Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education

Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education at King Edward’s School is designed to help boys’ personal and social development in line with the School’s objectives. It aims to identify issues and problems that individuals and society in general might face and, through a structured programme, aims to enable boys to make considered choices when faced with problems and dilemmas, thus developing their self-confidence and enabling them to grow into responsible adults.

The developing programme of PSHE covers a wide variety of topics from such practical help as to how to settle into school to issues of deep principle such as attitudes to human rights. Relationships and Sex Education, Drugs Education, Health Education and education against bullying are integral parts of the programme.

In the first two years, PSHE is delivered in Form Meetings and as part of the Friday Afternoon Programme. Thereafter, there are timetabled PSHE lessons for the Upper Middle, Fourth and Fifth and Divisions Years.

As a general principle, the more sensitive issues of PSHE are covered in the timetable lessons by staff who are trained and confident in dealing with such matters. The topics covered by Form Tutors are normally more practical, for example, time-management and study skills. There is an annual PSHE training morning for all staff who take part in PSHE or who wish to do so.

We are positively inclusive in terms of gender, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, culture, age, religion and the other protected characteristics (as set out in the Equality Act 2010). PSHE lessons should encourage inclusivity (rather than tolerance!) and offer opportunities for boys to think about what life might be like in another’s shoes.

Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) specifically is learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health. It should equip boys with the information, skills and positive values to have safe, fulfilling relationships, to enjoy their sexuality and to take responsibility for their sexual health and well-being. From September 2020, RSE is statutory in all schools in the UK. We expect to meet and exceed the demands of this new legislation.

View the PSHE and RSE Policy.