The schemes of work are outlined from Jigsaw and give the generic structure to the flow of learning for pupils at Aspire.
In addition to that we also have a tutor time programme that allows tutors to discuss important topics that complement the programme and allows for pupils to achieve AQA Unit awards in that learning.
There is also a programme of assemblies that support the development of character of pupils with topics ranging from resilience to kindness and Fundamental British Values in addition to Spiritual Moral, Social and Cultural topics. There are special mentions assemblies at the end of every day to highlight pupil success and an annual prize-giving event at Worcester Warriors on the last day of term celebrating personal and academic achievements.
Key safeguarding topics also complement the programme from external speakers such as the sexual health nurses or the school nursing team or charities such as Purple Leaf who engage pupils about topics such as harmful sexual behaviours.
There is an additional programme of support for careers across all age groups from external advisors or business leaders.
Pupils will also experience external events to support their personal development with access to Dying2Drive at the Fire station or the Careers Fayres at the NEC or local hubs.
Finally, the Wellbeing programme at key stage 3 and the ASDAN programme at key stage 4 allows pupils to gain in cultural capital experiences locally, helping them to get a sense of their local world and context, visiting local natural habitats or woodland walks or visiting local places of historic interest.
PSHE Curriculum Overview 2025-26
This curriculum overview outlines the key themes and content taught in PSHE across Years 7 to 11. The programme is designed as a spiral curriculum, ensuring pupils revisit and deepen their understanding of key concepts with developmentally appropriate content each year.
Lessons are structured around six core themes, adapted from the Jigsaw PSHE framework: Being Me in My World, Celebrating Difference, Dreams and Goals, Healthy Me, Relationships, and Changing Me. To meet the needs of pupils with SEND, delivery is adapted by reducing content load, simplifying language, incorporating more visual and practical activities, and allowing additional time for discussion and reflection. Please note that in Year 11, pupils explore five of the six themes due to exam commitments.
There are also strong links with the Mental Health Awareness curriculum, ensuring that pupils build knowledge, strategies, and resilience to support their emotional wellbeing alongside their PSHE learning. In addition, the programme connects closely with the Zones of Regulation curriculum taught as part of the tutor group programme across all year levels, reinforcing emotional regulation strategies and promoting consistency across the wider curriculum.
| Year | Being Me in My World | Celebrating Difference | Dreams and Goals | Healthy Me | Relationships | Changing Me |
| Year 7 | Identity, influences, peer pressure, online safety and consequences of online actions. | Prejudice and discrimination, protected characteristics, stereotypes, bullying, fairness and equality. | Setting goals, steps to success, respect in relationships, risky vs. responsible choices. | Mindfulness, nutrition, exercise, sleep, managing stress, making healthy choices. | Qualities of healthy relationships, changing friendships, media influence, assertiveness. | Puberty, body changes, reproduction basics, family types, self-esteem, personal boundaries. |
| Year 8 | Identity and culture, family values, stereotypes, personal beliefs, faith and influences. | Prejudice, injustice, bullying, fairness, making a positive difference. | Aspirations, values, money and budgeting, online safety, impact of money on wellbeing. | Daily habits, substance safety, physical health, vaccinations, peer pressure. | Self-worth, social media, personal space, online and offline safety, power in relationships. | Types of relationships, romantic attraction, healthy vs. unhealthy traits, pornography and media influence, alcohol and safety. |
| Year 9 | Group identity, peer influence, risky behaviour, grooming, consent, making safe choices. | Equality and fairness, positive language, bullying, prejudice and discrimination. | Personal strengths, SMART planning, mental health and media influence, stigma and self-esteem. | Teenage brain, effects of substances, group risk, first aid, mental health awareness. | Equality in relationships, consent, assertiveness, contraception, sexual health education. | Mental health, addiction, resilience, emotional changes, self-expression and identity. |
| Year 10 | Freedom and safety, grief and loss, social media, online identity and risk. | Workplace equality, multicultural society, coercive control, power dynamics, standing up for others. | Health and relationships, resilience, balance, supporting others, employability. | Physical and mental health, sexual health, common illnesses, healthy choices, volunteering. | Long-term relationships, love and loss, relationship media messages, healthy connections. | Societal changes, risk awareness, decision-making, personal safety, stereotypes and self-esteem. |
| Year 11 | Adulthood, rights and laws, online safety, emergencies, legal responsibilities. | Managing anxiety, money, budgeting, relationships and family life, planning for setbacks. | Self-worth, sexual safety, hormonal health, contraception, pregnancy and choices. | Stages of relationships, gender and sexuality, LGBT+ inclusion, harmful practices, power balance. | Preparing for adulthood, managing change, exam stress and revision, reflecting on values and identity. |
SMSC Mapping: Jigsaw PSHE Broad Curriculum Overview (Years 7–11)
