CARE Curriculum (PSHE)
At North Bromsgrove, we nurture the whole child. Our CARE Curriculum equips students with the knowledge, skills and attributes to stay safe, both in the physical world and online, while fostering a strong sense of belonging within our school community. It is carefully designed to meet the 2025 statutory guidance for Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), and Health Education.
Students explore topics such as relationships, health and wellbeing, financial awareness and global issues, while developing key skills including critical thinking, communication, resilience and independence. Learning is brought to life through discussions, debates, House competitions, interactive experiences, and student-led activities such as our Mock General Election.
Health and wellbeing are central to the curriculum. Students learn strategies to manage stress and anxiety, stay safe, make informed decisions, and understand their role in society. Through these opportunities, they build confidence, respect different viewpoints and strive to be their best, reflecting our motto: “Studies Determine Character.”
At Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, learning is delivered through lessons, tutor time and dedicated drop-down days, ensuring a structured and age-appropriate programme for all students.
Our drop-down days offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in themed activity days which include:
• Year 9: Earth Day – A Green Careers Day exploring opportunities in sustainability and environmental sectors, driven by global net-zero targets, sustainability goals, renewable energy, low-carbon transport and environmental management.
• Year 10: Saltmine Trust - Students experience a powerful theatre production and workshop focused on preventative education. Topics include social media use, consent, sexual harassment, cyberbullying and artificial intelligence, helping students navigate modern challenges with confidence and awareness.
• Year 11: Your Impact - Students take part in the impactful drink-driving awareness course ‘Your Impact’ (formerly Dying to Drive). Delivered by the local emergency services, this immersive experience includes a realistic road traffic collision reconstruction using virtual reality, alongside interactive workshops around road safety and alcohol and drug awareness, that highlight the importance of making safe and responsible decisions.
Key messages in the RSE guidance are also re-enforced through our assembly programme, and where relevant, Science, Physical Education, and ICT lessons.
Year 9 students also take part in a ‘Life Skills’ programme of study designed specifically to complement their academic studies. This focuses on applying literacy, numeracy and careers education to real-life contexts
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
Since September 2020, Relationship and Sex Education has been a statutory part of the curriculum. Our programme of study does not promote sexual experimentation but encourages students to understand human sexuality and to respect themselves and others. The aim of SRE is to enable young people to mature, build their confidence and self-esteem, and understand the reasons for delaying sexual activity until an appropriate time. The government states that parents have the right to withdraw their child from such lessons, but only up to and until three terms before the child turns 16.
A link to our CARE Curriculum policy can be found here:
A link to our CARE curriculum programme of study overview can be found here:
Further information around the Department for Education’s statutory RSE content can be found Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education guidance
Assessment
Social and Personal Education is not assessed in the same way as many other subjects. However, monitoring student progress and understanding remains a key priority.
Students’ progress is tracked through regular review of the topics covered, alongside structured recall and reflection activities at the end of lessons and units. Students are also given opportunities to respond to real-life scenarios, allowing them to apply the knowledge and skills they have developed.
Alongside academic understanding, equal importance is placed on the development of essential life skills. Through the curriculum, students build resilience, confidence and independence, while also learning how to maintain both their physical and mental wellbeing. These skills are fundamental in preparing students for life beyond school.
Extra-curricular opportunities
Throughout the year, students benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities designed to enhance their learning. Guest speakers and visitors regularly contribute to assemblies, the Scholars Programme and dedicated Drop-Down Days, providing valuable real-world insight and expertise.
Engagement with a variety of charities and organisations further enriches students’ experiences, broadening their cultural capital and helping them to develop into well-informed, responsible and well-rounded citizens.
Supporting at home
There are a number of ways in which parents and carers can support their child’s learning at home. By reviewing the programme of study for each half term, families can see which topics will be covered and help prepare students for the discussions that may take place in lessons.
Engaging in open and supportive conversations at home allows students to explore these topics further, develop their own viewpoints and build confidence in expressing their ideas. This not only reinforces their learning but also helps to deepen their understanding of the wider world and their role within it.