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Middlewich High School

Excellence in Learning – Achievement for All

SMSC & Citizenship

Introduction

Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is a school subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives, now and in the future. It helps children and young people to stay healthy and safe, while preparing them to make the most of life and work in our rapidly changing world.

We strive as a learning community to nurture our young people’s sense of citizenship and to promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development at every opportunity.  We also endeavour to ensure that our learners have regular opportunities, both through the curriculum and the wider life of our school, to reflect on and demonstrate the values that underpin British society and life.

These values include:

  • Equality and respect
  • Tolerance and celebration of diversity
  • Rights and responsibilities
  • Democracy and the rule of law
  • Citizenship and community
  • Kindness and consideration

What will be taught?

Our knowledge rich PHSE curriculum is referred to as ‘I-Value’ and is delivered to all students at Middlewich High School as a timetabled lesson once per fortnight.  Our I-Value programme of study sets out learning opportunities for each key stage, in three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World. Our full journey is below.
 

What extra opportunities are there?

The curriculum also includes three I-value days per year when the normal timetable is collapsed to focus on PSHE and Careers Education. Guest speakers will also be invited into assemblies and some content will be delivered weekly during form time activities.

What happens in lessons?

A wide range of delivery techniques are used given the sensitive nature of the topics covered.  Pupils will explore their own thinking and are encouraged to discuss their opinions in class, but should they not wish to offer their viewpoints, this will be dealt with sensitively. 

Specialists are used for key elements of the programme of study during our I-Value days, these can include mental health professionals, health professionals, career professionals and careers advisors. 

All students have access to the career planning tool, Start which is used to store achievements throughout their school career to provide an overview of activities and to help with work related learning.

How can families support our young people at home?

As part of our commitment to prepare students for a rapidly changing world, we are delighted to continue using an innovative online resource called Start.

Start will help your child to connect with their future career potential, develop their employability and help them to explore future career and study options at school or at home.  We encourage you to use Start with your child at home. Encourage them to rate jobs, qualifications, colleges or universities so that we can see their preferences in order to support them better.

PHSE is concerned with staying safe and being an active part of society.  Keeping up with current affairs is very important for our young people, please ensure that pupils watch the news and read a quality newspaper in preparation for classwork.