Entitlement
At Heath Lane Academy, every student has the right to a high-quality PSHE curriculum that equips them with the essential knowledge and skills for life. Topics such as emotional wellbeing, relationships, online safety, and personal safety ensure students are prepared to thrive both in school and beyond. By addressing critical areas such as financial literacy, community involvement, and effective decision-making, we ensure all students are supported to develop into well-rounded, resilient individuals who are ready to face future challenges.
Coherence
The PSHE curriculum at Heath Lane Academy is structured to build knowledge sequentially. For example, Year 7 introduces students to emotional wellbeing and relationships, setting a foundation for understanding mental health and consent in later years. Each year progresses in complexity, culminating in focused preparation for adulthood in Year 11, such as careers education and exam stress management. This carefully designed progression ensures students build and connect their learning across topics and key stages.
Mastery
Our PSHE curriculum emphasises mastery by revisiting and deepening key themes over time. For instance, online safety is introduced in Year 7 and expanded in Year 9 to include media literacy and decision-making. This mastery approach ensures students can apply their understanding confidently in real-world contexts, such as navigating personal relationships or managing financial decisions.
Adaptability
The PSHE curriculum at Heath Lane Academy is tailored to reflect our local context in rural Leicestershire. Topics like community involvement and volunteering in Year 8, alongside practical lessons on financial decision-making and personal safety in Year 9, ensure relevance to students' lives. Lessons are adapted to meet the specific needs of our school community, engaging students through relatable and meaningful content.
Representation
The PSHE curriculum is inclusive, ensuring that every student sees themselves reflected while exploring diverse perspectives. Themes like relationships, consent, and equality highlight varied experiences and challenges faced by individuals and communities. By addressing shared values such as respect, kindness, and responsibility, the curriculum encourages students to appreciate the diversity within their school and beyond.
Education with Character
Our PSHE curriculum supports the development of character by fostering resilience, compassion, and independence. From understanding the importance of mental health and wellbeing to preparing for careers and exams, students are encouraged to reflect on their personal values and aspirations. These lessons complement the school’s ethos of developing young people who embody hard work, kindness, and respect, ready to contribute positively to society.