Curriculum Vision

The Cornerstone Curriculum is shaped by our Christian vision and values and aims to encourage the flourishing of all students.  The quote from Ephesians 2:20 underpins our mission statement and is expressed through it: We are the St Hilda’s family, with Jesus Christ as our cornerstone. Building on foundations of WISDOM, HOPE, COMMUNITY, DIGNITY, EQUALITY and DIVERSITY, we nurture and support one another to be our very best. We rejoice in our diversity and celebrate our many achievements. 

PSHE therefore aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills and values to support students in their journey to lead a full life.   

A key part of a students’ personal development is the knowledge, skills and values developed in discreet PSHE lessons.   In PSHE, this includes KSV in 6 areas of study across KS3-5: 

• Relationships 

• Keeping safe online and offline 

• Careers 

• Health and well-being (physical fitness) 

• British values, skills and responsibilities 

• Health and well-being (mental health) 

 

Our PSHE curriculum is compliant with statutory guidance and based on pupil need:  

 

The PSHE Curriculum is informed by: 

A – National and local / school based data  

B – National and local reports 

C – Student voice 

D – Statutory requirements 

 

Our PSHE curriculum is an inclusive and well-sequenced spiral RSHE curriculum, informed by meaningful engagement with pupils and parents and ipsative assessments that guide our student progress.    It is relevant and engaging, age and stage appropriate.  We focus on building positive attitudes and skills, promoting healthy norms about relationships, including sexual relationships where relevant, about health, including mental health.  We sequence teaching so that pupils are supported and equipped with the knowledge to navigate different experiences in a positive way, before they occur, and to prevent harms.  Where appropriate, we work with local partners and other bodies to understand specific local issues and ensure needs are met. Staff are trained in safeguarding and offering support and have the knowledge, skills and confidence to create a safe and supportive environment. 

 

PSHE across the Curriculum  

PSHE is taught as a discreet subject and is also part of our whole school approach to ensuring student well-being and positive relationships. 

 

Cornerstone Curriculum (and PSHE) in form and across school 

In form period, students are encouraged to flourish via: 

• Dailly reflection: Monday – world news, Tuesday – Bible, Wednesday – culture including art or poetry, Thursday – ethical questions and Friday – inspirational people (women) 

• Weekly assembly with religious and / or PSHE focus 

• Pastoral care / skills on Monday (can include PSHE / SMSC focus) 

• St Hilda’s Reads 3 days a week 

  

SMSC in the Cornerstone Curriculum and wider school 

At St Hilda’s we encourage pupils to grow in fulness and to flourish in body and mind.   

We provide students with an opportunity to think about their own thoughts and feelings and together we endeavour to nurture what spirituality means for the St Hilda’s family. 

At St Hilda’s we define spirituality as:  “A sense of connection to each other, the world and to something bigger than ourselves.  It is our shared search for meaning and appreciation for all that life offers. As such, it is a universal human experience—something that we all share in the St Hilda’s family.”   

Curriculum and Assessment Maps

PSHE

Key Stage 3

1.-KS3-PSHE-Curriculum-2025-2026

Key Stage 4

2.-KS4-PSHE-Curriculum-2025-2026

Key Stage 5

3.-KS5-PSHE-Curriculum

Further Information

STAFF

The PSHE Department consists of the following staff:  

  

Mrs N Martin (Head of Department and Associate Assistant Head) 

Ms S Gault (Second in department) 

Mr M Bebb 

Mr N Lyon 

Mrs Yunus 

Mrs Arnachellum 

 

  

The department has five teachers of PSHE.  All work together extremely well as a team and are very supportive to the Head of Department. Under the direction of the Head of Department members share responsibility for the progress of students throughout Key Stage 3-4. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

In PSHE we use Ipsative assessment to measure student progress and consult student voice every lesson using a ‘Tell me anything’ box.  We also survey 3 year groups about their views on PSHE. 

We will be inviting parents to find out more about PSHE in January 2026, following recent changes to our curriculum and have also canvassed their views in a survey. 

HOW CAN PARENTS HELP?

Parents can support the teaching of PSHE by keeping up to date with the curriculum and encouraging their child to have an open mind when learning about issues that are new to them. 

 

With a rapidly growing virtual world that is part of our everyday lives it is important to keep up to date with social media. Having conversations with your child about what is appropriate use considering time, language and media. 

Consider the life events you, your family or friends have experienced. 

From marriage to childbirth, career change to relocation, love and bereavement. 

Life throws so many events at us and whilst some we can plan and prepare for, others can be unexpected and sometimes a shock.  

 

PSHE supports pupils in dealing with many life events. Parents can support their child by talking to them about what they are learning, making links between lessons and real life, strengthening the value of their learning through discussion and debate. 

WHERE NEXT

Pupils are asked for feedback on the PSHE provision and the PSHE Subject Leader collaborates with the Pastoral Leaders to ensure that any concerns that arise through the year, can be addressed immediately or built into the planning process for the next academic year. The PSHE Subject Leader follows recommendations from the PSHE Association and statutory requirements which may involve amendments to schemes of learning each year.