Distinctive Christian Character 

At Trent, our PSHE curriculum is firmly grounded in our Christian vision and values. It enables pupils to develop a clear understanding of God’s world and to build positive, meaningful relationships that reflect the example and teaching of Jesus Christ. Through PSHE, pupils are encouraged to show kindness in their words and actions, mirroring the compassion Jesus shows to us.

We are thankful that God speaks to us through the Bible and listens to our prayers. This relationship with Him forms the foundation of our understanding that nothing is beyond His loving control. We recognise that God is continually shaping our character to become more like Christ, and that this process is a lifelong journey. As we persevere in faith, we hold fast to Jesus’ promise to be with us and to guide us through the Holy Spirit.

Through PSHE, we aim to equip all pupils with the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to lead healthy, confident and responsible lives. Pupils learn how to make informed decisions, develop emotional resilience and form strong, positive relationships built on mutual respect and understanding. Relationships and Sex Education is an integral part of this learning, as is teaching about physical, mental and emotional health. These areas are delivered within a dedicated space for Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education in the school timetable.

Our curriculum is underpinned by Trent’s core Christian values of kindness, thankfulness and perseverance. These values shape the way we learn, live and relate to others. Through them, pupils develop character, empathy and a sense of moral responsibility — to themselves, to one another and to the wider community. We teach pupils to understand that all people are made in the image of God and therefore worthy of love, respect and dignity.

High-quality PSHE contributes significantly to pupils’ academic, personal and spiritual development. It prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and challenges of life in God’s world. Through PSHE, pupils come to know and value who they are in Christ, enabling them to thrive as individuals, family members and citizens who act with integrity, compassion and faith. 

Intended Curriculum

At Trent, we have developed a whole-school approach to the delivery of our PSHE curriculum that reflects our Christian vision and values. We follow the Health Education Partnership PSHE and Wellbeing Framework which is based on the PSHE Association’s three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World.

PSHE is taught through weekly discrete sessions that provide dedicated time for personal reflection and discussion. Cross-curricular links are embedded throughout the wider curriculum to ensure that learning is relevant and meaningful. For example, online safety is taught alongside computing and aspects of health and wellbeing are reinforced through the science curriculum. Our statutory Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is delivered in line with our Christian ethos with strong connections to our local church, helping pupils to understand God’s design for healthy relationships and family life. 

PSHE lessons at Trent are characterised by high-quality discussion and reflection in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to share ideas, listen respectfully to others and challenge viewpoints thoughtfully. Learning takes place both independently and collaboratively through a balance of practical activities and personal reflection, with work recorded in PSHE books. Assessments at the end of each unit enable teachers to monitor progress and provide tailored support so that all pupils can thrive..