Departments

PSHCE

PSHCE at Ruffwood is given more priority than at some other schools. Our aim is to equip our young people with the social skills and awareness necessary to enjoy, and succeed in, later life. We also try to encourage them to make a positive contribution to their communities. Through a variety of topics we try to fully prepare students for life during and after their time here.

PSHCE stands for Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education.
NC2000 – PSHE at KS3 & KS4 is non-statutory, whereas Citizenship is a National Curriculum subject
It says, "PSHE should develop confidence and responsibility and making the most of abilities; a healthy, safer lifestyle; and good relationships & respecting people’s differences"
This includes Careers Education, SRE & Drug education
No National Curriculum levels – instead, pupils are assessed based on their personal learning and thinking skills and against their end of Key Stage 3 & Key Stage 4 statements
RE is also incorporated into every year group’s provision each term

Our students face many tough decisions and exciting opportunities both as part of our school and when they have moved on. Therefore, the delivery of PSHE and Citizenship reflects this, with a wide-ranging curriculum for all ages, underpinned by statutory requirements but flexible enough to respond to or anticipate issues in the community, as and before they arise.

A flavour of the topics covered this academic year will include:

TERM 1 – The Community

Target Setting, Anti-Social Behaviour, Substance Misuse, Road Safety, Making a Positive Contribution

TERM 2 – Health and Relationships

Healthy Eating, Health & Safety, Sex & Relationships, Friendship & Bullying

TERM 3 – Economic and Emotional Well Being

Money Matters, Dealing with Problems, Careers Education, Gambling Education, Review of the year…

All through these themes, pupils in different year groups have different priorities, such as Macmillan Cancertalk week (Year 7s) or Mock Interview Day (Year 10). Ruffwood is also the local authority pilot school for the Secondary SEAL resource, and as a result aspects of the programme are delivered discreetly across all year groups. The department works closely with the pastoral & behaviour teams and outside agencies to ensure the best possible provision and range of services for our young people.

Recent Whole School Campaigns include…

Anti – Bullying Week (Nov 2006)

We held Competitions, Tutor quizzes, created an Anti-Bullying Tree of apologies and ideas, and hosted a Concert by The Wombats. On display in the Main Admin block.

Substance Misuse Awareness Week (Dec 2006)

Each year group had a day off timetable, participating in dance / drama & MCing workshops with performances in the hall, delivered in conjunction with local artists and LEA Substance Misuse team. This was a huge success and other schools are planning similar projects.

Smoking Ban Awareness Week (June 2007)

In anticipation of the 1st July ban we had a week of dedicated lessons and activities alerting pupils and the community to the details of the ban. A leaflet explaining the outcomes is available to view here.

The school is also working towards achieving Healthy Schools status, and all we do is centred around the Every Child Matters agenda outcomes…

Be Healthy, Stay Safe, Enjoy & Achieve, Making a Positive Contribution, Achieve Economic Well Being

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

Mr J Greenbank, 2007

Have a look at these websites for more information… or please do not hesitate to contact me at school.

www.kidshealth.org/teen www.macmillan.org.uk
www.ruthinking.org.uk www.talktofrank.com
www.fasttomato.com www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/onelife/work

www.teachernet.gov.uk/pshe www.qca.org.uk/pshe
www.ncb.org.uk www.wiredforhealth.org.uk

Ruffwood School