At Willow Park School we are dedicated to preparing our pupils for the opportunities and responsibilities they will encounter in life. Our PHSE curriculum is designed to reflect and deliver the values we uphold at Willow Park. We are committed to providing our children with the knowledge they need to live safe, fulfilled and healthy lives, while also equipping them with the skills to thrive in the modern world.

As a school, we recognise the importance of a preventative PSHE education that aligns with the national curriculum, while being informed by the contextual needs of the pupils we support. Our broad and balanced curriculum promotes personal, social and economic development, with a strong emphasis on the health and well-being (both mental and physical) of our pupils.

Our PSHE curriculum aims to teach our pupils how to develop respect for themselves and others. Pupils are encouraged to explore what makes us similar, as well as what makes us different, and to understand that diversity is something to be celebrated. We take the time to support and encourage learners to communicate their opinions effectively, forming positive attitudes and beliefs regarding feelings, relationships and sexuality, and showing tolerance to those who may be different from themselves.

We aim to help our children understand the consequences of their actions and encourage them to make informed choices that benefit themselves, others and the environment. As part of our PSHE curriculum, learners are taught what constitutes a healthy relationship, both online and offline. To keep our children safe, we teach them how to recognise risks and ensure they know where to seek help if needed.

Pupils in all phases of the school are taught PHSE weekly, with opportunities provided to embed learning in situations beyond the classroom whilst being supported by key adults. Once pupils enter the qualification phase of the school, they will have the opportunity to sit for Level 1 Qualifications in PHSE.

It is our aim for the teaching of PSHE at Willow to:

• Fostering respect and understanding through relational practice, our school provides secure learning environments that positively shape the quality of students' lives for the long term.
• Create a language-rich environment where we actively encourage every student to recognise their significance, fostering an environment where their voices matter and through discussion their ideas are shared and valued by all.
• Extend our commitment to teaching all students about healthy relationships, equipping them with the skills to aspire to and contribute to safe, happy and secure family lives.
• Ensuring the well-being of our students, we provide guidance on emotional and physical health, empowering them to care for themselves and others.
• Offer students opportunities to develop independent skills, emphasising the importance of collaboration and community. They are also encouraged to be confident in accessing support when needed, ensuring they can strive for their personal best.

For details of how we achieve our aims and how we know if we have achieved our aims, read the Subject on a Page document below.

Qualifications

Once pupils are in the Sheaf phase of school, they will work towards the completion of 4 NCFE Level 1 awards; Sexual Health, Alcohol Awareness / Substance Misuse, Understanding Eating Disorders and An Awareness of Mental Health.

These units compliment and assess the taught Key Stage 4 curriculum. All the assessments are internally assessed and externally quality assured though a portfolio of evidence.

Qualifications currently on offer include:
4 NCFE Level 1 awards