PaCE

Curriculum Intent

Knowledge, skills and attributes needed to manage life, now and in the future.

Curriculum Rationale

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 is surrounding 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 RSE, 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 in going 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 11 focusses on substance abuse and what can be done if help is required and year 12 focusses on 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. 

KS5

The PaCE programme for the Sixth Form has been redeveloped for the 23/24 academic year.  PaCE will be taught all the way through the Sixth Form, with the Class of 2025 being the first year group for this to roll through.  

PaCE in the Sixth Form is split into five sections: 

• Risk taking 

• Careers education 

• Financial Independence 

• Sexual Health and Fertility 

• Personal Health and Safety 

Inspire 

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 

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 in going beyond their comfort zones through contacting professionals, going on work experience and engaging with businesses in our careers fair.  

Enrich  

There are a number of enrichment opportunities available through both PaCE lessons and the careers programme. A one week work experience placement will be a mandatory part of term 6 in Year 12; an opportunity to make connections with employers and consider opportunities and pathways for post-18. The school careers fair, as well as visits from Higher Education facilities and employers, will also offer ample opportunity to expand student networks and aspirations.  

 

Staff

• Ms C Barratt (Head of PacE and Careers Leader)
• Mr S Evans (Acting Head of PacE and Careers Leader)