Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is far more than just another subject on the curriculum. It gives pupils the chance to build essential knowledge and skills that support them both now and in later life. Through PSHE, young people gain the foundations needed to understand, prepare for, and respond to a wide range of experiences, opportunities and challenges they may encounter.
When delivered effectively, PSHE is highly valuable for schools, pupils and the wider community. It underpins many aspects of health and wellbeing within a school environment, helping to shape pupils’ overall experience. Strong PSHE provision can positively influence wellbeing, enabling pupils to feel supported and to thrive as part of their school community.
Delivering PSHE
Schools have flexibility in how they organise and teach PSHE, allowing them to adapt provision to meet the needs of their pupils. However, core themes typically include:
- Physical health (e.g. nutrition, exercise, substance education, first aid, sleep and oral health)
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing (including supporting others)
- Growth and development
- Personal safety (including online safety)
- Relationships and sex education
- Bullying and discrimination
- Media awareness and digital literacy
- Financial education and career awareness
- Community involvement and responsibility
Relationship education at primary level, relationships and sex education (RSE) in secondary schools, and health education across all key stages are statutory requirements.
Schools may choose different approaches to delivering PSHE: some adopt established programmes, others design their own curriculum, and many use a combination of both. There is no single “best” approach—what matters most is the quality and effectiveness of delivery. Guidance and resources from organisations such as the PSHE Association can support schools to provide learning in a safe, inclusive and supportive way.
Torbay tailored curriculum
We are very lucky to have an experienced Specialist Leader in Education through the Torbay Teaching School Alliance - Kimberley Hartnell, from Shiphay Learning Academy (part of the Riviera Education Trust).
Kim has developed resources for schools within Torbay to use. This is not a comprehensive resource but will aid teachers to plan lessons in accordance with their school ethos and needs.
Locally, Torbay has a range of challenges that touch on the PSHE subject areas. Notably, this includes higher than average rates of teenage conceptions, high rates of deprivation and poverty in some areas, high rates of admissions to hospital for alcohol in under 18s and associated health and wellbeing impacts.
Torbay Healthy Learning supports schools to promote PSHE. The programme:
- Provides bespoke guidance and support for teachers and staff
- Signposts to resources and training
Torbay holds its own Personal Development Professionals Network (PDPN) - a place for schools across Torbay to come together, share best practice, showcase new resources and support and discuss statutory guidance. Please email publichealth@torbay.gov.uk if you'd like more information.