PSHE Policy

This policy applies to Senior School.

The policy relating to the Junior School and EYFS is linked here.

Stepping in: we aim for every girl to feel known, supported, confident and able to shine at Wimbledon High.

Wimbledon High School recognises the importance of Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) in ensuring that our pupils are confident, happy and able to shine. PSHE is at the heart of our Pastoral Programme (GROW) and has been developed to support the development of the skills, attitudes, values and behaviour.

• The development of individual identity, encouraging students to explore their motivations, values and personal interests.
• Positive interactions and relationships, fostering a sense of belonging within year groups, school sections and the wider school community.
• A holistic approach to well-being, recognising the importance of academic studies, hobbies, sports, family and friendships in shaping a balanced and fulfilling life. 

The GROW Programme has many different facets. It is embedded across various aspects of school life and students will experience it in form time, on Wednesdays during P5, in assemblies, and after school.

GROW is guided by five strategic themes that underpin all aspects of our provision:

• RSE equips students with knowledge, understanding, skills, and values to develop healthy relationships and make informed decisions. As students get older, they are supported in navigating sexuality responsibly. We recognise that there has never been a more important time for girls and young women to understand their bodies, their rights, and how to protect themselves. To that end, accurate and age-appropriate information is provided on consent, personal boundaries, sexual diversity, contraception and sexual behaviour is provided. Safety is a core principle within RSE, encompassing both physical and emotional wellbeing. Students are taught how to recognise risk, seek help, and make safe choices in both real-world and online environments. 
  
• Futures aims to ensure every student at Wimbledon High School is equipped with the tools, skills, and knowledge to pursue their aspirations confidently. It combines ambition with practical understanding of the wider world, covering employability, enterprise, leadership, motivation, and ambassadorship. Students leave WHS prepared not only to dream big but to realise those dreams with resilience and purpose.
• Stepping in is more than a transition programme, it  is a philosophy that fosters engagement, purpose, optimism, connectedness and happiness. It supports students in developing a strong sense of self and belonging, forming the foundation of our pastoral care. 
• Intellectual resilience is a vital component of GROW, empowering students to think critically, engage thoughtfully, and communicate effectively. In a world that is increasingly polarised, it is not enough to simply know what you believe; students must also be able to articulate their views, listen actively to others, and remain open to new perspectives. Through the development of intellectual resilience, students are better equipped to challenge injustice, navigate complex societal issues, and contribute meaningfully as active citizens.
• Inclusion is not just demonstrated by special weeks or months, assemblies, or social media. An inclusive community has an intangible feel that is created when every individual, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities, is valued and respected. At Wimbledon High we celebrate the tapestry of the United Kingdom and the strength engendered by difference. We aim for our community to be a safe and welcoming environment for our students and staff, where every voice is heard, protected, and celebrated.

The GROW (PSHE & RSE) Programme works to include within it the Promotion of British Values and Prevention of Radicalisation Policy. The programme and approach aims to encourage respect for other people, with particular regard to the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, in an age appropriate way, and will cover topics such as Marriage and civil partnership, maternity, gender and sexual orientation as girls go up through the school. 

Wimbledon High School acknowledges that GROW (PSHE) is something that should run throughout the school and that learning in other relevant subjects should complement the GROW programme. 

 Furthermore this policy complements the following: 

• Safeguarding and Child protection 
• Drug education and the management of drug-related incidents 
• Healthy eating 
• Anti-bullying 
• Equal opportunities 
• Health and safety 
• Sex and relationships education 
• Prevent 
• Fundamental British Values

Wimbledon High School also recognises the vital importance that PSHE plays in avoiding child on child abuse and ensuring all children are safe and know how to keep themselves safe, as well as promoting the economic well-being of pupils. 

Key principles and Teaching Methodology

We seek to provide a clear framework within which professional colleagues can work. The GROW programme will be taught through a range of teaching methods and will be taught in the following manner:

• Years 7 through 13 have weekly, 40 minute, timetabled sessions
• Each year group also has form sessions, whole school, year group and house assemblies which connect to the GROW Programme. 

GROW sessions are led by in-house staff, Heads of Year, Assistant Heads of Year and high quality external agencies & speakers.  

We will use a wide range of visitors and external agencies to bring a level of expertise or personal story to enrich student’s learning. However, the teacher should always manage this learning, ensuring that learning objectives and outcomes have been agreed in advance, and any input from visitors should be part of a planned, developmental programme rather than a substitute for it. Teachers should always be present to manage the learning. We also believe in ensuring a wide range of viewpoints, as age appropriate, are represented by our visiting speakers. 

Responsibility for teaching the programme

Wimbledon High School's programme is lead by our GROW Co-ordinator who in turn works with the Pastoral Leadership Team, Assistant Head Pastoral & Inclusion and the Deputy Head Pastoral, who are responsible for the overall running of the GROW Programme. 

Review & consultation

We believe that consultation and involvement of students in GROW is crucial if teaching is to meet their needs and address the issues they are facing. Without such engagement, teachers are left to 'guess' what is needed. Involvement of students also means that teachers can learn what students think of what is currently being taught. 

The GROW Co-Ordinator seeks regular feedback from student on the programme. The Pastoral Leadership Team run annual surveys to ensure that key strategic themes are updated and reflect the needs to students and families. Feedback is sought from students to assess the areas of development within the scheme of work for each year group. 

Inclusion & adaptive teaching

We will ensure that all students have equal access to our GROW (PSHE & RSE) Programme. We recognise and respect students’ different abilities, levels of maturity and personal circumstances, and encourage them to recognise those of other people; for example sexual orientation, gender identity, faith, race or culture (which may, depending on their age and maturity, not be something they have yet considered or may be ‘emerging’) or the sexual orientation, gender identity, faith or culture of their family, friends and wider community. 

 As far as is appropriate, students with Neurodiversity requirements should follow the same GROW programme as all other students. Careful consideration will be given concerning the level of differentiation needed, and in some cases the content or delivery will have to be adapted.