Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) education plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded, resilient, and empathetic individuals. It equips children with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to navigate their lives and communities effectively. However, delivering high-quality PSHE lessons requires careful planning and thoughtful execution. Below are some key best practices for ensuring impactful PSHE education in the classroom.
1. Ensure Teacher Confidence and Training
PSHE is most effective when delivered by teachers who feel confident and comfortable with the subject matter. Schools should:
- Provide comprehensive training for all staff involved in teaching PSHE. This training should cover the curriculum content, effective teaching strategies, and ways to handle sensitive topics.
- Ensure teachers are familiar with the school’s policies, especially those related to RSHE, safeguarding, and confidentiality, so they can confidently navigate challenging discussions.
- Offer opportunities for staff to share best practices and support one another in delivering PSHE lessons.
When teachers feel equipped and supported, they can approach PSHE topics with clarity and sensitivity, ensuring pupils gain the most from their lessons.
2. Use Quality-Assured Resources
The resources used in PSHE lessons should be high-quality, age-appropriate, and evidence-based. Schools should:
- Select materials that have been reviewed by specialists in PSHE education. This ensures that the content is accurate, relevant, and aligned with the latest guidance.
- Regularly review and update resources to reflect new research, societal changes, and curriculum requirements.
- Avoid relying solely on outdated or generic materials, ensuring lessons are engaging and tailored to the needs of their pupils.
By using trusted resources, schools can deliver consistent and effective messages, fostering trust and understanding among pupils.
3. Establish Firm Ground Rules
Creating a safe and supportive environment is essential for PSHE lessons to thrive. Clear ground rules help ensure discussions remain respectful, constructive, and appropriate. These rules should:
- Be established collaboratively with the children to promote ownership and understanding.
- Include guidelines such as respecting each other’s opinions, listening actively, and maintaining confidentiality where appropriate.
- Be reinforced regularly, especially before tackling sensitive topics.
With firm ground rules in place, pupils can explore complex issues without fear, ensuring conversations support growth and development rather than veering into unsuitable areas.
4. Allocate Dedicated Curriculum Time
PSHE deserves a permanent and well-defined slot in the school timetable. To maximise its impact:
- Allocate consistent and sufficient time for PSHE lessons to ensure the curriculum is covered in depth.
- Include structured discussion time to encourage critical thinking, reflection, and peer learning.
- Avoid squeezing PSHE into ad hoc slots, as this can undermine its importance and reduce its effectiveness.
A dedicated schedule signals to pupils and staff alike that PSHE is a valued and integral part of the school curriculum.
5. Emphasise the Importance of Assessment
Assessment in PSHE helps track progress, identify gaps in understanding, and build upon existing knowledge. Effective assessment practices should:
- Be formative, focusing on what pupils have learned and how they can apply it in real-life contexts.
- Avoid repetition by regularly reviewing and building on previous lessons.
- Include self-assessment opportunities to empower pupils to reflect on their own learning journey.
Thoughtful assessment ensures that PSHE education evolves with the needs of the students, fostering deeper understanding and meaningful growth.
Delivering impactful PSHE education requires a combination of well-trained teachers, quality resources, safe learning environments, and consistent time allocation. By implementing these best practices, schools can ensure their PSHE programmes empower pupils with the skills and values they need to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
When we get PSHE right, we provide children with the foundation for lifelong well-being and success—a goal every educator should aspire to achieve.
