“An investment in your personal development is the best investment you can make in your life.” - Jim Rohn

​Welcome to the Curriculum for Life Programme at Queen Elizabeth's School.

​Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is a subject which is delivered through our Curriculum for Life programme across all year groups.  Pupils develop the knowledge, skills and qualities required to manage their lives, now and in the future. These skills and characteristics help pupils to stay healthy, safe and prepare them for life and work in modern Britain.

​The Curriculum for Life programme removes many barriers to learning experienced by pupils, significantly improving their capacity to learn and achieve. The programme makes a significant contribution to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development, their behaviour and safety and the school’s statutory responsibility to promote pupils’ well-being through RSE. The programme also develops student citizenship whilst providing further education on careers linked to Gatsby Benchmarks.

​Evidence shows that well-delivered PSHE programmes have an impact on both academic and non-academic outcomes for pupils in terms of developing skills that have been identified as key attributes to future employment.

​The overall Intent of the programme is to deliver a curriculum which is accessible to all and ensures that each of our students understand more about how to play a positive and successful role within society. The Curriculum for Life programme provides students with a knowledge of their world, locally, nationally and globally, giving them confidence to tackle many issues that they face as they grow up.

The Curriculum for Life programme works closely with all stakeholders including parents, employers and the wider community providing further opportunities for parents to learn about the work that goes on during the year. This cooperative approach ensures QE pupils have the best information and support, both in school and at home.

The programme is delivered by tutors through a dedicated Curriculum for Life lesson every cycle. Students are assessed through yearly workbooks allowing them to reflect on their overall performance and commitment to society. The programme also features regular assemblies and further work with external agencies.

​The curriculum overview for each year group across the 6 themes can be found linked below.

Curriculum for Life is also taught through an individual subject context and is embedded into lesson planning.  To view how the Curriculum for Life programme is taught across the wider curriculum at KS3, KS4 and KS5 click here

The Curriculum for Life Podcasts based on individual themes including special guests can also be found here

​As a result of pupils' hard work, dedication and commitment to the wider community, the programme also provides opportunity to celebrate student success. Success is celebrated within tutor groups and house assemblies. Students receive an effort grade within their progress checks for their engagement in Curriculum for Life.

Parent Information

Under the Children and Social Work Act 2017 the government committed to making Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) statutory in all schools. 

Teaching about relationships and sex is nothing new for us at QE  – RSE is covered through PSHE education, and our established Curriculum for Life Programme.  As a school we recognise the statutory changes have huge potential to ensure further support for safe, effective PSHE practice resulting in the personal development for our students within the community.

Please see below for our latest communications and link to Government Statutory Guidance:

Curriculum for Life parent letter April 2022 is available here

Government Guidance is available here

​School commitment to RSE is available here

RSE Parental School Guide is available here

If you require further information about the programme, please contact:

Mr M Oldfield, Assistant Headteacher - moldfield@queenelizabeths.com 

Mrs G Heighway, Head of Wessex House and Curriculum for Life Coordinator - gheighway@queenelizabeths.com