This academic year's fourth PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health, and Citizenship Education) day took place on Thursday, 14th March. It was held for all students. They are part of our model for ensuring we teach students the important lessons about staying safe and how to be happy and flourish. Our PSHCE days are underpinned by our vision, meaning we cover statutory content, as well as other lessons which we believe will benefit students based on their age group and will give them the knowledge they need to live life to the full.
The day was brimming with interactive and informative sessions covering an array of pertinent topics. From navigating the digital social media landscape safely to promoting mental and physical wellbeing; from exploring career pathways to understanding the complexities of climate change; from fostering equality to managing finances responsibly; and from nurturing healthy relationships to developing personal resilience. As well as hard-hitting but vital topics such as domestic violence, loss and bereavement, and self-harm.
One of the subjects highlighted to students is knife crime. Sadly, due to growing issues of knife crime among young people in Leeds and across the country, we invited Bryon Highton, from Milk Education, to present to our year 9, 12, and 13 students. Byron has dedicated his life to raising awareness and discouraging knife crime in the UK, after his own brother, Jo-Jo Highton, was murdered in 2014. Working alongside the police and charitable organisations, he has reached over 200,000 people - as well as featured on BBC and ITV. Further information can be found on Byron and his message in a BBC Live full report here.
As students left the PSHCE lessons, we hope they carried with them not just knowledge but also a sense of empowerment and confidence in facing the challenges ahead. Our PSHCE Days at Abbey Grange C of E Academy are yet another example of the school's commitment to fostering holistic development and equipping students with the tools they need to thrive beyond the school gates.
