At COLA Highgate Hill, all students follow a PSHCE programme that supports our vision for them to become well-rounded individuals. PSHCE enables students to make the most of themselves and their opportunities, recognise the links between living, learning and earning, and develop both independence and key Fusion Skills (a set of skills highly valued by future employers). It also encourages our students to become active, responsible citizens.
The PSHCE curriculum is delivered every Monday morning in a dedicated 50-minute lesson. There are six strands that all year groups follow:
- Identity, Society & Equality
- Mental and Physical Health Awareness & Wellbeing
- Financial Capability
- Work-Related Learning, Enterprise and Careers Education
- Relationships & Sex Education (RSE)
- Drugs Education
Aims of the PSHCE Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to:
- Support our safeguarding strategies within the Academy
- Develop the values of altruism, respect and tenacity, while building resilience
- Contribute to statutory requirements for the teaching of citizenship, careers education, relationships and sex education, and spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development
SMSC Development
Through PSHCE and wider curriculum work, students are supported to:
- Develop self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence
- Distinguish right from wrong and respect the civil and criminal law of England through the understanding of Fundamental British Values
- Take responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and contribute positively to their local community and wider society
- Acquire a broad understanding and respect for public institutions and services in England, as well as political and global issues
- Appreciate and respect their own and other cultures, while challenging stereotypes, misinformation and inequality
- Show respect and tolerance for others, including awareness of extremist views and the process of radicalisation
- Respect democracy and participate in democratic processes, including understanding how laws are made and applied in England
Student Voice
Students help to shape the PSHCE curriculum through questionnaires and class discussions, ensuring that topics remain relevant to their needs. Homework is set fortnightly.
We also work with external providers to enrich our curriculum. For example, we collaborate with BROOK to deliver high-quality RSE lessons, drawing on expert knowledge in areas such as healthy and unhealthy relationships, domestic violence, FGM (Female Genital Mutilation), stereotyping, grooming, contraception and sexually transmitted infections. All content is factually accurate and age-appropriate, and delivered by trained professionals.
Relationships & Sex Education (RSE)
The teaching of RSE became statutory in September 2020. The content of RSE lessons from Years 7 to 11 is outlined in our RSE Policy document (see link below). This policy also explains the context and rationale for RSE, its importance in your child’s education, and your rights as a parent/carer to withdraw your child from certain elements of sex education.
A copy of our current RSE policy can be found here:
A copy of our SMSC policy can be found here:
Further information for parents, (including safeguarding and wellbeing) can be found on our website here: daily-timetable
Further information about careers education at COLA Highgate Hill can be found here: careers-provision
If you would like further information with regards to the PSHCE curriculum at COLA Highgate Hill please contact Mr A. Pantelides:
Mr A. Pantelides
Head of Department PSHCE & Sociology
Tel: 020 7281 3536
Email: A.Pantelides@highgatehill.cola.org.uk