Introduction

Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is an important and necessary part of all students' education. All schools should teach PSHE, based on the guidance from the Department for Education.

At Smithdon we deliver our content via the ASPIRE programme. It is taught in three learning areas:

  • Living in the Wider World

  • Health and Wellbeing

  • Relationships

Alongside this, Smithdon works incredibly hard to provide opportunities for our students to develop their personal skills and leadership qualities, regardless of their ability or background. Initiatives such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Sports Leadership Framework and the Accelerated Reader programme have significantly enhanced the independent and interdependent attributes required to develop the young people of today.

Every school has a duty to actively promote the fundamental values of British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and we are delighted that Ofsted acknowledged our work and success in ensuring our students have a good understanding of all of these.

At Smithdon High School we actively promote British Values through:

  • A rigorous PSHE programme delivered through Tutor Time, supported by relevant assemblies and curriculum enhancement days (Super Learning Days).

  • Tutor Time sessions dedicated to reading quality literary books, offering the chance to reflect on British Values and school values through comprehensive tutor-led reading.

  • "Them and Us" Tutor Time sessions that aim to raise the Cultural Capital of our students by encouraging acts of kindness and showing empathy for others.

  • An effective pastoral system: structured to prepare students for life in modern Britain.

  • Delivering an effective RE curriculum: planned and delivered to ensure our students develop understanding and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

  • Reflecting democratic processes including mock elections: every student is given the opportunity to read political manifestos and vote for their chosen party and cast a vote reflecting their personal, informed views.

  • Instilling confidence in every student through a reward-based behaviour system that focuses on making positive choices and building the self-esteem of every individual.

  • The use of subject ambassadors for parents’ and information evenings: giving our students the opportunity to step up in front of the community.

  • Effective safeguarding processes: ensuring every single student is safeguarded in the community as well as in school.