Pastoral

Year 7 Topic Overview

As the first year at Tiffin School, the Year 7 PSHE programme is designed to support students as they transition from primary to secondary education. The curriculum helps pupils build confidence, develop positive relationships, and establish the knowledge and skills needed to stay healthy, safe and resilient as they become more independent.

In the Autumn Term, the focus is on emotional wellbeing and successfully adapting to secondary school life. Students develop strategies for managing change, setting personal goals, and maintaining positive mental wellbeing. Alongside this, they explore the characteristics of healthy friendships, learn how to recognise and respond to bullying, and develop empathy, resilience and respect for others.

During the Spring Term, the curriculum focuses on relationships, family life and personal safety. Students explore how families can change over time, the importance of supportive relationships, and how expectations of relationships can be influenced by peers, social media and popular culture. They also revisit learning about puberty, develop an understanding of personal health, and learn how to recognise unsafe situations and seek help when needed.

In the Summer Term, students build on these foundations by exploring healthy relationships, communication, consent and conflict resolution. Alongside this, they begin developing essential financial literacy skills, including budgeting, spending decisions, consumer awareness and understanding the value of money. These topics encourage responsible decision-making and prepare students for increasing independence both inside and outside school.

Autumn Term

In the Autumn Term, Year 7 pupils follow a personal development programme designed to support a successful transition into secondary school while promoting emotional wellbeing, resilience and positive relationships. The curriculum helps students develop the confidence and self-awareness needed to manage new experiences, establish healthy routines and become active members of the school community.

Pupils explore strategies for managing emotions, coping with change and setting personal goals, while developing positive thinking habits and resilience. They consider how to maintain good mental wellbeing, recognise when they or others may need support, and understand the importance of healthy coping strategies.

Students also examine the qualities of positive friendships, learning how to build respectful relationships, recognise unhealthy behaviours and respond appropriately to bullying. Through discussion and reflection, they develop empathy, communication skills and an understanding of how their actions can positively influence others.

Overall, the Autumn Term equips Year 7 pupils with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in secondary school, manage change positively and establish strong foundations for lifelong wellbeing.

Spring Term

During the Spring Term, pupils continue their personal development by exploring relationships, personal safety and healthy development. The curriculum encourages students to appreciate the diversity of family life while recognising the importance of respect, responsibility and supportive relationships.

Students revisit learning about puberty, developing a greater understanding of the physical and emotional changes that occur during adolescence. They also learn about maintaining personal health, including age-appropriate knowledge of menstrual and testicular health, and understand how to seek help or advice when required.

The programme explores how relationships and expectations can be influenced by friends, social media, entertainment and wider society. Pupils are encouraged to think critically about these influences while developing the confidence to make safe, respectful and informed choices.

Safeguarding remains a key focus throughout the term. Students learn how to recognise inappropriate or abusive behaviour, understand the importance of trusted adults, and know how to report concerns and access support. Together, these lessons help pupils develop greater independence while promoting personal safety and healthy relationships.

Year 8 Topic Overview

The Year 8 PSHE curriculum builds on the foundations established in Year 7 by helping students develop greater independence, resilience and responsibility. As pupils become increasingly aware of the wider world, the curriculum encourages them to make informed decisions about their health, safety, relationships and financial wellbeing while developing respect for others and a strong sense of belonging within their communities.

In the Autumn Term, the focus is on health, wellbeing and personal safety. Students explore how everyday lifestyle choices influence both their physical and mental wellbeing, including healthy eating, sleep, physical activity and emotional health. They also develop strategies for assessing risk and staying safe in a range of situations, including around roads, water, alcohol and other substances.

During the Spring Term, the curriculum explores belonging, diversity and life in the online world. Students examine identity, stereotypes and discrimination while developing an understanding of respectful communities and British values. Alongside this, they learn how online platforms influence behaviour and spending, exploring algorithms, digital manipulation and responsible online decision-making.

