--- title: What does PSHE look like in a modern school environment? description: Find out how PSHE is taught at Redmaids' High School, through visiting speakers, hands on lessons and our strong pastoral system. image: https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hubfs/PSHE%20(1).jpg --- [![Black left aligned RHS GDST logo](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/Black%20left%20aligned%20RHS%20GDST%20logo.png?width=215&height=100&name=Black%20left%20aligned%20RHS%20GDST%20logo.png "Black left aligned RHS GDST logo")](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/) [Back to Main Site](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/) [![Redmaids' High School](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Redmaids_High_School_April2021/images/mobile-logo.png?width=270&height=472&name=mobile-logo.png "Redmaids' High School")](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/) [Back to Main Site](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/) [\< Back to Blog](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/) # What does PSHE look like in a modern school environment? ![PSHE (1)](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/PSHE%20(1).jpg?width=400&name=PSHE%20(1).jpg)By Alice Hinks, Head of PSHE If you were asked, ‘what is your memory of PSHE at school?’, you might conjure images of awkward sex education lessons featuring cucumbers and condoms, or uncomfortable teachers handing out sample packs of tampons without explanation of how to use them.   I’m pleased to report we have come a LONG way since then. PSHE lessons at Redmaids’ High, cover everything from self-defence, The 2010 Equality Act, budgeting, mental health, sexual health and much, much more.   The study of PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education) has experienced somewhat of a revival in recent years. Following the introduction of the statutory delivery of health, relationship and sex education in the summer of 2020, the subject has been given a real opportunity to evolve.   The range of skills developed in PSHE is enormous. These are skills and attributes which help students to stay healthy, safe and prepare them for life and work in the modern world. Students are encouraged to express their opinions and feelings, whilst listening to and respecting those around them. They are taught how to build safe and healthy relationships.   Our lessons are varied and engaging, encouraging learning in different ways. Below are a few examples of what PSHE at Redmaids’ High looks like.   #### **Visiting speakers** We welcome speakers from numerous fantastic organisations. We host talks from student ambassadors of the charity, [Just Like Us](https://www.justlikeus.org/) who speak to Year 9 about their journey as part of the LGBT+ community. We invite representatives from [The School of Sexuality Education](https://schoolofsexed.org/) to talk to students in Year 9, 10 and 11 about sexual health and consent, and host [Deanna Puccio](http://therapproject.co.uk/deana-puccio/) of [The RAP Project](http://therapproject.co.uk/) to discuss topics like the Everyone’s Invited movement and public sexual harassment. We host other specialists too, who are often part of our parent or alumnae community, such as police detectives, medical professionals and NGO employees. These volunteers have all delivered engaging and thoughtful talks which successfully support our curriculum.   **Reacting to the current climate** The past eighteen months has seen a sharp increase in mental health concerns amongst teenagers across the country. In response to this, key members of school staff have trained as youth mental health first aiders, learning how to deal with an array of mental health concerns. The curriculum has also been adapted to recognise this need. Having qualified as a Mindfulness in Schools Practitioner myself, the Year 7 programme has been adapted to include a specific mindfulness theme to support the transition to secondary school during this unpredictable climate.   **Listening to our students** We regularly ask the students for feedback on their lessons and visiting speakers. This allows us to adapt content accordingly and strengthen delivery of sensitive topics. We also use this as an opportunity to assess their progress in the various topics, which in turn can direct future lessons for the cohort. Due to the relative flexibility in content delivery, we ask students at the start of each year what topics are important to them and adapt our schemes of learning to incorporate these. An example includes looking at the menopause and pelvic floor health which Year 11 students felt was an important addition to their learning.   **Hands on** Students learn in a variety of different ways. Some are visual learners, whereas some prefer kinaesthetic activities for example. PSHE lends itself extremely well to ‘hands on’ activities. This could be parenting a ‘baby simulator’ for a weekend (a highlight of the Year 10 programme for students, perhaps not the ‘grandparents!’), learning the importance of self-checks using medical grade anatomy models, or weighing the sugar content in some of our favourite soft drinks. We use ‘drunk goggles’ to simulate inebriation and provide opportunities for students to explore a variety of contraception models. We know that these activities are successful ways of developing their knowledge and understanding in the classroom.   **Tutor programme and beyond** Our strong pastoral system acts as a perfect vehicle to continue the work covered in the PSHE classroom. Each year group follows a well-planned pastoral programme and works closely with the PSHE department to ensure a collaborative approach. Across the wider curriculum, subject leaders have identified where their schemes of learning also support PSHE and share resources appropriately. Where PSHE is successful, topics covered at school continue to be discussed at home providing another viewpoint, experience and even expertise on certain subject areas. We share details of upcoming units of work at the beginning of each half term in the school bulletin and regularly update the PSHE page on the [school hub](https://hubredmaidshigh.fireflycloud.net/login/login.aspx?prelogin=https%3a%2f%2fhubredmaidshigh.fireflycloud.net%2f).   We understand that content for this subject can be sensitive and even trigger unexpected emotions for students and also for parents. We would always encourage you to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to discuss our lesson content further. Schemes of learning and our PSHE/RSE policy is all available on the [policies section](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/about-us-about-rhs-school-policies-senior.aspx) of the school website.   *Learn more about of PSHE programme and everything else our school has to offer at our next Open Morning on Tuesday 9 November.*   [![Book a visit](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/19538110/3bf0dd15-7be1-4dbb-aa8c-d8d0827d7653.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/19538110/3bf0dd15-7be1-4dbb-aa8c-d8d0827d7653)  Date Posted: 26 October, 2021 [Share](http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/what-does-phse-look-like-in-a-modern-school-environment) ## Articles for: Senior, The World Beyond, PSHE ![Breaktime with our SENCO Lead Mrs Pillay](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Dharani.jpeg?width=770&name=Dharani.jpeg) **Breaktime with our SENCO Lead Mrs Pillay** Date Posted: 26 September, 2023 Tell us a little bit about your background, what inspired you to become a SENCO and what does the responsibility mean... READ MORE ![Post-16 education options: What is the IB Diploma? ](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Redmaids_sixthform22%20(8%20of%20106).jpg?width=770&name=Redmaids_sixthform22%20(8%20of%20106).jpg) **Post-16 education options: What is the IB Diploma?** Date Posted: 27 September, 2021 READ MORE ![The Halo Code](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Halo%20School%20logo.png?width=770&name=Halo%20School%20logo.png) **The Halo Code** Date Posted: 2 December, 2024 As a Halo School we are proud to celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles within our community. By signing up to... READ MORE ![Where Learning Starts With Skills](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2915-2.jpg?width=770&name=IMG_2915-2.jpg) **Where Learning Starts With Skills** Date Posted: 26 September, 2022 By Lisa Brown, Headteacher. At Redmaids’ High Junior School, learning starts with skills. That's why our Learner... READ MORE ![How to use your time in Sixth Form to get ahead in your career](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Sixth%20Form%20Career%20Help%20-%20insta.jpg?width=770&name=Sixth%20Form%20Career%20Help%20-%20insta.jpg) **How to use your time in Sixth Form to get ahead in your career** Date Posted: 24 November, 2021 READ MORE ![Exploring the Pros and Cons of Incorporating AI in Schools](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(52).jpg?width=770&name=Untitled%20design%20(52).jpg) **Exploring the Pros and Cons of Incorporating AI in Schools** Date Posted: 16 January, 2024 In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has made its way into various... READ MORE ![Settling In - Events and Information Sources for New Parents](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/custom-video-thumbnails/JS%20video%20-%2030%20sec%20clip%20for%20social-thumb.jpeg?width=770&name=JS%20video%20-%2030%20sec%20clip%20for%20social-thumb.jpeg) **Settling In - Events and Information Sources for New Parents** Date Posted: 13 September, 2022 For many new parents, the start of the Autumn Term can feel like a baptism of fire. Here at Redmaids' High Junior... READ MORE ![Sport at Redmaids’ High Juniors - empowering every girl](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/JS%20Sport%20blog%20post%20(1).jpg?width=770&name=JS%20Sport%20blog%20post%20(1).jpg) **Sport at Redmaids’ High Juniors - empowering every girl** Date Posted: 18 September, 2025 READ MORE ![Head's Blog - Our core values](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Burfield.jpg?width=770&name=Burfield.jpg) **Head's Blog - Our core values** Date Posted: 9 February, 2022 READ MORE ![Singing at Redmaids' High School](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(2)-4.png?width=770&name=Untitled%20design%20(2)-4.png) **Singing at Redmaids' High School** Date Posted: 20 December, 2023 With Christmas just around the corner it is the time of year where we come together, immerse ourselves in the festive... READ MORE ![How we can help our students get the career of their dreams](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Redmaids_sixthform22%20(11%20of%20106).jpeg?width=770&name=Redmaids_sixthform22%20(11%20of%20106).jpeg) **How we can help our students get the career of their dreams** Date Posted: 9 January, 2023 At Redmaids’ High we endeavour to prepare our students not only for the demands of the classroom, but more importantly... READ MORE ![The top 7 benefits of a girls-only education