Personal Development
Personal Development (PSHE) Curriculum Intent
At Maple, our PSHE curriculum is built upon the Life Lessons programme and is designed to equip pupils with the knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence they need to lead safe, healthy, happy and fulfilling lives. The curriculum reflects the statutory requirements of the Department for Education's Relationships Education and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education guidance, and has been mapped against the updated statutory expectations due for implementation from September 2026. Through a carefully sequenced and age-appropriate curriculum, pupils develop their understanding of wellbeing, relationships, identity, diversity, personal safety, physical and mental health, online safety, financial capability and preparation for adulthood. The curriculum promotes respect, equality, inclusion and British Values, whilst recognising and celebrating individual differences and supporting pupils to become responsible, resilient and active members of their communities.
Our approach to delivery
PSHE is delivered through the comprehensive Life Lessons framework, providing a progressive curriculum from Year 5 to Year 11. Learning is organised into key strands including Wellbeing, My Body and Me, Healthy Relationships, Identity and Community, Digital Lives, Independence, Aspirations and Money, and Preparation for Adulthood. Pupils revisit core concepts throughout their school journey, allowing them to deepen understanding and apply learning within increasingly complex real-life contexts. Topics include mental health, emotional wellbeing, consent, healthy relationships, online safety, diversity and inclusion, puberty, sexual health, financial education, careers education, personal safety and managing risk. Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of our learners through discussion, practical activities, reflection, scenario-based learning and opportunities to rehearse real-life situations. Sensitive themes are delivered in an inclusive, trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate manner, ensuring pupils feel safe, respected and supported throughout their learning.
PSHE Curriculum Impact
The impact of our PSHE curriculum is evident in pupils who are increasingly confident, informed and prepared for the opportunities and challenges of modern life. Pupils develop the knowledge and skills to build healthy relationships, manage their physical and mental wellbeing, keep themselves safe online and offline, understand and respect diversity, and make informed decisions about their future. They demonstrate increased resilience, emotional literacy, self-awareness and independence, while developing the confidence to seek support when required and advocate for themselves and others. By the time pupils leave Maple, they are equipped with the personal, social and emotional competencies needed to progress successfully into further education, employment, training and adult life, making positive contributions to their communities and wider society.
In summary, our PSHE curriculum enables pupils to understand themselves, value others, stay safe, make responsible choices and flourish as confident, respectful and independent young adults.