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Safeguarding in th Curriculum

Safeguarding in the curriculum

At Holte School, we help pupils develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to recognise risks, build healthy relationships and seek help when they need it. Our safeguarding curriculum supports pupils to make informed choices in school, online and in the wider community. 

Across Years 7–13, learning is adapted to pupils’ ages and needs. Through discussion, practical activities and opportunities to ask questions, pupils explore the situations they may face and learn how to keep themselves and others safe. 

How we deliver the programme 

Citizenship is taught through a one-hour lesson on Wednesday in Week 1 of our timetable. These lessons provide regular opportunities to explore rights and responsibilities, understand society and the law, and develop the critical thinking skills needed to question information and make informed decisions. 

We also hold three PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) drop-down days each year. These dedicated days bring together visiting specialists and hands-on learning, giving pupils time to explore topics in greater depth and practise useful skills. 

Safeguarding learning is reinforced through subject lessons, weekly assemblies, Form Coach activities and our Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development programme. Regular check-ins and discussions help pupils share their views, reflect on their experiences and identify trusted adults they can approach. Our SMSC newsletter and planned themes connect this learning with everyday school life. 

Learning with specialist visitors 

External professionals bring expertise and different perspectives to our programme. Their contributions help pupils connect classroom learning with real situations, ask questions and learn about support beyond school. 

Organisations we have worked with include West Midlands Police, the Counter Terrorism Unit, school nurses, St John Ambulance, Loudmouth and other theatre groups, universities and youth organisations. We draw on relevant expertise to support the topics being taught and the needs of our pupils. 

What pupils learn 

The following themes give examples of the learning pupils encounter during their time at Holte. Topics are introduced and revisited in ways that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. 

  • Healthy relationships and respect. Friendships, consent, boundaries, peer pressure, sexual health, relationships and sex education, sexual orientation, and recognising controlling or abusive behaviour. Pupils explore how to challenge homophobia, misogyny and other forms of discrimination. 
  • Recognising abuse and exploitation. Bullying, sexual harassment, abuse between pupils, domestic abuse, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, and county lines. 
  • Online safety and the media. Cyberbullying, harmful content and contact, pornography, sharing intimate images, online manipulation, AI-generated images and deepfakes. Pupils learn to question media messages and report concerns. 
  • Personal safety. Knife crime, pressure to carry weapons, travel safety, drink spiking, honour-based abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). 
  • Mental health and wellbeing. Understanding emotions, managing stress and anxiety, recognising the effects of difficult experiences, and knowing when and how to seek support for themselves or others. 
  • Health and informed choices. Puberty, hygiene, sleep, nutrition, physical activity and the risks associated with alcohol, drugs, tobacco, vaping, gambling and gaming. 
  • Citizenship and life in modern Britain. British values, democracy, government, the rule of law, human rights and freedom of speech. Pupils explore British and world cultures, immigration, multiculturalism and globalisation, alongside the economy and learning about the world of work. 
  • Radicalisation and extremism. Recognising harmful influences, questioning messages and knowing where to seek help. 
  • Practical emergency skills. First aid, CPR, the recovery position and seeking appropriate help. 

Knowing where to turn 

Across the programme, pupils learn how to recognise a concern, report it and identify trusted adults and services. We encourage them to speak to a member of staff if they are worried about themselves or someone else. Learning about safety goes alongside adults’ responsibility to protect and support children. 

Reviewing our curriculum 

We record safeguarding learning across subjects through our SMSC audit tool and regularly review the programme. We adapt content to reflect pupils’ needs, local concerns and emerging risks, so that learning remains relevant to their lives.