PSHE

Our aim is to promote the happiness and well-being of all our pupils. PSHE is delivered through classroom groups, as well as lectures delivered by the 6th form leadership team and external specialists in the various areas of study.

PSHE helps to provide a proactive and preventative strand to Cranleigh’s pastoral care. Our goal is to encourage in pupils a sufficient understanding to develop as rounded, fulfilled individuals and as responsible citizens. Our programme is varied, and sensitive to changing social pressures and individual needs.

Lower School

Each week Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 meet for 50 minutes for regular teaching of the PSHE topics. The teaching programme is arranged according to six strands; Personal Development, Physical Health, Social Health, Mental and Emotional Health, Future Health and Citizenship. Through these strands a wide range of subjects and issues are covered including: relationships; alcohol awareness; diversity; healthy lifestyles; financial education; safe use of technology; bullying; body image; drugs; and depression to name just a few. Many of these topics are introduced by subject specialists and then, in following weeks, discussed and developed in the tutorials. Recent speakers have included: Bob Tait on drugs education; Amy Forbes-Robertson on Festivals; James Shone and Dick Moore on Mental and Emotional Health; and Alex Fryer on relationships.

Upper School

During the two Sixth Form years PSHE is delivered through a classroom based and lecture series of Saturday morning 30 minute sessions. Throughout the two years students hear about other people’s life experiences: for example, recent lectures have involved hearing from Bob Tait on Drugs – Legal and Illegal, Steve Andrews on Gambling and Shaun Atkins on risks and the consequences of decision making.

Furthermore, we aim to help prepare pupils for life at university and beyond. In the Upper Sixth they attend the ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’ lecture, explore the issues of sex, drugs and relationships at University, talk about managing budgets and receive practical advice on cooking for themselves!

Parental Involvement

As part of our PSHE programme we seek to build a positive working partnership with the parent body so that the pupils receive consistent messages in our ever-changing culture. Therefore, as part of the PSHE programme, there are lectures designed to encourage this partnership. We invite parents to attend presentations about the dangers of technology, drugs and relationships, and mental and emotional health.

These lectures aim to cover some of the key points that are being taught to the pupils and help the parent body to remain up-to-date with the issues in our current teenage culture whilst gaining an insight into some of the dangers facing young adults today. Follow-up resources are available on the parent portal of the school website.