PSHE is a subject through which students develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. It helps children and young people stay healthy and safe, while preparing them to make the most of life and work. Prior learning is revisited, reinforced and extended year on year through a spiral curriculum. At Riddlesdown Collegiate, students are taught in timetabled lessons twice a fortnight in Years 8 to 10 and once a fortnight in Year 11. In Years 12 and 13, PSHE is delivered fortnightly in tutor time and through ‘drop-down’ sessions.

From September 2020 the Department for Education made Relationships and Sex Education compulsory for Secondary schools. A link to the statutory guidance can be found HERE. Learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up gives young people the information, skills and positive values to have safe, fulfilling relationships, and helps them take responsibility for their own well-being. All Relationships and Sex Education lessons have been deemed age-appropriate and designed to meet the needs of all students in the class. Findings from our recent student focus group concluded that students strongly agreed that the sequencing of RSE was age-appropriate and met their needs. All teaching takes place in a safe learning environment and is underpinned by our school ethos and VALUES. A link to our RSE policy can be found HERE. Each year the law and guidance around consent is examined in relation to the specific relationships and sex education the students receive.