Key Stage 5 PSHE

CURRICULUM: PSHE ASSOCIATION

A programme of half-termly units across Years 12 and 13, following the PSHE Association’s Key Stage 5 Programme of Study. Units rotate through three core themes — Health & Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World — to prepare students for independent adult life.

Sixth form PSHE completes the spiral approach begun in Year 7. Familiar themes are revisited through the lens of independence: managing wellbeing without the structure of school, building mature relationships, making informed health and financial choices, and navigating post-18 study, training and work. The emphasis is on rehearsing real decisions students will face in the year ahead.

Year 12

Half Term unit focus
Autumn 1Health & wellbeing Mental health and emotional wellbeing Managing stress and work-life balance, body image and healthy coping strategies
Autumn 2Living in the wider world Readiness for work Career opportunities, employment rights and professional conduct
Spring 1Relationships Diversity and inclusion Living in a diverse society and challenging prejudice, discrimination and extremism
Spring 2Living in the wider world Planning for the future Post-18 options and the financial impact of different pathways
Summer 1Relationships Respectful relationships Consent, assertive communication and recognising and responding to harmful relationships
Summer 2Health & wellbeing Health choices and safety Independence, travel safety, first aid and the impact of substance use

Year 13

Half Term unit focus
Autumn 1Health & wellbeing Independence Managing change, responsible health choices and accessing health services into adulthood
Autumn 2Living in the wider world Next steps Applications, personal statements and interviews; maintaining a positive professional identity online
Spring 1Relationships Intimate relationships Personal values, communication and informed choices about fertility and parenthood
Spring 2Living in the wider world Financial choices Budgeting, saving, debt, financial contracts and influences on money decisions
Summer 1Relationships Building and maintaining relationships New friendships and workplace relationships, conflict resolution and managing change
Progression beyond Sixth Form
By the end of Year 13, students have completed the full Programme of Study for PSHE education, leaving equipped to manage their wellbeing, relationships, finances and personal safety as independent young adults, whether their next step is university, an apprenticeship or work.