Our commitment to all of our Post-16 students is that we equip them to leave Breakthrough College with more than just a set of exam results: we want them to be able to safely embrace life’s opportunities and challenges.
The PSHE programme we have in place is aligned with the PSHE Association and is designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to help each student reach their personal potential. This includes helping them to deal with critical issues they face every day, such as friendships, emotional wellbeing and change, along with building skills for the future.
From making informed decisions about alcohol to understanding consent and succeeding in their first job, PSHE education helps pupils prepare for all the opportunities, challenges, life decisions and responsibilities they’ll face. Our approach incorporates a broad scope of topics and skills, ranging from simple daily living tasks such as choosing appropriate clothing or making a drink, to more complex skills such as budgeting and building relationships. PSHE is an integral part of our educational offer. This is inclusive of our mental health provision and the embedded safeguarding curriculum.
how we begin
Our work starts with an individual student-centred plan, created with them, ensuring their voice is part of the decision-making. It aims to identify their existing skill set and the areas of priority and need, including their hopes and dreams for their future.
The student is at front and centre of this process to encourage their awareness, as we work through the various PSHE topics, starting with the areas that will be of most benefit to that student in the short term.
how we progress
We follow a rigorous PSHE programme that ensures all areas are covered by each student over time, regardless of where the order of topics is personalised. In all, students learn about physical health, mental health, growing and changing, media and digital literacy, personal safety, money, careers, relationships and sex education, bullying, discrimination, community and responsibility.
At all times we aim to be collaborative, supportive and transparent with the PSHE curriculum, through a holistic and therapeutic approach. We look for ways to involve the whole team around a student so that concepts and values are modelled in a range of contexts. In this way we always aim to give each student the best chance of thriving and maintaining resilience beyond Breakthrough College.
how we transition
From the point of admission, we journey with students to identify the Breakthrough transition pathway most appropriate and relevant to them as an individual. This may change and develop as they spend time with us to meet their expanding knowledge, skills and broadened horizons. It will always support the individual needs of the student.
We are acutely aware of the challenges which can be brought on by change, and, by beginning their journey with a vision for the future, this helps students to gain confidence and reduce anxiety. In so doing we aim to build a solid foundation for whatever lies ahead, so they can face a world full of uncertainty with hope.
As students get closer to the point where they will move on from Breakthrough College, we ensure that this transition is planned for and supported. This may involve incorporating work experience as part of the ILS programme, or looking at skills around entrepreneurship. It may also mean supporting a move to a different educational setting or an apprenticeship.
Further information about preparing for adulthood can be found via the relevant SEND Preparing for Adulthood Team:
