PSE/RSE
Personal and Social Education (PSE)
At Cefn Hengoed Community School, we believe that Personal and Social Education (PSE) is a vital part of a young person’s development. PSE equips our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the challenges of life, make informed decisions, and become responsible, well-rounded individuals.
Why We Teach PSE
In an ever-changing world, our students need more than just academic success—they need the resilience, awareness, and understanding to thrive in their personal lives and communities. Our PSE programme is designed with the core topics of Curriculum for Wales, ensuring that what we teach is relevant, meaningful, and responsive to the needs of our learners.
We adapt our curriculum based on data from the School Health Research Network (SHRN), feedback from pastoral teams, and local and national issues affecting young people. This means our PSE programme is constantly evolving, ensuring that pupils receive the most up-to-date and impactful education.
A Whole-School Approach to PSE
PSE is not just taught in standalone lessons—it is embedded throughout the whole school experience. Our PSE topics are mapped across subjects, ensuring that key themes are reinforced in subjects such as Science, PE, RE, Food and Nutrition, and RVE. In addition, assemblies and form time provide opportunities to explore important issues in a wider context, encouraging discussion and reflection.
Through this cross-curricular approach, we ensure that students receive a broad and balanced PSE education that is consistently reinforced in a variety of ways.
What We Cover in PSE
Our programme covers a wide range of topics that empower students to build confidence, develop essential life skills, and make positive choices for their future.
Well-being & Personal Development
- Mental Health & Well-being– Managing stress, building resilience, emotional intelligence
- Growth Mindset & Positive Thinking– Overcoming challenges, developing a can-do attitude
- Healthy Living– Nutrition, exercise, body image, sleep habits
- Mindfulness & Stress Management– Techniques to promote relaxation and focus
Relationships & Community
- Healthy Relationships– Friendships, respect, consent, LGBTQ+ awareness
- Building Self-Esteem & Confidence– body confidence
- Citizenship & Social Responsibility– Diversity and inclusion
Digital & Financial Literacy
- Online Safety & Digital Well-being– Cyberbullying, managing screen time, social media awareness
- Financial Education & Future Planning– Budgeting, savings, career aspirations
Personal Safety & Awareness
- Substance Awareness– Understanding risks of drugs, alcohol, vaping
- Personal Safety & Decision Making– Knife crime awareness, peer pressure, risk-taking
- Road & Travel Safety– Staying safe
Preparation for the Future
- Careers & Workplace Skills– goal setting
- Resilience– Learning from failure, bouncing back stronger
Through a comprehensive and cross-curricular approach, we ensure that students receive consistent and meaningful PSE education, helping them grow into confident, responsible, and well-informed young people.