PHSE
Context
At Fairfield, PHSE helps pupils develop the knowledge, confidence and judgement needed to manage growing independence. Learning about health, relationships, personal safety and wider society supports informed decisions. We want pupils to understand the opportunities and responsibilities they encounter as individuals, family members and members of their communities.
Our curriculum revisits important themes as pupils mature, building understanding of increasingly complex situations. Personal, social, health and economic education, including relationships and sex education, supports preparation for adult life. Discussion and reflection encourage pupils to consider different perspectives, develop resilience and recognise how their choices can affect themselves and others.
An Inclusive Curriculum
PHSE lessons aim to provide a supportive environment in which all pupils can engage with important and sometimes sensitive topics. Teachers use knowledge of individual needs and work with pastoral and SEND colleagues. Clear explanations, structured discussion and accessible resources help pupils participate thoughtfully, build confidence and develop understanding while respecting different experiences and perspectives.
Powerful Knowledge
Pupils build knowledge of relationships, health, personal safety, equality and responsible decision-making. Themes such as online safety, bullying, drugs and relationships are revisited with increasing depth as pupils mature. Connecting this knowledge with discussion and reflection helps pupils understand challenges, evaluate information and consider choices that support their wellbeing and participation in society.
Assessment
Assessment helps teachers check pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the topics studied. Short questions, quizzes and longer responses provide opportunities to recall information, explain ideas and consider different perspectives. Teachers use the findings to identify misconceptions and provide further guidance, with appropriate support enabling pupils to demonstrate what they have learned.
Feedback
Pupils receive feedback through classroom discussion, live checks, whole-class guidance and quizzes that provide immediate responses. Teachers clarify misunderstandings and show how explanations can be improved. Time to reflect and respond helps pupils consolidate accurate knowledge, develop the clarity of their thinking and recognise what they need to revisit in future learning.
Expert Teaching
Teachers explain ideas clearly and sensitively, using models to show how to approach reading and written tasks. Questioning and structured discussion help pupils explore viewpoints and clarify misconceptions. Regular opportunities to revisit earlier learning support recall, while guided practice enables pupils to develop thoughtful responses to the issues explored in lessons.
Literacy
Pupils encounter challenging texts that deepen their understanding of personal and social issues. Key vocabulary is introduced explicitly and revisited through reading, discussion and quizzes. Structured talk helps pupils explain ideas, listen carefully and challenge viewpoints respectfully, while shorter and extended writing tasks support clear expression and reflection on what they have learned.
Supporting Pupils with SEND
Individual Support Plans help teachers adapt Life Skills learning for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Support may include clear writing frames, sentence starters, accessible resources and agreed assessment arrangements. Where teaching assistants support lessons, advance access to curriculum plans and materials helps them prepare pupils to engage with the learning.
Home Learning
Home learning uses Microsoft Teams quizzes and independent research to reinforce classroom learning. Quizzes provide immediate feedback and help teachers identify misunderstandings, while research gives pupils opportunities to explore topics further. Knowledge organisers and guided revision support preparation for assessments, helping pupils revisit important information and develop confidence in their understanding.
Careers
Careers learning helps pupils consider their future choices and understand aspects of working life. The Year 8 equality and diversity topic explores fairness and rights in employment. At Key Stage 4, dedicated sessions with the school’s Careers Lead introduce different pathways and post-16 options, supporting pupils to make informed decisions about their next steps.
