“To me Saint Martin’s is a place where people care about each other. We are given the support and help we need to succeed in life and always encouraged to do our best.” Year 11 pupil

The Personal Social Health Education programme is delivered by Form Tutors, supported by visiting speakers. It seeks to equip girls with the skills they need in the school community and prepares them for the world of work and life beyond school. Self confidence and service are encouraged as the girls get involved with school council, form assemblies and charity fund raising events. 

In Year 7 girls look at learning styles and revision techniques. They also discuss topics such as friendship and bullying and meet key people in the school community. Year 8 builds on these topics and explores issues such as peer pressure, alcohol awareness and first aid. In Year 9 time management is an important area and drugs, sexual health and contraception are also discussed. 

Study skills for GCSEs form an important part of the PSHE Programme in Year 10. Issues of personal safety, parties and expectations, sexual and mental health are some of the issues explored. Preparing for a formal Ball must be a unique feature of our Year 11 programme and this is balanced by a visit to the Magistrates Court and an introduction to UK Institutions of Governance. Parenthood, women’s health, bereavement and broken relationships are also explored. In Years 10 – 11 the PSHE programme is supported by a weekly lesson in ethics and in Year 11 a weekly careers lessons is used to explore a range of careers, supported by a variety of visiting speakers.