Our Lady's Catholic High School
Intent
As a Catholic school, our CPSHE curriculum is rooted in Gospel values and is inspired by the teachings of Christ. We are committed to nurturing the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of every pupil, recognising that each person is created in the image and likeness of God.
Through a carefully planned and ambitious curriculum, we develop pupils’ character, resilience, confidence and moral understanding, enabling them to make informed choices, build positive relationships and contribute positively to society.
Our aim is that every pupil leaves our school with the knowledge, skills and virtues to achieve their full potential, thrive in modern Britain and beyond, and live out their faith through service, respect and compassion for others. As one school community, we encourage every pupil to embrace the responsibility of ‘being one of ours’—living with integrity, demonstrating kindness and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
CPSHE lessons
Pupils in Years 7–11 are taught in their form groups and follow a progressive curriculum that explores the key themes of community, relationships, online safety, wellbeing and growing up. In addition, pupils develop their financial capability, careers education and study skills, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions and prepare successfully for their future lives.
To enhance learning and provide greater depth, selected aspects of the curriculum are delivered through dedicated drop-down days. These enable pupils to engage more fully with complex or sensitive topics, benefit from specialist input where appropriate, and participate in meaningful discussion and reflection that supports their personal development.
CPSHE is delivered by teaching staff to their form groups, providing pupils with consistency and enabling positive relationships to support learning, discussion and personal development. Staff remain with their allocated year groups, working closely with Learning Managers to ensure the curriculum is age-appropriate, progressive and responsive to the developmental needs of pupils at each stage. The programme is overseen by the Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral).
Our curriculum is based on high-quality resources from Oak National Academy, which have been carefully adapted to reflect the context and needs of Our Lady’s Catholic High School. All materials have been reviewed to ensure they are fully aligned with statutory guidance, diocesan expectations and the values and teachings of the Catholic Church.
We are committed to delivering an inclusive curriculum that recognises the dignity and worth of every individual. Lessons are designed to be accessible, relevant and representative of the diverse experiences of our pupils, promoting respect, empathy and understanding while ensuring that all pupils feel valued, supported and able to participate confidently in their learning.
Curriculum resources are regularly reviewed and refined to ensure they remain relevant, engaging and responsive to the needs of our pupils. This process of continual evaluation ensures that the CPSHE curriculum is coherent, progressive and equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to flourish both in school and in later life.
Parental Right to Withdraw Procedure:
- The CPSHE/HRSE curriculum has been made available on the school website.
- Parents do not have a right to withdraw pupils from statutory learning.
- The school newsletter will highlight the CPSHE curriculum, particularly when sensitive topics are to be explored. Parents will have a right to withdraw their child, by contacting the Headteacher, no later than the start of the school day when the lesson will take place.
For further information regarding our CPSHE curriculum please contact:
Mrs J O’Beirne (JOB@olchs.lancs.sch.uk) or telephone school reception: (01772) 326900.
