 and KS4 (Year 10), weekly in KS5. It is supported by a weekly WiseUp session delivered by form tutors to all year groups as well as topic specific workshops, drama performances and assemblies.
The aim is to help our young people aspire to dream big, set targets, celebrate small successes, achieve their potential by supporting their wellbeing and tackling issues that can affect their ability to learn, such as anxiety, social media and unhealthy relationships. We also aim to increase their confidence and understanding of the world around them, to ensure their safety by understanding their rights and helping them to seek support when needed.
Impact
Through PSHE, students become well-rounded students who will be prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the modern world, becoming equipped with the skills valued by employers. They are ready to join their work experience places, have greater understanding of first aid at work and home situations as well as able to navigate new career pathways.
Implementation
Students participate in activities focusing on the discussion of a range of scenarios to enable and enhance their understanding of human physiology, psyche and cognitive processes. They consolidate their knowledge through participation in mini whiteboard tasks or in-class role play. This is crucial in building their confidence and safety in modern society. PSHE also helps pupils to develop skills and aptitudes, like teamwork, communication, resilience to be confident with choosing and changing their career pathways.
Academic Journey - KS3
Year 7 |
|
|
Half Term 1 |
Half Term 2 |
| Respecting yourself: Transition, belonging and protected characteristics. | Changes: Puberty |
|
Half Term 3 |
Half Term 4 |
| Careers | Careers |
|
Half Term 5 |
Half Term 6 |
| Healthy Living | Healthy Mind: Social Media |
Year 8 |
|
|
Half Term 1 |
Half Term 2 |
| Respecting Yourself: Mental health and relationships. | Changes: Assertiveness, puberty and complex emotions. |
|
Half Term 3 |
Half Term 4 |
| Careers | Careers |
|
Half Term 5 |
Half Term 6 |
| Equality: Looking into discrimination | Celebrating Diversity |
Year 9 |
|
|
Half Term 1 |
Half Term 2 |
| Respecting Yourself: Mental health and drugs | Changes and Problem solving: First aid |
|
Half Term 3 |
Half Term 4 |
| Careers | Staying Safe: Relationships |
|
Half Term 5 |
Half Term 6 |
| Long Term Relationships | Social Media Influence |
Academic Journey - KS4
Year 10 |
|
|
Half Term 1 |
Half Term 2 |
| Respecting Yourself: Identity and mental health | Changes and Problem Solving: First Aid |
|
Half Term 3 |
Half Term 4 |
| Careers | Careers (including work experience information) |
|
Half Term 5 |
Half Term 6 |
| Addictions: Gambling, Social Media, Illegal Substances | Work Experience and Financial Awareness |
Academic Journey - Sixth Form
Year 12 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| Respecting Yourself: Goals, Plans, Consequences | Changes: Planning Next Steps (Careers) |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| Careers | Careers |
| Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Staying Safe | Building your future: Work Experience and Introduction to the EPQ |
Year 13 |
|
| Half Term 1 | Half Term 2 |
| Respecting yourself: Personal Statements, Aiming High | Changes: Next Steps, Looking After Your Health |
| Half Term 3 | Half Term 4 |
| Changes: Next Steps, Finances | Changes: Renting, Long Term Relationships, Driving |
| Half Term 5 | Half Term 6 |
| Additional Revision Time | Additional Revision Time |
Extra Curricular Activities
- KS3- PSHE Club
- KS4- First Aid
- KS5- Mental Health
Useful Links
BBC Bitesize – PSHE & Citizenship
Website Link
Accessible content for KS3–KS4 students. Covers topics like health, relationships, media, and money.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
YoungMinds
Support, tips, and real stories to help with anxiety, depression, stress, and self-care. Great for when you're feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to.
Kooth
Free, anonymous online counselling and mental health support. You can chat to a counsellor or join helpful forums — no need to sign up with your real name.
MindEd
Explore topics like emotions, sleep, coping with exams, and how the brain works. Designed for young people and parents.
Discrimination, Identity & Inclusion
Stonewall
Find out more about LGBTQ+ issues, coming out, respect, and equality. A great place to learn how to be yourself — and support others too.
