PHSE
Preparing students to lead happy, healthy and responsible lives is an essential aspect of life at Bishop Stopford School. Students are encouraged to participate in the wider life of the school by referring issues to the Student Council and each year group has nominated food representatives who offer useful feedback to the school canteen. Students’ welfare is paramount and all students have access to CYE, our weekly confidential drop in service which is run by our School Nurse, Chris Tindle and Kettering Youth Information Service. We also have a school counsellor who can offer ongoing support should students require it.
Key Stage 3
In years 7, 8 and 9 PSHE lessons take place once a fortnight and are delivered in form groups. Following a spiral curriculum delivered by a specialist team of teachers, students cover a range of topics over the three years. The PSHE programme compliments the work done with the form tutor in tutorial lessons and the Careers Education and Guidance curriculum.
Active participation in lessons is encouraged and students enjoy visits from a range of specialist speakers who give presentations on topics such as health and personal hygiene, relationships, on-line safety, drug and solvent abuse.
Some aspects of Citizenship are assessed through the PSHE curriculum. For example in Year 7 the Community Challenge requires each student to participate in a project helping in their local community. This is a very important element of the year 7 curriculum and is very popular with students, parents and groups in the community who benefit from the service and help that our young people can offer. Citizenship is formally assessed and reported to students and parents at the end of Year 9.
Key Stage 4
Students continue to have one period of tutorial time in Years 10 and 11 in which they prepare for the world of work and life outside school. The Challenges and Choices day enables students to revisit and refresh their knowledge of issues covered in KS3 PSHE lessons as well as having time to consider new topics. Students choose from a range of workshops delivered by visiting speakers such as the police and a range of healthcare professionals.
Key Stage 5
The PSHE curriculum in the sixth form is delivered through a number of ‘stop the clock days’ and through acts of worship which are delivered by members of staff and a programme of outside speakers. 6th Form students are encouraged to take an active role in the school community by becoming reading partner and peer leaders who work alongside staff to deliver some of the sex and relationships programme to year 9.
Enrichment Opportunities for students:
The rich programme of school visits contributes to the PSHE curriculum in all year groups.
Visiting speakers in assemblies.
Careers Education/IAG
In a complex and changing world all young people need access to good quality, comprehensive and impartial information. The Careers Education and information, advice and guidance programme at Bishop Stopford ensures that all our students make well informed decisions about their learning and career options.
Our well established Careers Education programme is delivered through a tutorial system and is designed to raise aspirations, promote equality and diversity and improve the choices made by young people.
As well as the regular timetabled lessons both Enterprise Education and
Work Related Learning events take place. These include activities in school such as the Lionheart challenge for Year 10 pupils and the enterprise week organised for Year 9 pupils. The school also organises off site activities such as the 2 week work experience placements that Year 11 students take part in or the Take Your Children to work Day for Year 8 pupils.
The information, advice, and guidance is personalised to meet the needs of the individual. We can offer a one to one careers interview with the School’s Careers Adviser, Mrs Woods, or make an appointment with a Personal Adviser from Connexions. There is a careers drop-in on Wednesday lunchtime in the library. Mrs Woods will also be available at Parents Evenings.
Further information:
Mrs Daphne Pickard: Leader Every Child Matters
Mrs Katie Harris: PSHE coordinator
Rev Andrew Dutton: School Chaplain
Mrs Jo Woods – Leader Careers Education/IAG