KS3 PSHCE

Year 7 - Transitition and personal safety

This first half of term, the PSHCE topic for Year 7 was Transition and Personal Safety.

We first talked about transition to secondary school but before we started the first lesson, students were reminded of the ground rules in PSHCE and shown the anonymous question box.

We explored the values we share as a school community and discussed how we can show respect to the people we interact with at school, as well as showing respect to the school environment. We also talked about our goals and what we can do to improve our skills in some areas. In the end of unit assessment, the students were able to recall what to do to develop courage and leadership skills. They said that one should try activities that they are not familiar with, practise at home to feel more confident when they have to speak in front of others or step up to a leadership role in order to develop those skills.

Basic first aid and how to stay safe in different situations were also discussed this first half of term. By the end of the lessons, students were able to state the steps to take when someone is bleeding and could also name the signs and symptoms.

Mme Mwangi

Students’ voice:

Samuel: “We learned about severe bleeding. We learned about dressing and applying pressure on the wound.”

Aiden: “In PSHCE we learnt about how to help a person who is having severe bleeding.”

Matis: “In PSHCE we learnt about how to help some people if they are bleeding and they have symptoms like dizziness, pain, finding it hard to talk and confused. It was very helpful to learn how to help someone.”

Sienna: “During PSHCE we learned about how to adapt to secondary life, how to help someone if they are bleeding and we also learned what PSHCE stands for.”

Ivana: “In PSHCE we learnt about how to help someone with severe bleeding. By putting on gloves then you make them lay down and put on a dressing and make sure it is not too tight.”

Year 8 - Drugs and Alcohol

This term we have been looking at different sorts of drugs and alcohol. We have been exploring different legal and illegal substances, and trying to understand what they might do to our bodies. We have researched and discussed alcohol and its issues along with tobacco and caffeine and other over the counter drugs. We have thought about how these things are sold and how they are advertised to different groups through different products like energy drinks and sweeter tasting drinks that are aimed at young people.

We have discussed our thoughts and understanding of these different substances and tried to form a better understanding about how they affect us.

Mr Moyse

Year 9 - Peer pressure, drugs and gangs

Over the past weeks, the Y9 students immersed themselves in the crucial and interconnected topics of peer pressure, drugs, and gangs. These subjects are essential to understand, as they often interplay and can have a significant impact on the lives of young people

We kicked off the term by exploring the concept of peer pressure through a series of thought-provoking scenarios. These scenarios allowed our students to recognize various situations where they might encounter peer pressure, from decisions about clothing and personal choices to more serious matters like substance use. These discussions encouraged students to consider how their peers may influence their choices.

Next, we dived into the world of illegal drugs. We discussed the various types of illegal substances, their effects, and the severe consequences associated with their use. What became apparent was the undeniable connection between peer pressure and drug experimentation. The scenarios we explored earlier helped students understand how seemingly innocent situations could lead down a dangerous path if the pressure to conform is too strong.

Gangs were our next topic of exploration. We discussed the characteristics that identify gangs, such as symbols, colours, hand signs and tattoos. We also looked into why young people might choose to join a gang. This opened up discussions about a sense of belonging, protection, or the lure of a perceived "family" when other support systems (like family set up) might be lacking.

In week 6 students did a test to ensure they grasped the essential information about the topics. We also played online games and made posters to reinforce these lessons in a fun and engaging way.

In week four we were fortunate to have Mr. Stamp address the student body in an assembly. He emphasized the role Braeburn students play in making responsible choices. The assembly topic underlined the significance of the lessons we've been exploring in PSHCE since he discussed teen alcohol and vaping. He discussed the risks associated with these drugs and supported the drugs with statistics. Did you know that 3 million deaths globally are caused by alcohol abuse?

I am proud of our Year 9 students' engagement and their commitment to becoming responsible and informed individuals. As we move into the next half-term, we encourage all students to reflect on what they've learned in PSHCE term 1a and keep making informed decisions.

Rachel Simon

PSHCE teacher for Y9 - Term 1a