PSHE: Learning for Life

Aims & Objectives

At PACA, we consider PSHE to be of equal importance to any other subject; in many ways it is the most important subject of them all. PSHE at PACA is delivered by a dedicated, specialist team, and we run accredited courses through the PSHE curriculum in Key Stages 3, 4, and 5.

Lessons & Homework

In each year group, PSHE covers a wide range of topics, ranging from Sex and Relationships Education, Risk Taking and Keeping Safe, Healthy Eating, Drugs and Substance Misuse, Politics and Citizenship, Economic Well-being and Financial Capability, Human Rights.  We also regularly adapt the PSHE curriculum to celebrate events on the Diversity Calendar – e.g. Black History Month, LGBT History Month, Fair Trade Week, Holocaust Memorial Day – and also to reflect on events taking place in the local, national and international news.

In Year 7, students have weekly PSHE lessons as part of their ‘Learning to Learn’ programme (see ‘Learning to Learn: The Entrepreneurial Habits of Mind’)

In Years 8 and 9, students have 3 lessons a week of ‘Learning for Life’.  This comprises 1 lesson of PSHE, and 2 lessons in which students work toward the ‘CoPE’ (Certificate of Personal Effectiveness) qualification.  Level 1 CoPE is worth 25 points (equivalent to a GCSE Grade E/F) and Level 2 is worth 46 points (equivalent to a GCSE Grade B). [NB – CoPE began this year and involves only the current Year 8 for this academic year].

In Year 9, students have 2-3 hours a week of ‘Learning for Life’, comprising PSHE lessons with additional modules for developing life-ready skills (e.g. touch-typing, first aid).  From September 2012 Year 9 students will continue with the CoPE qualification alongside their PSHE lessons.

In Year 10 students have 1 hour a week of ‘Learning for Life’.  The year begins with a term of PSHE lessons; then from Christmas students start working toward the EdExcel WorkSkills qualification. Level 1 WorkSkills is equivalent to a GCSE grade D-G, and Level 2 WorkSkills is equivalent to a GCSE grade C.

In Year 11 students complete their EdExcel WorkSkills qualification, and complete the year with a final, all-important round of PSHE input.

In Years 12 and 13, AS/A2-level students work on the Level 3 CoPE qualification.  This fantastic course ensures that students develop the soft skills that will equip them for life, and ensures that they engage with the wider community during their time at the college.  The course is widely recognised by Universities throughout the UK, and is worth 70 UCAS points.

Vocational students at the VI form work on the AoPE (Award of Personal Effectiveness) qualification.  This is a one-year qualification, and can be developed into the Level 3 CoPE qualification should the students choose to continue with their studies.

Assessment

We run accredited courses at KS3, 4 and 5 – please see above for details.