All students will study Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) to equip them with essential knowledge and skills for navigating the complexities of life.

PSHE supports personal development by addressing key topics to encourage self-awareness, emotional resilience, and responsible decision-making, allowing students to understand their rights and responsibilities within society. By exploring these themes, it empowers students to make informed choices, build healthy relationships, and manage challenges, ultimately preparing them for adulthood.

How we deliver PSHE at BOA

We follow a programme of study provided by external provider, Jigsaw PSHE Ltd. This is a comprehensive and original program for primary and secondary schools that integrates PSHE education with emotional literacy, social skills, and mindfulness. Jigsaw PSHE guarantees that its programmes for primary and secondary meet the statutory requirements for Relationships Education and Health Education at primary, and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education at secondary in England. The full programme of study can be found further down this page.

We also offer opportunities for SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development), careers and citizenship through form-time activities, assemblies and PSHE drop down days.

Relationships and Sex education (RSE)

RSE is currently delivered throughout our PSHE programme of study during the summer ‘changing me unit’. This unit is designed to help children understand the changes they experience as they grow. It tackles topics like puberty, emotional growth, self-esteem, and transitioning into adolescence. It also prepares them for the physical, emotional, and social changes they will face in the coming years. Reproduction is taught through the science curriculum and is statutory.

The RSE aspects of our PSHE programme aims to equip students with the social and emotional skills needed to have positive and healthy relationships as adults.

RSE period of consultation

The DfE published updated guidance on Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), and Health Education in July 2025. We will hold a consultation period prior to reviewing our RSE policy to ensure full compliance with the revised requirements by September 2026. During this time, we will consult with parents/carers, staff, governors, and pupils to ensure that our policy reflects the views and needs of all stakeholders.

Our current policy, in line with DfE guidance published in 2019, can be found in the governance and polices section of the website.

The right to withdraw

We believe that students benefit from participating in our PSHE programme of study in its entirety. However, BOA Digital respects the legal right of parents/carers to withdraw their child from all or part of the RSE programme, except for those statutory parts included in the national curriculum for citizenship, P.E. and science.

If a parent wishes their child to be withdrawn from RSE lessons, they should put in writing which aspects of the programme they do not wish their child to participate in and send this to the academy addressed to the principal. Before granting any such request, the principal will discuss the request with parents and, where appropriate, with the child to ensure that their wishes are understood and to clarify the nature and purpose of the curriculum.

We will document this process to ensure a record is kept. If you have any concerns or queries about your child’s participation in these lessons, please do not hesitate to contact the school.