What should be taught?
PSHE is currently a non-statutory part of the curriculum, but many schools choose to teach it because they find their pupils benefit from learning how to lead healthy lifestyles, manage their feelings and build positive relationships, PSHE promotes positive behaviour, mutual respect and self-awareness.
Primary schools
The content for primary schools is set out in the Frameworks for PSHE for key stages 1 and 2 on the QCDA (Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency website. In the context of the PSHE and Citizenship frameworks primary schools address many of the areas of learning included in the PSHE education programmes of study.
The primary curriculum is currently under review.
For more details visit the QCDA website for Primary PSHE guidance
Download the end of key stage statements for PSHE at key stages 1 & 2
Sir Jim Rose has undertaken a review of the primary curriculum; a report on the consultation which took place is now available
Read Sir Jim Rose's report
Secondary schools
In the new secondary curriculum PSHE education is described in two new, interrelated, programmes of study for both key stages 3 and 4: one for personal wellbeing and one for economic wellbeing and financial capability.
Personal wellbeing draws together personal, social and health education, including sex education, the social and emotional aspects of learning
Economic wellbeing draws together economic understanding, careers education, enterprise, financial capability and work-related learning.
The programmes of study should be used flexibly to ensure that PSHE education programmes are appropriate to pupils’ abilities and backgrounds. They should provide opportunities to address real life and topical issues and show pupils that they can make a difference to their own and others’ lives.
The QCDA's national curriculum website provides information on the PSHE non-statutory programmes of study:
Download the revised end of key stage statements for PSHE at key stages 3
Download the end of key stage statements for PSHE at key stages 4