KS3 PSHCE

Year 7 Students Explore Transition to Secondary School and Personal Safety in PSHCE Lessons

As part of the Year 7 curriculum, students have been diving into essential topics that help them navigate their transition to secondary school life. Through their PSHCE lessons, they have been exploring the challenges and opportunities that come with being part of a new section of the school, while also learning important lessons about personal safety.

The move to secondary school is a big step in a young person’s life, bringing new experiences, increased responsibilities, and fresh social dynamics. In these early PSHCE sessions, Year 7 students have been guided through practical strategies to help manage the changes they are experiencing, such as building new friendships, staying organised, and balancing their schoolwork with personal time. We also discussed rules and why they are in place, as well as who to talk to if we need help. Values such as teamwork, courage, respect were defined and explored, and through case studies, we discussed how to develop areas of improvement we identified.

Alongside this, the focus on personal safety has been key. Students have been discussing how to stay safe both in school and in the wider community. We also talked about staying safe on the road and learnt how to help someone who is bleeding.

Students were active learners in all their PSHCE lessons, willing to share their views and knowledge and making the lessons interesting and dynamic. They were also able to reflect on their progress as they reviewed the baseline assessment tasks at the end of every lesson. Students can also state the ground rules of PSHCE lessons and understand how to use the anonymous questions box in the classroom.

As the term progresses, the PSHCE program will continue to build on these foundational topics, ensuring that our Year 7 students feel supported and equipped for the exciting years ahead.

YEAR 8 DRUG AND ALCOHOL EDUCATION

Year 8 students participated in informative sessions on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding their well-being, these sessions aimed to raise awareness and empower students to make informed decisions as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Key Highlights of the Sessions

The sessions began with an engaging presentation on the risks associated with alcohol and drug use, particularly focusing on how these substances can affect the developing brain. Students learned that early exposure to alcohol and drugs can lead to long-term consequences, including addiction, health issues, and difficulty with academic performance. They also discussed the role of peer pressure and how to resist negative influences.

Real-life stories were shared to make the information more relatable, illustrating how early experimentation can spiral into larger problems. Students were encouraged to reflect on their values and the importance of making healthy, responsible choices.

Interactive Activities

The sessions were not just about listening but also about engaging. Students participated in interactive activities where they role-played peer pressure scenarios and learned strategies to confidently say “no” in difficult situations. They were also introduced to ways of seeking help if they ever felt unsure or uncomfortable, emphasising the importance of talking to a trusted adult.

Parent-Child Conversations

I strongly encourage parents and guardians to continue this conversation at home. Open and honest discussions about alcohol and drugs can help solidify the knowledge students gained and create an environment where they feel safe asking questions. The earlier these conversations start, the better-prepared children will be to handle future challenges.

Moving Forward

We are confident that these sessions have helped our Year 8 students gain a deeper understanding of the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse and given them the tools to make positive decisions. Together, as a community, we can continue to support our children in making choices that promote their health, safety, and success.

Thank you for your ongoing support in nurturing a safe and informed school environment.

Ms Ohaga