Why do we learn Personal, Social, Health and Emotional Education (PSHE)?
At Ark Academy, we deliver our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health & Economic) education through Life Lessons, a modern, discussion-led curriculum designed to embed skills, confidence and wellbeing across the school journey.
Why Life Lessons?
- It offers a fully scaffolded, spiral programme of learning, updated regularly so it remains responsive to young people’s lives.
- Lessons are centered on student voice: pupils’ own perspectives and experiences are front and centre, often via short videos of real young people, which model honest conversation and invite reflection.
- Rich teacher support is built in: every lesson comes with guidance, suggested discussion questions, scaffolding for different learners, and ongoing CPD for staff.
- The approach is inclusive by design: it accommodates diverse learners, is SEND-friendly, and offers differentiation to ensure meaningful access for all.
- Beyond lessons, the package includes form-time / “in the news” resources, behaviour interventions and leadership support.
Head of Department
Vice Principal: Careers Lead
Mr O'Carroll
s.ocarroll@arkacademy.org
Our approach
Through this curriculum we aim for all students to:
- Build self-awareness, self-regulation, resilience and emotional literacy
- Develop skills for healthy relationships, empathy, communication, and conflict resolution
- Acquire factual knowledge and critical thinking around physical health, mental wellbeing, identity, digital life, consent, and safety
- Experience continuity: the curriculum is intentionally progressive, connecting key themes over time to reinforce learning
- Be active contributors: student voice, reflection, debate and experience shape how topics are explored
Primary
At Ark Academy, we value the non-academic side of learning as much as the academic. Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic education is critical to how we ensure that our mission is achieved. We aim for “every child to go to further education – or the career of their choice – and play a full role in our democratic society”. The aims of the curriculum are supported by our key value: Civitas. This underpins notions of kindness, care for others, being part of a wider society and keeping ourselves safe.
Year 1
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Secondary
From Years 7 to 11, the curriculum is organised through three themes:
- Understanding myself: Wellbeing; Healthy Choices; My Body & Me
- Understanding myself with others: Healthy Relationships; Healthy Intimate Relationships
- Understanding myself within the world: Identity & Community; Digital Lives; Aspiration & Money
The year-group overview uses broad parent-facing headings. Detailed, age-appropriate content is taught in line with statutory guidance and curriculum materials are available to parents and carers on request.
In Years 12 and 13, students continue to explore relationships, wellbeing, safety and preparation for adult life.
Year 7
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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| Transitioning to Secondary School | Healthy choices, personal safety, first aid and growing up |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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| Growing up, healthy friendships, boundaries and body autonomy | Respectful relationships; identity, stereotypes and belonging |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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| Equality, inclusion and online wellbeing | Online influence; aspirations, strengths and learning |
Year 8
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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| Building Positive Relationships | Relationships: Friendships and Romantic Relationships |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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| Citizenship & Social Action [First Give Competition] | Relationships: Friendships and Romantic Relationships |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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| Heritage, British values, inclusion and equality; online wellbeing | Online behaviour and misinformation; work, budgeting and gambling |
Year 9
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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| Year 9 Transition: Changes in Life, Mental Health & Wellbeing | Physical health, body image, personal wellbeing and health checks |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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| Peer influence, boundaries, consent and relationships | Healthy and unhealthy relationships; identity and belonging |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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| Rights, equality and discrimination; digital choices and emerging technology | Online influence; future pathways, money and financial safety |
Year 10
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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| Wellbeing: Mental Health & Mental Wellbeing | Marriage, civil partnerships and healthy relationships; communication and consent |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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| Relationship safety, harassment and coercive control; self-worth and gender norms | Life-saving skills, body image, reproductive health and friendship boundaries |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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| Identity, tolerance and discrimination; AI and online reputation | Online influence; future decisions, careers and budgeting |
All Year 10 subjects Next Year 10 Subject - Design Technology
Year 11
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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| Year 11 Transition: Adulthood & Self-Worth | Personal health, parenthood, fertility and accessing healthcare |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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| Sexual health; friendship, grief and healthy long-term relationships | Relationship safety and support; values, belonging and anti-racism |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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| Online equality and data; goals, employment rights and gambling |
All Year 11 subjects Next Year 11 Subject - Design Technology
Year 12
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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Transition to Sixth Form Personal Finance [Systems for Life] | Managing, improving and ending relationships |
| ring 1 | Spring 2 |
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| Consent, relationship safety and reproductive health | Online wellbeing, bias and influence; responsible social media |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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| Media influence, identity and mental health | Mental wellbeing; alcohol and drug safety |
All Year 12 subjects Next Year 12 Subject - Business Studies
Year 13
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
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| Personal Safety | Identity, norms, diversity and privilege |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
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| Body awareness, emotions and healthy lifestyles | Sexual health, contraception and safer relationships |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
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| Healthy relationships, readiness and consent |
All Year 13 subjects Next Year 13 Subject - Business Studies