PSHE

Personal Development (PSHE) – Autumn Term Overview (Years 7–11)

At Axe Valley Academy, our Personal Development (PSHE) curriculum plays a vital role in supporting pupils’ wellbeing, personal growth, and readiness for life beyond the classroom. From Year 7 through to Year 11, we deliver a carefully sequenced programme that reflects pupils’ developmental needs and the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Each year group explores age-appropriate themes under the umbrella of Health & Wellbeing, Relationships, and Living in the Wider World. Topics include:

  • Year 7: Transition to secondary school, friendships, online safety, and healthy lifestyle choices

  • Year 8: Emotional wellbeing, media literacy, and responses to risky behaviours

  • Year 9: Mental health, resilience, and informed decision-making around personal safety

  • Year 10: Rights, responsibilities, and preparing for life beyond school

  • Year 11: Identity, emotional resilience, and future planning aligned to the Gatsby Benchmarks

All content is inclusive, accessible, and aligned with statutory RSHE guidance. Lessons are designed to be engaging and relevant, with adaptations in place to support SEND learners and promote pupil voice. The Curriculum Plan for the Autumn Term can be found here Curriculum Plan

We believe Personal Development (PSHE) is not just a subject—it’s a foundation for confident, compassionate citizenship. If you would like to know more or view the resources being used, please contact Mr. Pillay, Personal Development (PSHE) Lead. 

Year 7 Personal Development (PSHE) – Autumn Term Overview for Parents

This term, our Year 7 Personal Development (PSHE) curriculum is designed to support pupils as they settle into secondary school and begin to navigate new social and personal challenges. The first half of the term focuses on Transition and Health & Wellbeing, helping students build independence, form positive friendships, and understand respectful behaviour both in person and online. Lessons will also explore healthy phone use and the opportunities and risks associated with the internet.

After half term, pupils will move on to Personal Safety and Making Healthy Choices. They’ll be introduced to basic first aid and fire safety, followed by sessions on personal hygiene, healthy eating, and sleep habits. The term concludes with a lesson on evaluating differences in friendships and online interactions, encouraging thoughtful decision-making and empathy.

All content is age-appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with statutory RSHE guidance. If you would like to review any of the resources or discuss the curriculum further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

If you’d like to know more or view the resources being used, please contact Mr. Pillay, Personal Development (PSHE) Lead.

 Year 8 Personal Development (PSHE) – Autumn Term Overview for Parents

This term, our year 8 Personal Development (PSHE) curriculum is designed to support pupils deepen their understanding of emotional wellbeing, media literacy, and personal safety. The first half of the term explores how attitudes to mental health are shaped, the importance of knowing one’s rights, and how online spaces and media can influence wellbeing. Pupils will critically examine topics such as fake news, influencer culture, gender representation, and body image—developing the tools to navigate digital and social pressures with confidence.

After half term, the focus shifts to personal responses to challenging emotions and risky behaviours. Pupils will explore grief and anger, followed by lessons on drug and alcohol misuse, smoking, and vaping. These sessions are designed to promote informed decision-making and encourage healthy coping strategies.

 Year 9 Personal Development (PSHE) – Autumn Term Overview for Parents

This term, our year 9 Personal Development (PSHE) curriculum is designed to focus on emotional wellbeing, mental health, and personal safety. The first half of the term supports students in developing resilience and managing change, with lessons on study skills, stress management, and understanding mental health—including how to seek support when needed. Pupils will also explore the impact of online behaviour on wellbeing.

After half term, the curriculum shifts to risk awareness and informed choices, covering topics such as drug and alcohol misuse, scams and gambling, and the importance of healthy lifestyle choices in preventing illness. Pupils will also examine peer pressure and how to critically evaluate online influences.

Year 10 Personal Development (PSHE) – Autumn Term Overview for Parents

This term, our year 10 Personal Development (PSHE) curriculum is designed to help pupils explore a broad range of topics under the theme of Health & Wellbeing, designed to support their transition into Key Stage 4 and prepare them for life beyond school. The first half of the term focuses on understanding personal rights, mental wellbeing, and effective study habits—key foundations for academic success and emotional resilience. Pupils will also examine how online media influences self-perception and decision-making.

After half term, the curriculum shifts to personal safety and informed choices, with lessons on how personal data is used, the impact of alcohol and drug misuse, and basic first aid. Pupils will also explore healthy lifestyle decisions, including the use of cosmetics, organ donation, and vaccinations. The term concludes with a session on how young people can positively influence their communities and peers.

Year 11 Personal Development (PSHE) – Autumn Term Overview for Parents

This term, our year 11 Personal Development (PSHE) curriculum is designed to help pupils engage with a curriculum focused on Health & Wellbeing, designed to support their transition into adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. The first half of the term explores themes such as self-worth, identity, gender norms, and emotional wellbeing. Pupils will also revisit study skills in preparation for their final year, with lessons aligned to the Gatsby Benchmarks to support future planning.

After half term, the focus shifts to personal reflection and preparation for exams, with dedicated revision lessons and sessions on self-concept and emotional resilience. Pupils will also explore the risks associated with gambling and how to make informed, healthy choices as they approach greater independence.

PSHE Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 Curriculum Overview