PSHE & Tutorial Skills

Half Term 1: Study Skills (Sept–Oct)

In the first half term, students focus on refining their study strategies and preparing for high-stakes assessments. Topics include goal setting and reviewing Year 12 progress, supercurricular and wider reading, exam strategies, stress management, revision techniques such as note-taking and mind mapping, active vs. passive revision, memory techniques, and critical thinking. These sessions aim to develop independent learning skills, effective revision habits, and analytical thinking, all of which are crucial for success in Sixth Form and beyond.

Half Term 2: Finance Unit (Oct–Dec)

The second half term explores personal finance and financial responsibility. Students engage with practical activities like managing a household budget, borrowing money, understanding foreign currency, and the effects of inflation. Lessons also cover ethical and religious perspectives on wealth, including giving to the poor and recognising exploitation. These sessions help students understand financial decision-making, risk, and responsibility, preparing them for managing their own money and making informed choices in adult life.

Half Term 3: Relationships & Sex Education (Jan–Feb)

During this unit, students develop their understanding of healthy relationships, sexual health, and personal wellbeing. Topics include the societal impact of pornography, fertility, sexual health, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, abortion, and respect in relationships, as well as practical skills like menstrual charting. These lessons aim to equip students with the knowledge to make safe, informed, and respectful choices in relationships.

Half Term 4: Emotional Wellbeing (Feb–March)

This half term focuses on mental and physical wellbeing. Students explore the causes of mental health issues, the importance of physical health and exercise, body image, stress management, sleep, alcohol awareness, religious freedom, and perspectives on death and the afterlife. These sessions promote self-awareness, resilience, and emotional intelligence, helping students manage stress and develop healthy lifestyles.

Half Term 5: Drugs & Risk Education (April–May)

The final half term addresses risk-taking, drugs, and crime awareness. Students study crime and punishment, drug classifications, the use of substances at festivals, new psychoactive substances (NPS), date rape drugs such as GHB, and crack cocaine. These lessons focus on making safe and informed decisions, understanding legal and health implications, and recognising risky situations.

Half Term 1: Study Skills (Sept–Oct)

In the first half term, Year 12 students focus on building strong academic habits. Lessons cover growth mindset, goal setting, organisation and time management, note-taking and reading strategies, using resources effectively, revision skills, and supercurricular/wider reading. These sessions are designed to establish effective learning strategies, independence, and confidence in preparation for the demands of Sixth Form.

Half Term 1: Personal Finance (Oct-Dec)

Alongside study skills, students learn about financial literacy and independence. Topics include taxes, banks and building societies, types of employment, different types of debt, income and state benefits, trade unions and employment rights, and types of insurance and assurance, including practical understanding of documents like P45 and P60. These lessons provide essential knowledge for managing personal finances responsibly.

Half Term 2: Health & Wellbeing – Ourselves and the Planet (Jan-Feb)

Students explore health, wellbeing, and ethical responsibility. Lessons cover cholesterol and healthy eating, vaccinations and immunity, dental hygiene, eating disorders, ethical treatment of animals, environmental impact, and the origins of the universe. This unit promotes healthy lifestyle choices, awareness of global issues, and understanding of personal and societal responsibilities.

Half Term 3: Health, Safety & Diversity (Feb-March)

This unit focuses on diversity, safety, and ethical awareness. Lessons include diversity and equality in the UK, toxic masculinity, knife crime, managing anger, cancer diagnosis, medical ethics and blood donations, and euthanasia. Students develop empathy, critical thinking, and knowledge of social issues, supporting their personal growth and responsible citizenship.

Half Term 4: Positive Wellbeing (April-May)

Students concentrate on mental health and resilience. Topics include dealing with depression, stress and exam performance, anxiety, sleep hygiene, resilience and growing up, and human rights and social justice. These lessons aim to enhance emotional wellbeing, coping strategies, and understanding of social justice issues.

Half Term 5: Drugs & Risk Education (June-July)

This unit addresses substance use and risk awareness. Lessons cover alcohol safety, drug effects, synthetic cannabinoids, LSD, MDMA and Ecstasy, and Christian perspectives on crime and punishment. The unit helps students make informed decisions, understand legal and health risks, and reflect on moral and ethical considerations.

Half Term 6: Careers Unit (Drop Down)

The final half term prepares students for life after Sixth Form. Lessons include choosing between university and work, writing cover letters, UCAS process, student finance, alternatives to university, confidentiality, and budgeting. These sessions provide practical guidance to support career planning, financial independence, and readiness for higher education or employment.