In the Summer Term, students focus on developing healthy relationships and financial responsibility. They explore healthy and unhealthy relationships, consent, online safety, sexual harassment and image sharing, while also developing practical money management skills such as budgeting, banking, saving and understanding financial risk. These topics help prepare students for increasing independence both now and in the future.

Autumn Term

In the Autumn Term, Year 8 pupils take part in a personal development programme designed to support healthy lifestyles, emotional wellbeing and informed decision-making. The curriculum encourages students to understand how daily choices influence both their physical and mental health while developing confidence in managing increasing independence.

Pupils explore healthy lifestyle habits, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, dental health and emotional wellbeing. They consider how lifestyle choices contribute to long-term health and develop practical strategies for maintaining positive wellbeing during adolescence.

Students also examine personal safety and risk management in a variety of real-life situations. Lessons cover road and water safety, first aid awareness, alcohol, tobacco and vaping, and how to assess risk and respond appropriately when faced with potentially unsafe situations.

Overall, the Autumn Term equips pupils with the knowledge and confidence to make healthy choices, recognise risks and develop lifelong habits that support their wellbeing.

Spring Term

During the Spring Term, pupils develop a deeper understanding of identity, belonging and responsible citizenship. The curriculum promotes respect, inclusion and appreciation of diversity while encouraging students to challenge stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination.

Students explore how communities are built through shared values, mutual respect and constructive disagreement. They learn about protected characteristics, equality and the importance of creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and supported.

Alongside this, pupils examine the online world, developing an understanding of how algorithms, influencers and targeted content shape opinions, behaviours and spending decisions. They learn to think critically about online information, recognise manipulation and make informed choices when engaging with digital media.

Together, these topics encourage pupils to become thoughtful, responsible and respectful members of both their local and online communities.

Summer Term

In the Summer Term, Year 8 pupils deepen their understanding of healthy relationships while continuing to develop practical life skills that will support future independence.

Students explore the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships, including respect, consent, communication and personal boundaries. They discuss online relationships, sexual harassment, image sharing, gender-based violence and where to seek help if they or others experience inappropriate or harmful behaviour.

Alongside relationship education, pupils develop essential financial literacy by learning about bank accounts, saving, borrowing, debt and making informed financial decisions. These lessons encourage students to think critically about managing money responsibly while recognising common financial risks and sources of support.

By the end of Year 8, pupils have developed greater confidence in making healthy, respectful and informed decisions, preparing them for the increasing responsibilities and challenges they will encounter throughout Key Stage 3.

Year 9 Topic Overview

The Year 9 PSHE curriculum supports students as they prepare for the transition into Key Stage 4, encouraging them to become confident, resilient and responsible young adults. Building on knowledge developed in Years 7 and 8, the programme focuses on developing emotional wellbeing, making informed choices, understanding healthy relationships and preparing for future education and careers.

In the Autumn Term, the focus is on mental wellbeing and healthy decision-making. Students develop practical strategies for managing emotions, setbacks and stress while exploring the risks associated with vaping, alcohol and other substances. They learn how external influences can affect decision-making and develop the confidence to make safe, informed choices.

During the Spring Term, the curriculum explores personal responsibility, relationships and the law. Students consider how young people can become involved in criminal activity, including cybercrime and exploitation, while learning about healthy intimate relationships, consent, contraception and sexual health in an age-appropriate context.

In the Summer Term, the focus shifts towards online safety and preparing for future pathways. Students examine emerging online harms, including deepfake AI images, online misogyny and the sharing of inappropriate content, while also exploring careers education, future aspirations and the skills needed to make informed choices about GCSE options and future employment.

Autumn Term

During the Autumn Term, Year 9 pupils develop greater awareness of emotional wellbeing and personal responsibility as they prepare for the increasing challenges of adolescence. The curriculum encourages students to recognise how thoughts, feelings and behaviours influence wellbeing while developing healthy coping strategies to manage stress, disappointment and change.

