At Fairmead, we help our young people develop the skills they need to be safe, healthy, happy and independent. Our RSHE curriculum is carefully adapted to meet the needs of all learners and is taught in a supportive, age-appropriate and inclusive way.
As our. young people move through the school, they learn how to build positive friendships, understand and manage their emotions, make healthy choices and stay safe both in person and online. They develop skills such as respecting boundaries, recognising healthy relationships, understanding the importance of consent, celebrating differences, and knowing how to seek help when they need it. KS3 and 4 are also supported to prepare for adult life by learning about independence, personal responsibility, employment and life in the wider community.
A key focus throughout the curriculum is helping young people recognise when something does not feel right, understand their own boundaries, respect others, and know where to go for help and support. We encourage our young people to build confidence, resilience and self-esteem so they can make positive choices and take an active role in their communities.
Our RSHE curriculum is taught on a two-year cycle with the exception of lower and middle primary. Year 1 is being taught in 2026/27 and Year 2 covers the 2027/28 academic year. The tables below provide an overview of the topics covered across each year group, showing how learning is planned progressively as our young people move through the school.
The curriculum covers key areas of relationships, health and wellbeing, personal safety, growing and changing, and living in the wider world. Topics are revisited at an age-appropriate level, allowing young people to build on their previous knowledge, develop their understanding and acquire the skills they need to make healthy, safe and respectful choices.
Lower Primary
Belonging and relationships
Young people learn to make friends, take turns and feel happy and safe in school.
They practise sharing, playing together and following simple routines.
General wellbeing (our senses)
Young people learn about their bodies, their senses and how to look after themselves.
They practise healthy routines such as washing hands and taking care of themselves.
Me in the world
Young people learn about important people in school and the community.
They explore different jobs, try new activities and build confidence.
Healthy eating and fitness
Young people learn about healthy food, exercise and looking after their bodies.
They practise trying new things and keeping active.
Being safe and personal safety
Young people learn simple safety rules, how to say "no" when something does not feel right and who they can talk to if they need help.
They also learn about personal space and being kind to others.
Sense of self and emotions
Young people learn about different feelings and simple ways to help themselves feel calm.
They practise asking for help and talking about how they feel.
Middle Primary
Families and people who care for me
Young people learn about families, the people who care for them and what makes relationships feel safe, loving and supportive.
They explore how families can be different and learn who they can talk to if they are worried.
Respectful, kind relationships and caring friendships
Young people learn about kindness, respect, self-esteem and permission.
They begin to understand healthy friendships, how to treat others fairly and how to make positive choices in their relationships.
Careers
Young people are introduced to different jobs and workplaces through stories, role play, visitors and practical activities. They begin developing communication, independence and social skills that will help prepare them for the future.
Physical health, fitness and healthy eating
Young people learn how healthy eating, regular exercise and looking after their bodies can help them stay healthy and feel good.
They explore simple ways to make healthy choices every day.
Being safe and personal safety
Young people learn about boundaries, privacy, safe and unsafe secrets, appropriate touch and staying safe around other people.
They develop confidence in recognising when something feels wrong and knowing how to ask trusted adults for help.
General wellbeing
Young people explore their feelings and learn how emotions can affect both their bodies and minds.
They learn simple strategies to support their wellbeing, recognise when they may need help and understand the importance of talking to trusted adults.
Upper Primary Year 1
Families and people who care for me
Young people learn about families, caring relationships and the people who help and support them.
They explore what makes a family feel safe, happy and loved, while recognising that all families are different.
Respectful, kind relationships and caring friendships
Young people develop their understanding of respect, kindness, self-esteem and permission.
They learn how positive friendships help us feel happy, safe and included.
Careers
Young. people explore a range of jobs and workplaces.
They develop communication, social and independence skills while beginning to think about future aspirations.
Physical health, fitness and healthy eating
Young people learn how healthy eating, exercise, sleep and good hygiene help keep their bodies and minds healthy.
Year 6 - Developing bodies and sex education
Being safe, including consent
Pupils learn about personal safety, boundaries, privacy and consent.
Year 6 pupils also learn about puberty and the physical and emotional changes that happen as they grow up.
Year 5&6 girls and Year 6 boys – Developing bodies and sex education. Menstruation
General wellbeing
Young people learn about emotions, mental wellbeing and healthy ways to look after themselves.
They explore how sleep, exercise, friendships and daily experiences can affect how they feel.
Upper Primary Year 2
Caring friendships
Young people explore what makes a good friend, how friendships help us feel connected and how to manage disagreements in a positive way.
They also learn about bullying, peer pressure and loneliness.
Respectful, kind relationships
Young people learn about respect, equality and treating others fairly.
They explore stereotypes, bullying and how to safely seek help when they are worried about themselves or others.
Careers
Young people learn about different jobs, future opportunities and the skills people need for work.
They begin to identify their own strengths, interests and ambitions.
Safe relationships
Young people learn about boundaries, privacy, consent and personal safety.
