News & Letters
PHSE logo

Key Stage 4


PHSE

PHSE gives our students the tools to navigate life with confidence, empathy, and purpose. It is preparing them to thrive in the real world.— N. Wright

About PHSE at New Heights Key Stage 4

Our Personal, Health, Social, and Economic (PHSE) curriculum has been designed to equip students with essential life skills and knowledge that promote their well-being and prepare them for the challenges of adulthood. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including personal health and hygiene, emotional well-being, relationships and sex education, financial literacy, careers and understanding social responsibilities.

PHSE is life

Specific aims of a PSHE curriculum include:

  • Developing personal resilience and self-esteem.
  • Building confidence in managing challenges and setbacks.
  • Promoting critical thinking and decision-making skills.
  • Enabling students to analyse information, evaluate choices, and make informed decisions.
  • Enhancing communication and collaboration skills.
  • Fostering effective communication and teamwork in various situations.
  • Raising awareness of personal safety and risk management.
  • Educating students on how to stay safe in different environments and identify potential risks.

Curriculum Principles

Students engage in discussions about mental health, resilience, and the importance of healthy relationships, while also learning about issues such as consent and respect. Additionally, PHSE encourages critical thinking about societal issues, helping students to navigate the complexities of the modern world, make informed decisions, and develop a sense of responsibility towards themselves and their communities.

Through interactive lessons and practical activities, PHSE fosters a supportive environment where students can build confidence and become proactive, informed citizens.

Aims of the PHSE Curriculum

Specific aims of a PSHE curriculum include:

  • Developing personal resilience and self-esteem: Building confidence in managing challenges and setbacks. 
  • Promoting critical thinking and decision-making skills: Enabling students to analyze information, evaluate choices, and make informed decisions. 
  • Enhancing communication and collaboration skills: Fostering effective communication and teamwork in various situations. 
  • Raising awareness of personal safety and risk management: Educating students on how to stay safe in different environments and identify potential risks. 
  • Promoting respect for others and diversity: Understanding and valuing different cultures, beliefs, and identities. 
  • Developing a sense of social responsibility: Encouraging active participation in the community and understanding civic duties. 

Subject Content

Year 10
  • Addressing extremism and radicalisation.
  • Exploring influence.
  • Healthy relationships.
  • Mental health.
  • Work experience.
  • Sexual Education.
  • Gender and Stereotypes.
  • Financial decision making.
Year 11
  • Next steps – Building for the future.
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing.
  • Relationships and Families.
  • Exploring influence.
  • Addressing extremism and radicalisation.
  • Sexual Education.
  • Managing Stress.

A guidebook for growing up

Links to Everyday Life

PHSE is all about preparing students for the real world. From understanding relationships, managing emotions, and staying healthy, to handling money, making safe choices, and knowing their rights – everything students learn in PHSE connects directly to life beyond the classroom.

It helps them build the confidence to speak up, make informed decisions, and take care of themselves and others. These lessons don’t just prepare students for adulthood – they help them live well now.

Food Studies