PSHE Curriculum Intent 

At Cardinal Newman Catholic High School, our Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum is rooted in our Catholic faith and inspired by Christ's promise that all may “have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Guided by our values of Compassion, Service, Truth and Forgiveness, and enriched through the Ten:Ten Life to the Full programme, we aim to develop confident, resilient and reflective young people who are equipped to flourish academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally and physically. 

Our carefully sequenced PSHE curriculum provides students with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. Through learning about identity, equality, diversity, relationships, wellbeing, personal safety, citizenship, careers and future aspirations, students develop self-awareness, independence and confidence. They are encouraged to think critically, make informed decisions, challenge prejudice and misinformation, and become active, responsible citizens. 

Our four school values underpin all aspects of PSHE: 

• Compassion – developing empathy, respect and understanding through learning about diversity, mental health, inclusion, bullying and discrimination. 

• Service – encouraging students to contribute positively to their communities through citizenship, British Values, human rights, careers education and social responsibility. 

• Truth – equipping students to make informed choices through critical thinking, online safety, healthy relationships, substance education and understanding misinformation. 

• Forgiveness – promoting resilience, reflection, reconciliation and personal growth through learning about relationships, wellbeing, moral decision-making and responsibility. 

The curriculum develops progressively across key areas including Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World, Keeping Safe, Careers and Aspirations, and Character Development. Through our careers programme and Unifrog, students are supported to recognise their strengths, explore future pathways and make ambitious, informed choices about their next steps. 

By the time students leave Cardinal Newman Catholic High School, they will have the knowledge, character and confidence to lead healthy, safe and fulfilling lives. They will understand their rights and responsibilities, value the dignity of every person, and embody our values of Compassion, Service, Truth and Forgiveness. Above all, they will be equipped to embrace opportunities, overcome challenges and truly “live life to the full” (John 10:10).