Our Curriculum

At Philip Southcote School, our PSHE and Preparation for Adulthood curriculum equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead safe, healthy, and independent lives. It is inclusive, developmental, and responsive to individual needs, with safeguarding and personal empowerment at its core. Students are encouraged to take on meaningful roles within the school community, such as School Council representatives, House Captains, and sports team members, developing leadership, responsibility, and a sense of belonging.

PSHE lessons at Philip Southcote School provide a safe and supportive space for students to explore sensitive topics, develop empathy, and understand the diversity of relationships they may encounter throughout life. The curriculum promotes resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to seek support when needed, helping students feel safe and confident in school, at home, and within the wider community. Through the explicit teaching of key vocabulary and concepts, students learn to communicate effectively, make informed choices, and engage meaningfully in discussions about their wellbeing, relationships, and future aspirations. PSHE themes are reinforced through assemblies and cross-curricular links, contributing to a consistent and holistic approach to students’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. We foster a trusting environment where students feel empowered to explore their emotions, ask questions, and build the resilience needed to navigate the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood.

The curriculum helps students understand themselves and others, stay safe and healthy, and prepare for employment, independent living, and community participation. Learning is structured around the Southcote Steps, which provide a developmental framework across six strands:

• Social and Emotional Wellbeing
• Day-to-Day Independence
• Physical Wellbeing
• Protection from Abuse and Neglect
• Personal Relationships
• Citizenship

Students engage in role play, everyday scenarios, and skills-centre experiences, using declarative, procedural, and conditional strategies to build tangible understanding and real-world application

PSHE is delivered weekly and covers:

• Physical and emotional wellbeing
• Safety and independence
• Relationships and citizenship

Preparation for Adulthood lessons focus on helping students build practical skills they can use in everyday life. These lessons are active and hands-on, giving students real experiences in the community. Students visit places like banks, shops and workplaces, where they learn how to manage money, look after themselves and make independent choices. They meet people who do different jobs and learn by seeing things in action. These experiences help students understand how the world works and prepare them for life after school. The curriculum supports students to become more confident, independent and ready to take part in their communities.  It provides a meaningful bridge to Sixth Form and beyond, ensuring students are equipped to thrive in life after school.

Preparation for Adulthood is taught fortnightly at KS4 in double lessons and focuses on:

• Money skills
• Self-care
• Independence

Progress is tracked through the Southcote Steps, formative assessment, and differentiated planning. Students receive targeted support through small group teaching, scaffolded tasks, and personalised resources. Collaborative learning builds communication, empathy, and resilience.

Our Skills Ladder allows students to progress in developing:

• Understanding of safety, health, and relationships
• Application of choices across contexts
• Evaluation and decision-making skills

Preparation for Adulthood is built around real-life experiences. Students visit banks, shops, workplaces, and community settings. They learn from people who do the job and experience the real world in action. These experiences are purposeful and linked to independent living, helping students build foundation skills for adulthood.  Progress is tracked through the Wheel of Independence.

PSHE and Preparation for Adulthood are central to our mission of enabling students to thrive beyond school. Whether navigating relationships, managing money, or accessing health services, students learn to make informed choices, advocate for themselves, and contribute positively to their communities. The curriculum empowers students to live with confidence, independence, and purpose.