Show Racism the Red Card
Videos, stories, and activities that teach you about racism and how to challenge it confidently and safely.
Anne Frank Trust
Learn how prejudice and hate affect people — and how you can stand up for equality through inspiring stories and history.
Money & Life Skills
Your Money Matters (Young Money)
Everything you should know about saving, spending, bank accounts, student loans, and scams. Super useful for life after school. Founded by Martin Lewis.
MoneyHelper
Free tools and calculators to help you understand budgeting, borrowing, and how to make smart money choices.
Drugs, Alcohol & Addictions
Talk to Frank
Honest info about drugs, vaping, and alcohol — including what they are, what they do, and how to stay safe. Totally confidential.
Alcohol Education Trust
Learn the facts about alcohol and decision-making, especially useful as you get older and face social pressures.
ASH (Smoking & Health)
Facts and support for quitting smoking or understanding how nicotine and vaping affect your health.
Resilience & Confidence
Bounce Forward
Helps you build resilience, confidence and motivation — especially when things get tough at school or in life.
Mentally Healthy Schools (Anna Freud Centre)
Lots of videos and toolkits to help you manage stress, build strong relationships, and support others too.
First Aid & Safety
First Aid Champions (British Red Cross)
Free lessons and videos that teach you what to do in emergencies — like choking, bleeding, burns, or fainting.
St John Ambulance – First Aid for Young People
Clear first aid advice with scenarios and games to help you remember what to do when someone needs help.
Sex, Relationships & Consent
Brook
Clear advice on relationships, consent, contraception, and staying safe online. You can also ask anonymous questions.
NHS – Sexual Health
Trusted information from the NHS about your body, safe sex, STIs, and how to get help if you need it.
Trips
- KS3 - Careers orientated reward trip: PowerUp (IT) and STEM focus (IMAX) - Science Museum
- KS4 - Houses of Parliament
- KS5 - Freud Museum, Mind Museum (combined with Psychology course)
Extended Reading List
KS3 - Ages 11-14 |
|
Mental Health"Can You See Me?" by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott – A story about autism and mental health from the perspective of a neurodivergent girl. |
Discrimination"Ghost Boys" by Jewell Parker Rhodes – A powerful novel tackling racism and police brutality. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio – Focuses on acceptance, kindness, and discrimination based on appearance. |
Finance"How to Be a Money Genius" by DK – Fun and clear guide to managing money. |
Resilience"You Are Awesome" by Matthew Syed – Inspires a growth mindset and self-belief. |
Addictions"Clean" by Juno Dawson – A fictional but realistic look at teenage addiction (more appropriate for mature KS3 readers). |
First Aid"First Aid for You" by Usborne Books – Simple and illustrated guide to basic first aid skills. |
KS4 - Ages 14-16 |
|
Mental Health"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky – Explores depression, trauma, and growing up. |
Finance"Your Money Matters" (Young Money) – Free downloadable textbook covering finance topics including credit, budgeting, and fraud. |
Discrimination"Noughts and Crosses" by Malorie Blackman – A reverse-race dystopia tackling prejudice and systemic discrimination. |
Resilience"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas – Themes of activism, injustice, and personal strength. |
Addictions"Junk" by Melvin Burgess – Hard-hitting novel on drug use and consequences. |
First AidSt John Ambulance First Aid Guide (Teen Edition) – Step-by-step guide with scenarios relevant to teens. |
KS5 - Ages 16-18 |
|
Mental Health"Reasons to Stay Alive" by Matt Haig – A memoir on depression and survival. |
Finance"The Money Guide for Students" by Ruth Bushi (Save the Student) – Up-to-date advice for managing student finances. |
Discrimination"Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race" by Reni Eddo-Lodge – Explores racism in the UK. |
Resilience"Grit" by Angela Duckworth – Explores perseverance and passion. |
Addictions"Beautiful Boy" by David Sheff – Memoir of a father’s experience with his son’s addiction. |
First AidBritish Red Cross First Aid Manual (Advanced) – More detailed first aid guide suitable for older teens and young adults. |