At UTC Plymouth the PSHE curriculum is based on the learning outcomes from the PSHE Personal Wellbeing and Economic Wellbeing Programmes of Study, as well as national guidance from the PSHE Association. These consist of Health and Wellbieng, Relationship and Living in the Wider World. The curriculum is aimed to equip students with knowledge and understanding as young adults when they leave us. All students within the school receive one PSHE lesson a week, year 7-11 and are taught by a small team of teachers. The mentor sessions every morning complement the PSHE curriculum allowing students to build positive relationships and feel comfortable in the conversations they are having with all staff involved with delivering the PSHE curriculum.
The purpose of each lesson is made clear and linked to everyday real life situations.
Appropriate learning experiences are planned and meet the needs of all the students in the class. Learning experiences draw on student’s own experiences or existing knowledge and provide a range of opportunities for students to learn, practise and demonstrate skills, attitudes and knowledge and understanding.
Time is given for students to reflect, consolidate and apply their learning.
Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and to record their own progress as well as having discussions with their form tutor about how they can get the most from their time in school.
The world is full of complex and sometimes conflicting values. Personal well-being helps students explore this complexity and reflect on and clarify their own values and attitudes. They identify and articulate feelings and emotions, learn to manage new or difficult situations positively and form and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of people. Personal wellbeing makes a major contribution to the promotion of personal development.
PSHE Information for Parents
1. Definitions of PSHE and Sex Education
PSHE at UTC Plymouth
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) supports pupils’ personal development, wellbeing, safety and preparation for adult life. It includes learning about relationships, health, personal safety, online behaviour, emotional wellbeing, decision‑making, careers and financial literacy.
Sex Education at UTC Plymouth
Sex Education refers to teaching about sexual relationships, contraception, fertility, pregnancy choices and sexual health. At UTC Plymouth, Sex Education is taught within specific PSHE units such as intimate relationships, consent, sexual health, and fertility and pregnancy.
Sex Education is delivered sensitively, age‑appropriately and in line with statutory guidance.
2. How pupils’ questions are handled in PSHE lessons
Questions are answered factually, sensitively and age‑appropriately.
Staff use distancing techniques (e.g., scenarios or characters) to avoid personal disclosures.
Pupils are reminded not to share personal experiences during PSHE lessons.
If a question is inappropriate for the age group, teachers acknowledge it and explain that it will be covered at a more suitable stage.
If a question raises a safeguarding concern, staff follow UTC Plymouth’s safeguarding procedures immediately.
Pupils are encouraged to speak privately to a trusted adult if they have personal worries or need support.
3. How parents can request to view curriculum materials
Parents can request to view PSHE curriculum materials by contacting the school office.
The school will provide:
The half‑term unit overview for the relevant year group
A representative sample of lesson slides
Worksheets or activities used in the lesson
Information about how sensitive content is taught safely
Details of any external organisations or resources used
Materials will be shared before the lessons are taught, in line with statutory guidance.
4. Process for parents to request withdrawal from Sex Education
Parents may request withdrawal from Sex Education by:
Contacting the school’s reception to make an initial request.
- Meeting with the PSHE Lead to:
explain the content of the lessons
share the materials that will be used
answer any questions
discuss the possible impact of withdrawal
The Headteacher will make the final decision.
- If withdrawal is agreed:
the decision will be recorded
the pupil will receive appropriate, purposeful alternative work
Parents may withdraw their child up to and until three terms before the age of 16.
From three terms before turning 16, pupils may choose to opt back in themselves.
Parents cannot withdraw their child from relationships content, health content, or any content taught as part of the science curriculum.
5. How PSHE content is made accessible to pupils with SEND
UTC Plymouth ensures PSHE is accessible to all pupils by:
Differentiating tasks and resources
Using visual supports, structured worksheets and simplified language
Pre‑teaching key vocabulary
Providing additional adult support where needed
Allowing extra processing time
Using small‑group or 1:1 reinforcement for sensitive topics
Working closely with the SEND team to adapt lessons for individual needs
All adaptations follow the PSHE Association’s guidance on inclusive practice.
6. Overview of PSHE units taught in each year group
Year 7
Emotional wellbeing
Friendship and bullying
Families and changing relationships
Puberty and keeping safe
Influences on relationships
Financial decisions
Year 8
Health and wellbeing
Personal safety and managing risk
Belonging and community
The online world
Healthy and unhealthy relationships
Managing money
Year 9
Mental health and wellbeing
Careers and future choices
Drug education
Managing risk in relation to the law
Intimate sexual relationships
Navigating online harms
Year 10
Independence, health choices and wellbeing
Navigating the online world
Friendship, diversity and challenging extremism
Managing influence
Exploring consent and recognising abuse
Study, work and careers
Year 11
Life‑long wellbeing
Drugs and personal safety
Safe relationships and sexual health
Families, fertility and pregnancy
Managing and maintaining health
7. Representative sample of lesson materials (for website use)
If parents may request to view a sample of the materials used in PSHE lessons. They can contact Reception and that will be passed on to the appropriate member of staff to gather the following:
Example lesson slides
Worksheets
Case studies or scenarios
Videos or external resources (e.g., CEOP, NSPCC, Home Office)
Teacher guidance notes for sensitive topics
These samples help parents understand how content is taught safely and appropriately.
8. How sensitive topics are taught safely
Sensitive topics (e.g., consent, sexual health, online harms, extremism) are taught using:
Clear ground rules
Distancing techniques
Non‑personal examples
Age‑appropriate language
Evidence‑based resources
Safeguarding procedures
Opportunities for pupils to ask questions safely
Signposting to support services
Lessons are designed to protect pupils, build confidence and promote safe decision‑making.
9. Useful Links
Stop Hate UK – Stop Hate UK is a charity that provides independent and confidential support to people affected by Hate Crime in various areas of the country. They have reporting phone lines and information available …. www.stophateuk.org
Childline – Provides help and advice about a wide range of issues affecting Children and Young People … https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/your-rights/discrimination-hate-crime-equality/
Hate Crime Support Line - SupportLine is able to take calls on a wide range of issues including relationships, child abuse, anger, bullying, eating disorders, exam stress, self harm, domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, disability, mental health, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, addictions, debt, phobias, conflict, sexuality, health concerns, homelessness, racial harassment, loneliness … https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/hate-crime/
Young Minds – Leading Charity supporting young people mental health … https://youngminds.org.uk/
Local Support
Plymouth and Devon Racial Equality Council - PDREC provides free confidential information, advice and support to victims and witnesses of Race Hate Incidents and Crimes …https://www.plymouthanddevonre...
Devon and Cornwall Police - https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice
Local Support - Impact and Mental Health
The Zone - A registered charity with over 25 years’ experience of providing early intervention and targeted health and social care services for supporting young people … https://www.thezoneplymouth.co.uk/
Young Devon - Young Devon is the largest young people’s charity in the South West. Our mission is simply to make Devon a better place for all young people … https://www.youngdevon.org/
Kooth Online Counselling - www.xenzone.com