As part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum, pupils continue to learn about PSHE and work towards an award called Personal Growth and Well-being. In year one they will complete 2 units to achieve an award. In year 2, they will complete a further two units to achieve a Level 1 Certificate in Personal Growth and Well-being.

What is the purpose of these Pearson BTEC Level 1 in Personal Growth and Well-being qualifications?

The Pearson BTEC Level 1 in Personal Growth and Well-being qualifications are designed around practical skills and tasks that place an emphasis on learners’ personal responses to everyday life situations and scenarios. Learners are encouraged to reflect and demonstrate their understanding. The qualifications give learners the opportunity to acquire and develop generic and transferable skills in order to complete tasks and demonstrate a level of achievement at Level 1, which enables them to progress to further learning or employment. Units 1-4 have been developed in direct response to the statutory RSE requirements in England and Wales.

Year 10

Unit 1: Improving Physical Health and Well-being

Our daily habits in early childhood can have a significant influence on us in later life. What we eat and drink can affect our health in positive ways, but it can also have a negative influence. The amount of sleep we get each day can affect how effective we are at college or work. Research shows that getting sufficient exercise each day can have a significant effect on how we feel about ourselves, as well as keeping our long-term health and us strong and mobile. In this unit, pupils will consider both positive and negative factors that may influence their lifestyle choices. They will spend time gathering information about aspects of their lifestyle that influence their health. They will then use their knowledge of appropriate food and drink, sleep patterns and a choice of physical activities, to create a routine for a day. Pupils will then carry out the routine and review it. They will also examine the effect that drugs, alcohol, smoking and diet can have on levels of physical health and well-being.

Unit 3: Understanding the Role of Relationships in Social Health and Wellbeing

Having a relationship with others can be a significant benefit to your own social health and well-being. Pupils can share good and exciting experiences, share difficult times together or perhaps ask for advice about personal situations knowing that the information is not going to be shared with others. Some relationships may lead to greater commitment, such as living together, marriage, and perhaps having children. In this unit, students will explore the benefits of different types of relationship. They will look at what makes a successful relationship and the behaviours and attitudes that will make it a positive experience. They will have the opportunity to develop personal skills to help form and maintain effective relationships.

Year 11

Unit 2: Understanding Emotional Well-being

Being able to express your emotions to others can be difficult at times, but it can be helpful to help us understand how our emotional responses may affect our well-being. It’s not easy to share our feelings with others, but it is important in maintaining our emotional well-being. It is also important to be aware of how to respond when others share their own thoughts and feelings or emotions. In this unit, pupils will consider why it is important to share emotions with people you trust and also why this can be difficult. In sharing, they may gain advice, support and opinions from others to help them. Pupils will spend time finding ways to share personal feelings with others. There are many local groups, charities and national organisations that provide support and information about emotional well-being. They will have the opportunity to research some of these sources as they work through this unit.

Unit 4: Understanding Sexual Health and Well-being

Entering into an intimate relationship can be a significant step in a person’s life. To be in a relationship, partners should trust and value each other as individuals. They will be honest with each other, share common interests and support each other through challenging times. Developing and maintaining effective intimate relationships is not always easy. They take work, and we all need to consider how we and others are contributing to ensure the relationship is effective. This involves developing our social and communication skills. It is important for pupils to consider how your feelings and those of your partner can influence your relationships and how to exercise responsibility as you deal with the pressures and emotional challenges involved. The skills, knowledge and understanding to build and maintain intimate relationships are essential for their own health and well-being and that of your partner and family. In this unit, pupils will consider the factors that make a healthy intimate relationship. They will also learn about reproductive health, how to stay safe and healthy and where to go for support and guidance if they are concerned about their health.

For further information on our Personal Growth & Well-being curriculum, please contact Mrs Abi Rodregio.