PSHE & Emotional Wellbeing
Growing in confidence, character and wellbeing
At The Perse Prep, PSHE and Emotional Wellbeing are given dedicated curriculum time every week. Pupils benefit from a full hour that combines PSHE, led by the Assistant Head (Pastoral), with ring-fenced Emotional Wellbeing lessons taught by Form Teachers. Together, these sessions help children develop confidence, resilience, empathy and the skills to navigate everyday life.
Learning for life
Our ambitious spiral curriculum revisits important themes as pupils progress through the Prep School, allowing them to explore increasingly complex issues in an age-appropriate way. Shaped by pupil voice, pastoral priorities, statutory guidance and close collaboration across the Perse family of schools, the curriculum remains relevant, responsive and carefully connected from Pelican through to Upper School.
A distinctive feature of our approach is the SMSC Tree, which provides a shared language for values such as confidence, fairness, democracy, responsibility, respect, diversity and citizenship. These ideas are woven through lessons, assemblies and everyday school life, helping pupils make meaningful connections between what they learn and how they live.
Beyond the classroom
Learning extends beyond weekly lessons through Wellbeing Week, Anti-Bullying Week and a programme of specialist workshops. Pupils take part in Karl Hopwood’s online safety sessions, the NSPCC’s Speak Out, Stay Safe programme and 52 Lives kindness workshops. Visits from magistrates, police officers and other guest speakers bring important topics to life, while Year 4 visits Hazard Alley, Years 3 and 5 work with the Life Education Bus, and Year 6 explores the Rule of Law through the All Rise workshop.
Recent highlights
Pupils are increasingly confident discussing topics such as mental health, consent, inclusion and online responsibility. Through regular reflection, thoughtful discussion and opportunities to share their views, they play an active role in shaping the curriculum while developing the confidence to contribute positively to school life and the wider community.