They also explore healthy lifestyles, basic first aid, personal hygiene and the risks associated with drugs, alcohol, smoking and vaping.
Year 6 - Developing bodies and sex education
Health protection and prevention, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vaping and basic first aid
Young people learn about the physical and emotional changes that happen during puberty, personal hygiene, body confidence and where to find support if they have questions or worries.
Year 5&6 girls and Year 6 boys - Developing bodies and sex education. Menstruation
General wellbeing and wellbeing online (including bereavement)
Young people develop their understanding of mental wellbeing, emotions and coping with change.
They also learn about loss, bereavement and the differences between online and face-to-face relationships.
Key Stage 3 Year 1
Families
Young people learn about healthy family relationships, different family structures and the important role that families and carers play in supporting children and young people. They also learn where to seek help if a relationship feels unsafe.
Respectful relationships
Young people explore personal boundaries, consent, healthy relationships and how to recognise and respond to pressure from others.
They learn how to build respectful relationships and stay safe.
Careers
Pupils begin to explore future career options, identify their strengths and interests, and learn about different pathways into employment, training and further education.
Intimate and sexual relationships, including sexual health
Young people learn about the physical and emotional changes that happen during puberty, personal hygiene and where to access reliable advice and support as they grow and develop.
Physical health, fitness and healthy eating
Young people explore healthy lifestyles, including exercise, nutrition, vaccinations and making choices that support their long-term health and wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing
Young people develop a better understanding of emotions, mental health and wellbeing. They learn positive strategies for staying mentally healthy, building resilience and recognising when they or others may need support.
Key Stage 3 Year 2
Respectful relationships (including consent)
Young people learn how to build and maintain respectful relationships by understanding boundaries, privacy, consent and effective communication. They also explore managing conflict and ending relationships safely and respectfully.
Health and wellbeing
Young people learn how to manage change, cope with challenges and build emotional resilience.
They explore strategies for regulating emotions, communicating their needs and seeking support when needed.
Careers
Pupils continue to explore future careers, workplace expectations and the skills needed for employment.
They reflect on their strengths, interests and possible future pathways.
Being safe and respectful relationships
Young people learn about equality, diversity, bullying and healthy relationships.
They develop an understanding of harmful behaviours, learn how to recognise signs of abuse or coercion, and know where to seek support.
Health protection and prevention and understanding the healthcare system
Young people learn practical skills for keeping themselves and others healthy and safe.
Topics include personal hygiene, dental health, basic first aid, responding to emergencies and understanding when and how to get help.
Online safety and awareness
Young people develop their understanding of social media, online safety and digital wellbeing. They learn how to stay safe online, spot misinformation, understand the role of AI and know where to seek help if they encounter problems online.
Key Stage 4 Year 1
Respectful relationships and families
Young people learn about healthy, respectful relationships and the importance of kindness, consent and self-respect. They explore how stereotypes and harmful influences can affect relationships and learn how to recognise and challenge unfair or unsafe behaviours.
Intimate and sexual relationships, including sexual health and consent
Young people learn about healthy intimate relationships, consent, managing pressure and making safe, informed choices.
They also explore how relationships can affect both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Being safe and personal safety
Pupils learn about their rights and responsibilities, the importance of equality and respect, and how to recognise harmful, abusive or exploitative behaviours. They develop confidence to seek help and support when needed.
Drugs, alcohol, tobacco and vaping
Pupils learn about the risks associated with alcohol, drugs, smoking and vaping, including their impact on physical and mental health.
They develop the knowledge needed to make safe and informed choices.
Careers and transitions
Young people begin preparing for life beyond school by exploring careers, further education and employment pathways.
They develop practical skills such as decision-making, communication, applications and interview techniques.
Mental wellbeing and wellbeing online
Young people develop their understanding of mental health, emotional wellbeing and coping strategies. They learn how to recognise signs that they or someone else may need support, where to get help, and how online experiences can affect wellbeing.
Key Stage 4 Year 2
Respectful relationships and being safe
Young people deepen their understanding of staying safe in relationships and within the community. They learn how to recognise risk, respond to pressure from others and identify trusted sources of support and information.
Being safe
Young people learn about consent, exploitation, abuse, grooming and personal rights. The focus is on helping young people understand how to recognise unsafe situations, protect themselves and others, and access support when needed.
Intimate and sexual relationships, including sexual health and consent
Pupils develop their understanding of sexual health, contraception, sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy choices. They learn how to access reliable information and health services to support informed decision-making.
Personal safety
Young people explore how to stay safe as they become more independent. They learn about risk-taking, peer influence, travelling safely, recognising exploitation and understanding laws designed to keep people safe.
Health protection and prevention and understanding the healthcare system
Young person learn how to access healthcare services, look after their physical and mental health, and take increasing responsibility for their wellbeing. They also explore important health topics that will help prepare them for adulthood and independent living.
Online safety and awareness
Young people learn how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Topics include social media, online relationships, privacy, misinformation, harmful content and knowing what to do if something online causes concern.
