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PSHE Curriculum Overview

"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.
 

"Blame My Brain" by Nicola Morgan – Accessible science about the teenage brain and emotional health.

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.
 

"The Teen Money Manual" by Kara McGuire – Introduces budgeting, saving, and spending wisely.

Resilience

"You Are Awesome" by Matthew Syed – Inspires a growth mindset and self-belief.
 

"The Boy at the Back of the Class" by Onjali Q. Raúf – Deals with empathy, resilience, and refugee experiences.

Addictions

"Clean" by Juno Dawson – A fictional but realistic look at teenage addiction (more appropriate for mature KS3 readers).
 

"Everything You Need to Know About Drugs" by Paul Mason – Straightforward facts about substance abuse.

First Aid

"First Aid for You" by Usborne Books – Simple and illustrated guide to basic first aid skills.
 

British Red Cross Website Resources – Age-appropriate interactive materials on first aid.

KS4 - Ages 14-16

 

Mental Health

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky – Explores depression, trauma, and growing up.
 

"Mind Your Head" by Juno Dawson – Covers mental health issues with honesty and clarity.

Finance

"Your Money Matters" (Young Money) – Free downloadable textbook covering finance topics including credit, budgeting, and fraud.
 

"Money: A User’s Guide" by Laura Whateley – Clear, practical advice about personal finance (also useful at KS5).

Discrimination

"Noughts and Crosses" by Malorie Blackman – A reverse-race dystopia tackling prejudice and systemic discrimination.
 

"I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai – Memoir about fighting for education and gender equality.

Resilience

"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas – Themes of activism, injustice, and personal strength.
 

"Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway (For Teens)" by Andrea Umbach – Tools for building confidence and overcoming anxiety.

Addictions

"Junk" by Melvin Burgess – Hard-hitting novel on drug use and consequences.
 

"Drugs: Shatter the Myths" (NIDA) – Fact-based resource from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (free online).

First Aid

St John Ambulance First Aid Guide (Teen Edition) – Step-by-step guide with scenarios relevant to teens.
 

Apps like "First Aid by British Red Cross" – Useful for on-the-go, interactive learning.

KS5 - Ages 16-18

 

Mental Health

"Reasons to Stay Alive" by Matt Haig – A memoir on depression and survival.
 

"Lost Connections" by Johann Hari – Investigates the causes of depression and anxiety.

Finance

"The Money Guide for Students" by Ruth Bushi (Save the Student) – Up-to-date advice for managing student finances.
 

"I Will Teach You to Be Rich" by Ramit Sethi (Young Adult edition) – A practical and motivational guide to long-term financial planning.

Discrimination

"Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race" by Reni Eddo-Lodge – Explores racism in the UK.
 

"We Should All Be Feminists" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Short but powerful essay on gender equality.

Resilience

"Grit" by Angela Duckworth – Explores perseverance and passion.
 

"Atomic Habits" by James Clear – Practical tools for behavior change and resilience.

Addictions

"Beautiful Boy" by David Sheff – Memoir of a father’s experience with his son’s addiction.
 

"High: Everything You Want to Know About Drugs, Alcohol, and Addiction" by Nic & David Sheff – Honest, non-judgmental guidance.

First Aid

British Red Cross First Aid Manual (Advanced) – More detailed first aid guide suitable for older teens and young adults.
 

"Wilderness First Aid" by Howard D. Backer – For students interested in leadership, outdoor education, or emergency care.