Bredon School's programme of Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education aims to empower children to make good decisions for themselves in society. It helps youngsters understand their environment - such as why school rules exist, why uniform must be worn and what the effects are of doing something wrong. Wider topics are also taught, but the emphasis is always on how these are relevant to the children. One recent project focused on a UK General Election, for example, rather than looking at politics in a merely theoretical way.

From Year 7, we look at topics such as settling into school, bullying, personal safety and first aid. Sex education is taught co-educationally.

Year 9 sees the introduction of the Real Game - a role play exercise in which children explore "real life" issues, such as matching their lifestyle to their income. Work-related learning is also introduced, with pupils developing their enterprise and employability skills.

The nationally recognised Progress File is introduced from Year 9. It provides full information on a child's achievements and is intended for use in future job or college/university applications. Teaching at this level covers areas such as course option choices and the completion of the "personal statement" required for college and university admissions.

RE

Religious Education (RE) is taught up to the end of Year 11. The teaching and syllabus recognise that Bredon School is both a multi-cultural and multi-faith school. However, we also acknowledge the UK's Christian heritage. Church of England confirmation classes are available to pupils, where required.

Throughout their Religious Education, we encourage children to talk about their own beliefs and to be proud of them. At the same time, we teach students to be both knowledgeable about, and tolerant of, the beliefs of others.

RE is covered by class teachers in Years 3-6, with specialist lessons beginning from Year 7. The syllabus covers the three major religions found among our pupils, namely Christianity, Islam and Buddhism (as well as a providing a briefer look at Judaism). Special attention is paid to the great celebrations, so that, for instance, when they see a Muslim classmate celebrating Ramadan or a Christian child marking Easter, Bredon pupils understand why these times are special.

Time is also spent examining the Ten Commandments. Children learn how these form the basis of the UK's law and, ultimately, even of the school rules.

In Years 10 and 11, the RE syllabus is closely integrated with Citizenship lessons to help students gain a greater understanding of major issues. So, for example, exploration of work and leisure takes into account religious teachings on the Jewish and Christian Sabbaths. The moral aspect of sex education is also explored further at this stage.