at Sixth Form](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Redmaids_sixthform22%20(2%20of%20106)1.jpg?width=770&name=Redmaids_sixthform22%20(2%20of%20106)1.jpg) **The top 7 benefits of a girls-only education at Sixth Form** Date Posted: 23 January, 2023 The final two years of school life are significant, but deciding where to be for your Sixth Form is not always an easy... READ MORE ![The transition from Junior to Senior School](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/image00029-2.jpeg?width=770&name=image00029-2.jpeg) **The transition from Junior to Senior School** Date Posted: 11 July, 2024 The move from Junior School to Senior School can be a daunting experience for students and their families. At Redmaids’... READ MORE ![A New Adventure in Year 3](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Alice.png?width=770&name=Alice.png) **A New Adventure in Year 3** Date Posted: 24 October, 2022 There’s a well-known seven-year-old girl who is adventurous, resilient, curious, logical and friendly. She puts no... READ MORE ![Breaktime with Dr Alice England](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/v3.jpg?width=770&name=v3.jpg) **Breaktime with Dr Alice England** Date Posted: 14 January, 2025 This month we are celebrating Dr England and the brilliant first six months that she has had in her role as Director of... READ MORE ![Break-time with ... | Redmaids' High School](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Maggie%20Edbrooke%20-450_th.png?width=770&name=Maggie%20Edbrooke%20-450_th.png) **Break-time with ... | Redmaids' High School** Date Posted: 23 March, 2020 READ MORE ![Manners matter: Blog post by Junior School Headteacher, Mrs Brown](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Lisa%20Brown%20recent%20-%20sqaure%20for%20instagram%20-1.jpg?width=770&name=Lisa%20Brown%20recent%20-%20sqaure%20for%20instagram%20-1.jpg) **Manners matter: Blog post by Junior School Headteacher, Mrs Brown** Date Posted: 10 November, 2021 In education, there is a lot to be said for getting the basics right, and that includes teaching good manners,... READ MORE ![Does a diverse range of subjects at Sixth Form lead to a better career?](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Redmaids_sixthform22%20(34%20of%20106)-1.jpg?width=770&name=Redmaids_sixthform22%20(34%20of%20106)-1.jpg) **Does a diverse range of subjects at Sixth Form lead to a better career?** Date Posted: 8 November, 2021 Last September, the Education Policy Institute posted a report into A-level subject choice. It stated that students who... READ MORE ![Breaktime with Anya Peyton](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Anya%20Peyton%20headshot.jpg?width=770&name=Anya%20Peyton%20headshot.jpg) **Breaktime with Anya Peyton** Date Posted: 13 July, 2022 Anya joined us as our new Deputy Head at the start of the summer term so we thought now was the perfect opportunity to... READ MORE ![Year 13 Dive into Psychological Research with University of Bristol](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/2-Dec-10-2025-03-29-52-8475-PM.png?width=770&name=2-Dec-10-2025-03-29-52-8475-PM.png) **Year 13 Dive into Psychological Research with University of Bristol** Date Posted: 11 December, 2025 Earlier this term, our Year 13 Psychology students took part in a unique workshop run in collaboration with researchers... READ MORE [Click here to view all news articles](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk) - [MAKE AN ENQUIRY](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/contact-us) - [NEWS](https://news.redmaidshigh.co.uk/) - [MY REDMAIDS' HIGH](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/my-redmaids/) [![Black centered RHS GDST logo](https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/Black%20centered%20RHS%20GDST%20logo.png?width=179&height=200&name=Black%20centered%20RHS%20GDST%20logo.png "Black centered RHS GDST logo")](http://redmaidshigh.co.uk) #### Registered Office The Asticus Building, 21 Palmer Street, London, England, SW1H 0AD Company number: 6400 Registered charity number: 306983    #### Junior School Grange Court Road Westbury-on-Trym Bristol BS9 4DP [0117 962 9451](tel:0117%20962%209451) [juniors@redmaidshigh.gdst.net](mailto:juniors@redmaidshigh.gdst.net) #### Senior School AND SIXTH FORM Westbury Road Westbury-on-Trym Bristol BS9 3AW [0117 962 2641](tel:0117%20962%202641) [seniors@redmaidshigh.gdst.net](mailto:seniors@redmaidshigh.gdst.net) - © 2025 Redmaids' High School, GDST - All rights reserved - [School Policies](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/about-the-school/school-policies/) - [Cookie & Privacy Policies](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/about-the-school/school-policies/data-protection-and-privacy-policies/) - [Contact Us](https://www.redmaidshigh.co.uk/contact-us/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Redmaids' High School", "url" : "https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/author/redmaids-high-school" }, "dateModified" : "2021-11-05T14:57:37.878Z", "datePublished" : "2021-10-26T08:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "What does PSHE look like in a modern school environment?", "image" : [ "https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hubfs/PSHE%20(1).jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/what-does-phse-look-like-in-a-modern-school-environment", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.redmaidshigh.co.uk/hubfs/RHS_logo_left%20aligned_black_RGB.png" }, "name" : "Redmaids' High School" } } ```