Social Thinking - Myself, Relationships and Staying Safe
At Philip Southcote School, Social Thinking is taught twice a week in short, focused sessions of 25 minutes. These lessons give students the chance to talk, share ideas and think about important topics they learn in PSHE, RSE and Online Safety. The sessions are discussion-based and practical, helping students understand what they have learned, challenge misconceptions and apply knowledge to real-life situations.
Social Thinking is delivered as a spiral curriculum, revisiting key concepts with increasing complexity from Year 7 through to Year 11. Themes and key concepts are revisited across key stages, allowing students to deepen their understanding and apply learning in increasingly complex social situations.
The aim of the Social Thinking curriculum is to ensure students leave Philip Southcote confident in who they are, aware of their value, and equipped with the knowledge, skills and vocabulary to make informed choices and stay safe in the world around them.
Social Thinking is built around Big Questions that encourage curiosity and reflection. These questions guide conversations and make learning meaningful and accessible. For example, students explore questions such as “What makes me unique and valuable?”, “What makes a good friend?”, and “How can I stay safe online?”. These questions help students think about themselves, their relationships and how to stay safe in the real and digital world.
Lessons are interactive and use simple language, visual prompts and role play to support understanding. Students revisit key ideas like consent, boundaries, kindness and online safety at increasing levels of complexity as they progress through the school. The curriculum is organised into three themes: Myself, Relationships and Staying Safe, with each term focusing on one theme and its related Big Questions. Teachers introduce and reinforce key vocabulary, providing opportunities for students to use it in discussions and activities to strengthen understanding and communication.
Key skill developments include:
- Building confidence to express opinions and listen to others.
- Understanding personal qualities and respecting differences.
- Learning how to make safe choices online and offline.
- Recognising healthy and unhealthy relationships.
- Developing empathy and problem-solving skills in social situations.
Progress is observed through student participation, reflection and application of strategies in real-life contexts, helping staff identify areas for reinforcement and celebrate personal growth.
Social Thinking helps students connect what they learn in PSHE and RSE to everyday life. It prepares them for adulthood by teaching practical strategies for staying safe, forming positive relationships and being part of an inclusive community. These sessions also strengthen communication skills and encourage students to think critically about their choices and the impact they have on others.
