PSHE education, having an impact and making a difference

28 June 2011

There are strong and irrefutable reasons for doing PSHE education in schools besides the statutory aims for education to which this subject significantly contributes.

However, there is little research into the effectiveness and success of educational interventions on children and young peoples’ lives. Other than empirical research undertaken as part of major projects on smoking, alcohol and drugs, very little is known about the wider impact of PSHE education. Where data is available about young people it more often or not reflects their behaviour, use of substances and attitudes to issues that affect them. Much of the reporting is negative, misreported and sensational. 

This prompted the theme of our annual conference on June 23rd, `where we explored the impact of well delivered PSHE education on the lives of young people. During his presentation, our policy advisor Dr. John Lloyd revealed what evidence already exists and highlighted the urgent need to provide up-to-date and relevant data. This is essential at a time of curriculum change and if the ambitions for PSHE education set out in the Government’s White Papers on education and public health (2010) are to be achieved.

You can find our new briefing based on this presentation below. We’d love to hear about the impact that PSHE education has made in your school, please email us with your evidence and stories.

PSHE education having an impact and making a difference.pdf