Secondary PSHE

Year 7 talk about character strengths and developing skills to reach their aspirations in PSHE

Aiming high and being the best version of yourself helps you achieve your dreams and goals in life.

The Year 7 class have been looking at their character strengths and areas to be developed in PSHE with an aim to be more self-aware and thus be able to grow in a way that helps them reach their future goals in life. We also looked at how soft skills are important in the work place and how they are an important part of getting and keeping jobs in addition to subject knowledge requirements.

On our final day we looked at some of the most highly rated soft skills by employers and where we could learn and improve these skills.

These are some of the class responses: Year 7 PSHE Soft Skills Slides

Year 8 PSHE: Growing through Change, Reflection and Resilience.

This term, Year 8 PSHE has been both meaningful and thought-provoking, as students have explored important themes around discrimination, identity, behaviour, wellbeing and resilience.

We began the term in the positive energy of physical classroom learning, engaging in discussions that encouraged pupils to present their ideas confidently and challenge different points of view respectfully. These early sessions helped set the tone for open-mindedness and active participation throughout the term.

A key focus of our learning has been discrimination. Students reflected deeply on how discrimination can occur not only between people but also within ourselves. We discussed how individuals sometimes limit their own potential by avoiding challenges or doubting their abilities. This self-reflection helped learners recognise the importance of self-belief and growth mindset.

We also examined how perceptions can influence behaviour towards others. In some cases, what leads to negative judgement may be linked to external factors such as behaviour or even personal presentation. From these discussions, students concluded that respectful communication is essential. Expressing feelings appropriately helps reduce misunderstanding and encourages empathy and positive relationships.

As circumstances shifted, the class transitioned to remote learning. During this change, our PSHE focus became different. We explored practical ways to support mental wellbeing, including staying connected with friends and family, maintaining routines and seeking help when needed. Students shared thoughtful ideas on how to remain emotionally balanced during times of change.

In addition, we discussed strategies for staying motivated online. Pupils identified the importance of setting goals, limiting distractions and taking responsibility for their own learning in order to achieve excellence in a virtual environment.

In conclusion, Year 8 students have shown resilience, maturity and adaptability throughout this half term. Despite the shift in learning conditions, students have continued to engage positively with PSHE themes that are essential for both personal development and academic success.

Ms Oira

Year 9 PSHE - Relationships

During the first part of Term 3, Year 9 PSHE lessons focused on the important and sensitive topic of intimate relationships. Students began by exploring what an intimate relationship is, considering the qualities that underpin healthy relationships such as respect, trust, communication and personal boundaries. This provided a strong foundation for more detailed discussions on how young people can make safe, informed and responsible choices.

As part of the unit, students engaged with a PSHE Association video on sexual health, with particular attention given to contraceptives and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They also explored the topic of sexting, including the risks and long-term consequences of sharing nude images online. These discussions encouraged students to think critically about digital responsibility, privacy and the potential emotional, social and legal impact of online decisions. To deepen their understanding, students were given an assignment to design ideas for an app or suggest practical ways to help limit the sharing of nude images online and promote safer behaviour.

The topic of consent was also covered in depth, with students examining what consent means and why it must always be clear, mutual and respected. As a creative task, they designed posters promoting consent, suitable for display in public places such as pubs or nightclubs. This first part of the term has encouraged thoughtful discussion, raised awareness of key safeguarding issues and supported students in developing a more informed and responsible understanding of relationships and personal safety. I commend Year 9 students for their maturity, cooperation and positive engagement throughout these lessons, and for approaching sensitive discussions with thoughtfulness, respect and responsibility.

Ms Gitura

Year 9 Term 3a PSHE teacher

Year 10 PSHE: Financial Decision-Making Challenge

This term, Year 10 students explored the important topic of financial decision-making during their PSHE lessons. Students learned about budgeting, investing, risk-taking, and making informed financial choices; skills that will support them throughout their lives.

To bring their learning to life, students took part in an exciting “Shark Tank”-style challenge. Working in teams, they designed and developed their own business products and presented their ideas to a panel of “investors”.

Each group had to carefully consider:

• how they would use and invest their money,
• the costs involved in producing their product,
• their target audience,
• and how they would make a profit.

The presentations were both creative and impressive, with students demonstrating excellent teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Our guest investors asked thoughtful and challenging questions, encouraging students to justify their financial decisions and explain why their ideas deserved investment.

Students confidently pitched their products, explained their business strategies, and showed a strong understanding of financial planning and decision-making. The activity gave students a valuable opportunity to apply real-world financial concepts in a practical and engaging way.

Miss Kihuha