The Current Position
A proactive approach to whole school PSHE is adopted at WDS which encompasses relationships, difference and conflict resolution to promote respect and discipline. This can combat bullying, harassment and prejudice of any kind. We have reviewed the PHSE curriculum to ensure statutory requirements on health education and relationships education/Sex Education are fulfilled. RSE continues to be high profile and we have implemented this throughout multiple aspects of school life. PSHE is identified as a separate indicator for Ofsted from 2019. At present, we operate a Spiral Curriculum spanning six ‘PSHE Pillars’ that support our West Derby School Personal Growth Curriculum.
PSHE Pillars; WDS Personal Growth Curriculum
• Well-being
• Difference, Diversity and Identity
• Sex and Personal Relationships
• Personal Safety
• Growth Mind set
• Career Ready
Spiral Curriculum
We have a team of dedicated pastoral staff who deliver the programme through the pastoral system which is bespoke to the needs of our students. ‘Personal Development Days’ enrich what is already being delivered to give students a wider experience of the issues explored. Aside from our planned PSHE programme, we respond to the needs of our students and year groups as they arise, whilst also responding to National PSHE initiatives such as Mental Health awareness week and current affairs.
We work in partnership with School Improvement Liverpool, notably Julie McCann (Health and Wellbeing Officer) to ensure effective provision, good practice in delivery and support with delivering content dealing with specific issues.
Our PSHE CPD aims to:
• Support positive mental health
• Help address safeguarding issues
• Provide accredited recognition for individuals
• Raise the quality of teaching, learning and explore assessment in PSHE
• Inspire positive change within the PSHE curriculum
• Effectively support children and young people to deal with life’s challenges
Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSE)
From September 2020, all primary age children will be taught relationships education and health education, and all secondary age children will be taught relationships & sex education (RSE) and health education.
The Department for Education has published the final guidelines covering the content of these subjects. Many parents will want to know more about these subjects, so the following simple guide has been developed that you can use to understand more about the changes CLICK HERE to view a copy.
Understanding relationships, sex and health education at your child’s school: secondary
West Derby School provides Relationship and Sex Education through the curriculum, which is delivered in timetabled, RSE/PHSE, religious studies and science lessons, form time, assemblies, and personal growth days.
Form Tutors deliver the RSE/PSHE Curriculum in dedicated RSE/PHSE lessons. Support from specialist outside agencies are used to deliver planned aspects of the curriculum. RSE lessons are set within the wider context of the PSHE curriculum and focus on the emotional aspects of development and relationships, although the physical aspects of puberty and reproduction are also included. The Science National Curriculum is delivered by staff in the science department. These lessons are more concerned with the physical aspects of development and reproduction, although the importance of relationships is not forgotten. The content of the science curriculum which deals with sex is compulsory.
As detailed by The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan’s letter to schools and parents on October 24th 2023, parents have the right to request to see the materials that are used to teach Relationships and Sex Education to their children. Should you wish to view these materials, that are delivered as part of our school’s PSHE curriculum, please send an email to the school: admin@westderbyschool.co.uk for the attention of Ms C Jones who will reply to your request.