Alongside mental wellbeing, pupils explore drug education, including the risks associated with vaping, alcohol, cannabis and other substances. They consider how peer influence, social situations and misinformation can affect decision-making and develop practical strategies for managing pressure and reducing risk.

Overall, the Autumn Term equips students with the resilience, confidence and critical thinking skills needed to make positive choices that support both their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Spring Term

During the Spring Term, pupils explore the relationship between personal responsibility, the law and respectful relationships. They examine how young people can become vulnerable to exploitation, organised crime and cybercrime while developing strategies to recognise risks, seek support and make informed decisions.

Students also build on previous learning about healthy relationships by exploring consent, relationship values, contraception and sexual health. The curriculum encourages respectful communication, empathy and an understanding of how healthy relationships contribute to personal wellbeing.

By the end of the term, pupils have developed a greater understanding of their rights, responsibilities and the importance of making safe, informed and respectful choices.

Summer Term

In the Summer Term, Year 9 pupils focus on navigating the increasingly complex online world while preparing for future education and career pathways.

Students examine emerging online harms, including deepfake AI images, online manipulation, image sharing and misogynistic narratives. They develop the skills to think critically about digital content, recognise harmful behaviours and respond safely and responsibly in online environments.

Alongside this, pupils begin exploring future aspirations through careers education. They consider their strengths, interests and ambitions while preparing for GCSE option choices, understanding different career pathways and recognising how their online reputation can influence future opportunities.

By the end of Year 9, students have developed greater confidence, independence and resilience, providing a strong foundation for the more advanced personal, social and health education they will encounter throughout Key Stage 4.

Year 10 Topic Overview

Year 10 marks an important stage in students’ development as they become increasingly independent, socially aware and prepared for the opportunities and challenges of Key Stage 4 and adult life. The curriculum encourages students to think critically, make informed decisions and develop the confidence to manage increasingly complex situations both online and offline.

The Year 10 curriculum focuses on developing healthy lifestyles, understanding relationships and consent, navigating the rapidly changing digital world, promoting inclusion and diversity, and preparing for future study, work and careers. Students build on prior learning while exploring more mature issues that require thoughtful discussion, empathy and personal responsibility.

In the Autumn Term, students focus on Independence, Health Choices and Wellbeing, learning how to make informed decisions that support their physical and mental wellbeing. They explore healthy lifestyle choices including nutrition, physical activity, sleep and reproductive health, alongside important health awareness topics such as breast awareness, testicular cancer and menstruation. Students also begin to examine the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence and digital technologies, including misinformation, deepfakes, chatbots and the responsible sharing of images.

During the Spring Term, the emphasis shifts towards Friendship, Diversity and Managing Influence. Students explore how bullying, prejudice and extremism can affect individuals and communities, while learning how to promote inclusion and challenge harmful attitudes. They also develop critical thinking skills by examining how online content, financial influences and misogynistic narratives can shape beliefs, behaviours and wellbeing. These lessons encourage students to recognise manipulation, evaluate information critically and make responsible decisions online.

In the Summer Term, students deepen their understanding of consent, healthy relationships and recognising abuse. They explore intimacy, the impact of pornography, pressure, persuasion and coercion, alongside relationship rights and recognising abusive behaviours. Students also learn about safeguarding issues including honour-based abuse, forced marriage and FGM, ensuring they know how to seek help and report concerns safely. Alongside this, students focus on study, work and careers, exploring career pathways, work experience, applications and developing the personal skills needed to prepare for their futures.

Autumn Term

The Autumn Term focuses on supporting students as they transition into the greater independence and responsibility of Key Stage 4. Students develop the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing, considering how everyday choices around nutrition, physical activity and sleep contribute to lifelong health. They also learn about reproductive health and the importance of recognising changes to their bodies through topics including menstruation, breast awareness and testicular health.

Students also investigate the rapidly evolving digital world. Lessons explore how artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life, examining both its benefits and limitations. They learn how misinformation, deepfakes and manipulated content can influence opinions and behaviours, while considering how chatbots and digital technologies may affect relationships and wellbeing. Students also reflect on the risks associated with sharing images online and develop strategies for using technology safely and responsibly.

