The programme has a major focus on PSHE and citizenship, with opportunities for cross-curricular work involving geography, history, modern studies, maths, science, religious and moral education, English, drama and art.

England

Within PSHE at Key Stage 3, the following guidelines relating to Knowledge, skills and understanding are particularly relevant:

1. Developing confidence and responsibility and making the most of their abilities

Pupils should be taught:

b) to respect the differences between people as they develop their own sense of identity
d) to recognise the stages of emotions associated with loss and change caused by death, divorce, separation and new family members, and how to deal positively with the strength of their feelings in different situations

2. Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle

Pupils should be taught:

a) to recognise the physical and emotional changes that take place at puberty and how to manage these changes in a positive way
b) how to keep healthy and what influences health, including the media
e) about human reproduction, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, HIV and high-risk behaviours including early sexual activity, all within a context of the importance of relationships
f) to recognise and manage risk and make safer choices about healthy lifestyles, different environments and travel
g) to recognise when pressure from others threatens their personal safety and well-being, and to develop effective ways of resisting pressures, including knowing when and where to get help
h) basic emergency aid procedures and where to get help and support

3. Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people

Pupils should be taught:

a) about the effects of all types of stereotyping, prejudice, bullying, racism and discrimination and how to challenge them assertively
b) how to empathise with people different from themselves
d) to recognise some of the cultural norms in society, including the range of lifestyles and relationships
e) the changing nature of, and pressure on, relationships with friends and family, and when and how to seek help
i) to negotiate within relationships, recognising that actions have consequences, and when and how to make compromises
j) to resist pressure to do wrong, to recognise when others need help and how to support them

4. Breadth of opportunities

Pupils should be taught these components of Knowledge, skills and understanding through opportunities to:

g) consider social and moral dilemmas
h) find information and advice (for example, about the risks of early sexual activity, drug misuse, and about self-defence for keeping safe)

Within Citizenship at Key Stage 3, the following non-statutory guidelines are particularly relevant:

1. Knowledge and understanding about becoming an informed citizen

Pupils should be taught about:

f) the work of community-based, national and international voluntary groups
i) the world as a global community, political, economic, environmental and social implications and role of the EU, Commonwealth and UN

2. Developing skills of enquiry and communication

Pupils should be taught to:

b) think about topical, political, spiritual, moral and cultural issues, problems and events by analysing information and its sources, including ICT-based resources.

3. Developing skills of participation and responsible action

Pupils should be taught to:

a) use their imagination to consider other people's experiences and be able to think about and express and explain views that are not their own

Northern Ireland

Within Personal and Social Education Guidance at Key Stage 3, Knowledge, Understanding, Values and Attitude - Outcomes, the pupil:

• has knowledge and understanding of own and others' beliefs, values and cultural traditions
• has knowledge and understanding of health-related issues pertinent to self and other young people
• takes responsibility for own actions and the effect of own actions on others

Required skills include:

• practical skills for everyday living
• communication skills
• decision-making and problem-solving skills

Within Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) for post-primary schools, the curriculum should enable pupils to:

• acquire and use an appropriate vocabulary to discuss feelings, sexuality, growth and development
• develop a critical understanding of external influences on lifestyle and decision-making
• understand human physiology with particular reference to the reproductive cycle, human fertility and sexually transmitted infections
• understand sexual development and identify and explore aspects of sexuality, including sex role stereotyping, gender issues and cultural influences on sexuality
• develop skills for coping with peer pressure, conflict and threats to personal safety

RSE topics

Growth and Development – Key Stage 3

• the difference between HIV and AIDS, modes of transmission, practical hygiene and risky behaviour

Sexuality – Key Stage 3

• awareness of what it is to be male and female
• male and female perspectives on a range of issues

Relationships – Key Stages 3 and 4

• exploring morals and values in a variety of contexts and recognising the personal implications
• making informed and responsible decisions about personal and social relationships

Family issues – Key Stages 3 and 4

• gender roles, for example, choices, prejudice and stereotyping

Scotland

Within the 5-14 Curriculum: Health Education: Taking Responsibility for Health, relevant strands and attainment targets include:

Physical health

At Level D, pupils are able to:

• show their knowledge of how the body is protected from infections
• identify strategies for keeping healthy and safe

At Level E, pupils are able to:

• show their knowledge and understanding of the impact health choices can have on the quality of health

Emotional health

At Level D, pupils are able to:

• recognise peer and media influences can affect the choices they make

Social health

At Level D , pupils are able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of some aspects of the social and cultural influences on health
• identify ways in which the wider community takes action to protect health

At Level E, pupils are able to:

• identify global environmental issues that affect health

At Level F, pupils are able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of interrelated rights and responsibilities
• recognise how people can work together in the community
• demonstrate skills for responding to risk situations in their local community

Wales

Within PSE Framework for Wales Key Stage 3 - Learning Outcomes, Knowledge and Understanding - PSE includes:

Social aspect

• understand culture differences and recognise expressions of prejudice and stereotyping

Community aspect

• understand the nature of local, national and international communities with reference to cultural diversity justice law, order, and interdependence

Sexual aspect

• know about the different methods of contraception and their effectiveness and know how to use safer sex procedures · know the law relating to various aspects of sexual behaviour

Spiritual aspect

• have insights into their beliefs and values in the context of those in society and propagated by the media

Moral aspect

• recognise moral issues and dilemmas in life situations, know what they believe to be right and wrong actions and understand the issues involved

Environmental aspect

• understand the interdependence of global systems and the effects of natural processes and human development
• understand the key issues of sustainable development including actions that will improve the quality of life know without damaging the planet for the future

Within Attitudes and Values, PSE should enable pupils to:

• show care and consideration for others and their property and be sensitive towards their feelings
• value cultural diversity and equal opportunity and respect the dignity of all
• have a responsible attitude towards keeping the body safe and healthy
• be moved by injustice, exploitation and denial of human rights
• develop a sense of personal responsibility towards the environment and a concern for the quality of life both in the present and the future

Within Skills, PSE should enable pupils to:

• critically evaluate the viewpoints of others and messages from the media
• empathise with the experiences and feelings of others
• make moral judgements and resolve moral issues and dilemmas
• ask for help, support and advice