PaCE: Key Stage 3 and 4
Years 7-11
The whole PaCE programme of study for Years 7 – 11 is divided into three sections:
- Health and wellbeing
- Relationships and sex education
- Living in the wider world
The first two go towards what is statutory from the DfE regarding PSHE and the latter surrounds careers education, working towards Gatsby Benchmark 4. For all other information regarding our school Careers Programme, please visit the separate section of the website.
Regarding Relationships and sex education, a letter to all parents in term 2 to explain the legalities and their rights as parents prior to teaching the sex education element in term 3.
Inspire
Careers education, in its very purpose, is there to provide our students with the knowledge and skills so that they are inspired to pursue aspirational futures. Lessons involve everything from learning about job opportunities and engaging with local employers to completing practical workshops on job interviews.
The aim is for our students to be inspired to make personal choices that are right for them, becoming well-rounded and independent individuals who can be confident about how to navigate their future.
Challenge
Challenge in PaCE comes in two definitions of the word. It is important that the curriculum aims to challenge stereotypes and discrimination, which is an integral part of both PSHE and careers education.
Students are educated so that they can make their own decisions not just about careers, but about how they treat their bodies and navigate relationships in all walks of life. Additionally, all students are challenged to go beyond their comfort zones through contacting professionals, going on work experience and engaging with businesses in our careers fair.
Enrich
Looking at the Programme of Study, you will note that topics are often re-covered in different key stages. Drugs, for example, is taught in year 8, year 10 and year 12. This is part of the ‘spiral curriculum’ approach suggested by the PSHE association and ensures that students learn enough about the topic whilst still being appropriate to their age. Year 8 in this example focusses on what drugs are and how they are classified, year 10 focusses on substance abuse and what can be done if help is required and year 12 focusses on the use of drugs at parties and festivals, looking deeper into risky situations. The education, therefore, is always enriching at a level that is age appropriate and is never repetitive.
The PaCE curriculum works to enrich student studies in other subject areas. For example, the science curriculum with the puberty module in Year 7 and frequent links to the Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural (SMSC) curriculum that goes alongside Religious Studies.