PSHCE & Citizenship
At St Bede’s, our Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education (PSHCE) curriculum is rooted in our mission to Love, Respect and Serve. We believe every young person deserves the knowledge, skills and character to flourish, not only academically, but socially, emotionally and spiritually.
Our programme equips students to understand themselves, build healthy relationships, stay safe, and play an active, responsible role in society. It is a vital part of how we nurture confident, compassionate young people who contribute positively to their communities.
Our Curriculum
Students in Years 7–11 receive one hour of PSHCE each week, taught in tutor groups by a dedicated team of specialist staff. Lessons are currently structured around four key strands:
Careers
Students explore future pathways, develop employability skills, and build confidence in planning for life beyond school. They engage with employers, apprenticeship providers and further education institutions to broaden their understanding of the world of work and raise aspirations.
Citizenship
This strand helps students understand democracy, justice, human rights, diversity and the responsibilities of living in modern Britain. Students learn how to participate actively and responsibly in society, developing the knowledge and values needed to become informed, engaged citizens.
Health & Wellbeing
Students learn how to look after their physical and mental health, develop resilience, manage emotions, and make informed choices. This includes understanding healthy lifestyles, managing stress, recognising risks, and building strategies for personal safety and wellbeing.
RSE (Relationships & Sex Education)
Delivered through the TENTEN Catholic RSE programme, this strand supports students in forming respectful, loving relationships rooted in dignity and mutual care. Lessons cover consent, boundaries, family life, personal identity and the development of healthy, safe relationships in line with our Catholic ethos and statutory guidance.
Why PSHCE and Citizenship Matter
Our curriculum is shaped by a strong evidence base:
- PSHCE improves wellbeing and resilience. Research from the PSHE Association shows that high‑quality PSHCE leads to better emotional wellbeing, improved mental health literacy, and reduced risk‑taking behaviours.
- PSHCE supports academic success. Students who feel safe, confident and emotionally regulated are more able to learn, concentrate and achieve.
- Citizenship education builds active, responsible citizens. Studies from the National Children’s Bureau highlight that Citizenship helps young people develop personal awareness, social skills and the confidence to participate in their communities.
- PSHE strengthens social cohesion. Research by Willis, Clague & Coldwell (2013) shows that PSHE helps students develop values that support respect, inclusion and community engagement.
- Careers education improves life chances. Early, high‑quality careers guidance is linked to raised aspirations, better post‑16 outcomes and reduced NEET risk.
Together, these strands ensure that PSHCE is not an “add‑on”, but a core part of how we prepare students for life.
Contextualised, Relevant and Responsive
Our curriculum is shaped by the needs of our students and our local community. We draw on:
- North Lincolnshire’s Children & Young People’s Lifestyle Survey
- Local safeguarding priorities
- Student voice and pastoral data
- Feedback from parents and carers
This ensures our programme remains meaningful, age‑appropriate and responsive to emerging issues.
Working With External Partners
We enrich our curriculum through partnerships with respected organisations, including:
- BAE Systems
- British Steel
- The NHS
- Birch Chemicals
- ASK Apprenticeships
- St John Ambulance
- Local colleges, employers and community groups
These encounters help students connect classroom learning with real‑world experiences.
Our Commitment
PSHCE and Citizenship at St Bede’s are central to our mission of forming young people who live out Love, Respect and Serve in all they do. Through a curriculum that is research‑informed, values‑driven and responsive to our community, we aim to help every student grow into a confident, thoughtful and compassionate young adult.
Key Staff
PSHCE Lead: Mrs J Tinawro
Careers & Examinations Lead: Mrs F Bishop
Personal Development Lead: Mr D Fields
Relationships & Sex Education Lead: Mrs J Jackson
