St Michael's Catholic and Church of England High School - Following Jesus Together

PSHE, Work Related Learning and Careers

P.S.H.E. is concerned with the health and well-being of the pupils of St Michael's and is included in the curriculum of all pupils. It is timetabled in Years 7 and 8 and underpins practice and development in subsequent years in each year group. The programme is designed to help young people cope with the challenge of society by providing positive growth and experiences and teaching specific coping skills. In line with the school's Mission Statement P.S.H.E. reflects the spiritual and moral values of our Christ-centred community. Such values include self-discipline, respect for others, compassion, good judgement, responsibility to self and others, honesty in relationships, family cohesion, trustworthiness and involvement in the community.

The course focuses on the themes of dealing with the teen years, and the choices involved at this time, building self-confidence through effective communication, developing self-discipline, self-esteem and self-assessment, improving relations with peer groups and family, developing critical thinking skills for decision making, setting goals for healthy living, good citizenship and developing effective study skills. The course aims to help our young people to develop the following skills:-

Decision Making: setting goals, gathering information, examining alternatives, consequences, evaluation of results.

Thinking: Memorising and analysing, critical thinking, eg distinguishing fact from opinion, creative thinking.

Communication: Expressing feelings through verbal and non-verbal communication, listening accurately, responding clearly, learning to handle conflict and solving problems.

Action: Carrying skills development beyond the controlled environment of the classroom, investing in health for the present and future.

Within both PSHE and WRL the Citizenship initiative has been incorporated fully into the programmes of study.

CAREERS EDUCATION & GUIDANCE

The Department aims to develop a range of skills and attitudes which will equip our pupils to make important career and life decisions.

Careers Education is taught formally in Years 9, 10 and 11 within the Work Related Learning programme. Here pupils are actively encouraged to explore their own personal interests and abilities in order to develop possible future career paths.

We also believe that it is vitally important that all new skills developed as part of these courses are recognised with formal qualifications. To this end all work is planned around the ASDAN Youth Award which is recognised by both Colleges of Further Education and Employers alike. The award meets all needs and abilities ranging from the basic Bronze to the Gold award which is given parity with a GCSE grade C or above.

All pupils take part in work placement in Year 10 with local commercial and private organisations. The aim of this project is to give pupils experience of real working life. Again the work produced here is accredited; pupils complete a diary which can be used as evidence towards Key Skill awards.

In addition all pupils are actively encouraged to achieve the Trident Gold Award. Here personal challenges and work in the community, along with a positive attitude, are rewarded. Certificates issued from these awards significantly enhance each pupil's Record of Achievement.

All pupils are interviewed at least once at Key Stage 4 with regard to their career aspirations. Parents are actively encouraged to attend and play a part in these interviews. We have a resident Personal Adviser and Link Tutor from Barnsley College. The Careers Library is open each lunchtime and is extensively used.

Our aim is to help pupils to explore themselves, develop a positive approach to their futures and to make the most of their talents.