PSHCE

The COLAI PSHE curriculum is designed to enhance students’ understanding and awareness of the personal, health, social and economic issues important to the development of young people. Areas of study include Sex & Relationships Education, Drugs and Alcohol Education, Assessing & Managing Risk & Personal Safety, Personal identities, prejudice & discrimination, stereotyping, personal finance, debate and discussion, group activities, workshops, extended assemblies and independent reflection are important elements of the course.

Some of the many ways we promote the development of PSCHE are:

• Weekly PSHE curriculum to all students from years 7 to 13.
• Weekly assemblies and reflections covering current affairs, historical events, politics, religion and financial literacy – these are all framed around our values of Responsibility, Integrity and Respect.
• A range of guest speakers representing different backgrounds, sectors, religions, values and communities to develop cultural literacy. These include regular author visits, drama performances on topics such as Child Sexual Exploitation, War, and Knife Crime, as well as subject-specific visits and opportunities provided through our partnership with organisations such as Deloitte and the City of London Corporation.
• An extensive daily extra-curricular programme with activities open to all of our students.
• An extensive Sex & Relationship Education programme delivered in the summer term to all KS3 students covering the following: the body and body image, sex and sexuality, homosexuality, bodily hygiene, contraception, puberty, managing behaviour, child sexual exploitation, and e-safety.
• Cross-curricular coverage of the following topics in Science: Sex & Relationship Education, and Drug Education.
• Cross-curricular coverage of the following topics in PE, Food Technology and Languages: the importance of physical activity and diet for a healthy lifestyle.
• Through engagement with the local community with local residents invited into school for community events such as our Christmas Concert and regular dramatic or musical performances.
• A wide range of school trips and sporting fixtures.
• Opportunities for student leadership including House Council, Head Girl and Head Boy, PE ambassadors and Student Librarians.
• A relentless focus and understanding of our school values which are constantly and consistently referred to and encouraged.
• A focus on British values through our curriculum and assembly programme.
• Student volunteering projects to support other members of the community e.g. COLAI students working with students at Richard Cloudsley school during enrichment activities.
• Our CCF programme, open to all students from Year 9 and above, providing quality experiences outside of the classroom.
• A diverse and constantly updated 6th form enrichment curriculum which runs for one afternoon a week. Our enrichment curriculum includes extensive careers information, advice and guidance and opportunities to volunteer within the local community.