21st Century Life
At Tiffin School, our 21st Century Life programme is a central part of our curriculum, designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and character they need to thrive both during their time at school and beyond. Through a carefully planned programme of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE), tutor time, assemblies and enrichment opportunities, students develop the confidence, resilience and understanding required to make informed decisions, build positive relationships and contribute responsibly to society. Dedicated curriculum time is allocated each week for students in Years 7–10, with Year 11 receiving one lesson each fortnight, ensuring that important themes are explored progressively and revisited as students mature. Alongside our teaching staff, expert external speakers, including healthcare professionals such as the School Nursing Team, contribute specialist knowledge and facilitate discussions on key topics. Our curriculum is delivered within a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, share differing viewpoints and engage in thoughtful discussion without fear of judgement or stigma.
Relationships, Sex and Health Education forms an integral part of the 21st Century Life programme. It supports students in understanding the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, developing healthy relationships, recognising the importance of consent and respect, maintaining positive mental and physical health, and understanding human sexuality and sexual health. More broadly, the programme prepares students for the opportunities and challenges of modern life by promoting wellbeing, digital citizenship, financial awareness, personal safety, careers education, equality, diversity and inclusion, and responsible participation in their local and global communities. Topics are introduced in an age-appropriate manner and revisited throughout each year of a student’s education, allowing learning to deepen as their experiences and understanding develop.
We believe that effective personal development is strongest when schools and families work together. As a result, we actively seek feedback through our Tell Us at Tiffin platform and regular parent surveys, using this feedback to shape both our curriculum and the parental information sessions we provide on key issues affecting young people today. Through our 21st Century Life programme, we aim not only to meet statutory requirements but to ensure that every Tiffin student leaves school as a confident, compassionate and well-informed young adult, ready to flourish in an ever-changing world.