PSHE
Our Vision
At Orion Spires, our PSHE curriculum is designed to provide a carefully sequenced and focused programme that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the challenges of modern life. It supports students in addressing critical issues they face today—such as emotional wellbeing—while preparing them to make informed decisions about future opportunities and responsibilities.
We ensure that statutory Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) guidance is fully embedded within our curriculum, and that staff are supported to deliver high-quality, purposeful lessons. Above all, we aim to create a safe, inclusive and positive environment where students can explore sensitive topics, engage in meaningful discussion and develop informed, respectful perspectives.
As recognised by the Department for Education, “evidence shows that PSHE education can improve the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of students. Students with better health and wellbeing achieve better academically.”
Curriculum Intent
Our PSHE curriculum is built on four key principles:
Inclusive
PSHE promotes understanding, respect and empathy, helping to create an inclusive school community. Students explore diversity in culture, beliefs and lifestyles, while learning to respect differences in race, gender, sexual orientation and ability. They are equipped to challenge discrimination, prejudice and stereotypes, and to communicate effectively and resolve conflict positively.
Sequenced
The curriculum is carefully planned across Key Stages 3 and 4 through a series of “Big Ideas,” ensuring progression in knowledge and skills.
- At Key Stage 3, PSHE is delivered through an integrated curriculum with Ethics, rotating each half term across three strands: Living in the Wider World, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health and Wellbeing.
- At Key Stage 4, dedicated drop-down days provide focused learning through workshops, external speakers and tailored sessions.
This is further supported through tutor time, assemblies and structured PSHE sessions.
Focused
Content is age-appropriate and aligned with statutory guidance, particularly for RSE. Lessons are designed to ensure students can make meaningful connections between key themes and apply their learning to real-life situations.
Coherent
The curriculum is underpinned by three core Big Ideas, which are revisited and developed throughout KS3–4 to ensure depth and continuity of learning.
Our Big Ideas
Living in the Wider World
Students explore how to build safe, inclusive communities based on mutual respect, where diversity is valued and individuals work together free from discrimination or prejudice.
Careers and Ambition
Students develop key interpersonal, study and employability skills, while exploring career pathways, work experience and future opportunities, including post-16 and higher education choices.
Healthy Relationships
Learning focuses on forming respectful, positive relationships, understanding consent, managing conflict and recognising unhealthy behaviours. Students also develop knowledge of sexual health and support systems.
Health and Wellbeing
This strand supports physical, mental and emotional health, including puberty, mental resilience and healthy lifestyles, alongside awareness of risks such as vaping, alcohol and drugs. Students also learn how to navigate the digital world safely and with kindness and how to manage the risks associated with substance misuse and peer pressure.
Risk and Safety
Students learn to recognise and manage risks associated with areas such as peer pressure, substance misuse, financial decisions and personal safety, developing the knowledge to make informed, responsible choices.
Embedding Our Core Values
Trust
PSHE fosters honesty, integrity and responsibility through open communication and respect for others. Students learn about boundaries, consent and accountability, building the foundations of trust in relationships and communities.
Kindness
Through developing empathy and understanding, students are encouraged to act with compassion and respect. PSHE promotes positive relationships, challenges bullying and supports students in contributing to a caring, inclusive environment.
Endeavour
Students are taught the importance of resilience, perseverance and goal-setting. Through developing a growth mindset, they learn to overcome challenges, take responsibility for their development and strive for personal success.
Further Information
For more information about our PSHE curriculum, please contact the PSHE Lead: Mr Chidlow.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Orion Education PSHE cross curricular map
orion pshe cross curricular map.pdf
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