Spring Term

During the Spring Term, students explore the importance of creating respectful, inclusive communities. They examine different forms of bullying, discrimination and prejudice, learning how to challenge harmful attitudes and recognise the warning signs of extremism. Through discussion and reflection, students develop empathy and an understanding of the importance of valuing diversity and promoting equality.

Students also investigate how online platforms, influencers and financial incentives can shape attitudes and behaviour. They critically evaluate online content, explore how misogynistic narratives spread through social media, and consider the impact these messages can have on individuals and society. Lessons also cover online financial harms, including scams, cryptocurrencies, gambling and financial exploitation, equipping students with the knowledge to recognise risks and seek support when needed.

Summer Term

The Summer Term focuses on developing students’ understanding of healthy relationships, consent and personal safety. Students revisit consent in greater depth by exploring intimacy, the impact of pornography, and recognising pressure, persuasion and coercion within relationships. They examine relationship rights, learn how to recognise abusive behaviours and understand how to report concerns or seek support safely.

Students also develop awareness of serious safeguarding issues, including honour-based abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), reinforcing their understanding of personal rights and protection.

Alongside relationship education, students prepare for life beyond school through a comprehensive careers programme. They explore career preferences and pathways, develop employability skills, prepare for work experience, practise making positive first impressions and reflect on future aspirations. Through these experiences, students build confidence, resilience and the skills needed to make informed decisions about their education, careers and adult lives.

Year 11 Topic Overview

The Year 11 curriculum prepares students for the transition beyond school by developing the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed for adult life. Building on previous learning, students explore long-term wellbeing, healthy relationships, personal safety, family life and maintaining physical and mental health. The curriculum encourages students to make informed decisions, manage increasing independence and prepare for future study, work and adult responsibilities.

In the Autumn Term, the focus is on Life-long Wellbeing and Drugs and Personal Safety. Students develop strategies to support their mental wellbeing, particularly during periods of increased pressure such as examinations and future planning. They revisit drug education, exploring the risks associated with substance use, external influences and gang involvement, while developing the confidence to seek help and make safe decisions. Students also learn essential first aid, including basic life support, and explore wider health topics such as vaccinations, organ donation and maintaining good physical health.

In the Spring Term, students focus on Safe Relationships and Sexual Health and Families, Fertility and Pregnancy. Lessons deepen understanding of healthy relationships, recognising unhealthy behaviours, setting boundaries, managing conflict and making informed choices about sexual health. Students also explore long-term relationships, marriage, parenting, fertility, routes to parenthood and pregnancy choices, encouraging thoughtful discussion about future family life and personal responsibility.

Autumn Term

During the Autumn Term, students strengthen the skills needed to maintain positive mental wellbeing throughout adulthood. They develop strategies for managing stress, workload and changing circumstances, while recognising when professional support may be needed.

Students also revisit drug education, considering the risks associated with alcohol, drugs and gang involvement, and how external influences can affect decision-making. They develop practical strategies to stay safe, resist pressure and access appropriate support. Alongside this, students receive practical health education, including basic life support, vaccinations, organ donation and understanding how healthy lifestyle choices contribute to long-term wellbeing.

Spring Term

The Spring Term focuses on preparing students for healthy adult relationships and future family life. Students explore healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviours, power and control, setting personal boundaries, managing conflict and breakups, and making informed decisions about sexual health and contraception.

Students also develop an understanding of committed relationships, marriage, parenting, fertility and different routes to parenthood. Lessons explore pregnancy outcomes and choices, encouraging respectful discussion while helping students understand the responsibilities associated with adult relationships and family life.

Through discussion, reflection and practical learning, Year 11 students leave school equipped with the confidence, resilience and knowledge needed to manage their wellbeing, build healthy relationships and make informed decisions as they move into further education, employment and adult life.