KS3 & KS4 RSHE (PSHE) curriculum

As Year 8 pupils face increasing academic and social pressures during adolescence, they need practical strategies to support their mental health and build resilience. This unit provides essential skills for emotional regulation, stress management and seeking support when needed. At this developmental stage, pupils can understand mental health as something everyone experiences and maintains, empowering them to develop healthy habits that will support their wellbeing throughout adolescence and beyond.

1. How talking supports mental health
2. Influences on mental health
3. Working with my feelings
4. Calming and relaxation techniques

• Pupils should understand from Year 7 that everyone experiences different emotions and that worrying or feeling down are normal responses that can affect anyone at different times.
• Pupils should be familiar with talking about feelings using appropriate vocabulary from previous units, and recognise that discussing emotions with trusted people can help manage them.
• Pupils should know about common mental health concerns such as anxiety and stress, and understand that seeking support from adults or professionals is important and helpful.