Personal Skills and Qualities (PSQ)

At Westlands, our PSQ curriculum is designed to help students develop the essential life skills, character traits and practical knowledge needed to thrive both in and beyond school. The programme supports pupils in building resilience, independence, and confidence through engaging, real-world learning experiences.

Our Approach

PSQ is delivered through a structured and progressive curriculum that integrates SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development), British Values (BV), whilst promoting the SHAPE framework and the SHAPE 50 enrichment. The curriculum is enriched with themed days, film-based learning, and practical qualifications in First Aid and Employability.

Curriculum Overview

Year 7

  • Autumn Term:
    • Health & Well-being 1: Internet Safety, Social Media, Mental Health, Emotions
    • Health & Well-being 2: Physical Exercise, Healthy Eating, Seeking Support
  • Spring Term:
    • Rights Respect in Schools: Teamwork, Problem Solving, Respecting Rights
    • Citizenship: Morals & Values, Decision Making, Kindness
  • Summer Term:
    • Independent Living: Personal Hygiene, Grooming, Dressing
    • Basic First Aid (Bronze): Recovery Position, Bleeding, Burns, Choking, Asthma, Allergies

Year 8

  • Autumn Term:
    • Health & Well-being 1: Mental Well-being, Diet, Legal & Illegal Substances
    • Health & Well-being 2: Criminal Exploitation, Disease, Hygiene
  • Spring Term:
    • Workplace Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Leadership
    • Citizenship: Respect, Friendships, Tolerance
  • Summer Term:
    • Independent Living: Personal Finance
    • Basic First Aid (Silver): Recovery Position (Practical), Bleeding, Choking, Asthma

Year 9

  • Autumn Term:
    • Health & Well-being 1: Mental Health, Stress, Substance Abuse
    • Health & Well-being 2: Self-examination, Sleep, Bullying
  • Spring Term:
    • Workplace Insight: Job Types, Money Management
    • Citizenship: Democracy, Law, Parliament, Voting
  • Summer Term:
    • Citizenship Overlap: Friendship, Tolerance, Prejudice
    • Basic First Aid (Gold): Slings, Bandaging, Chest Pain, Choking

Year 10

  • Autumn Term:
    • Health & Well-being 1: Mental Health, Alcohol, Smoking
    • Health & Well-being 2: Online Safety, Reality vs Online World
  • Spring Term:
    • Careers & Guidance: Employment, Tax, Benefits
    • Citizenship: Protected Characteristics, Human Rights, Global Issues
  • Summer Term:
    • Citizenship Overlap: Conflict, Responsibility
    • Basic First Aid (Platinum): Circulation, Breathing, Bandaging, Chest Pain

Additional Qualifications

  • Employability Skills Qualification (EL3)
  • Basic First Aid Qualification (Westlands)
Contact
Westlands Academy
Eltham Crescent
Thornaby
Stockton On Tees
TS17 9RA

Email: westlands@horizonstrust.org.uk
Tel: (01642) 883030

Information

Horizons Specialist Academy Trust is a company limited by guarantee (Company No 08608287) and exempt charity registered in England and Wales.

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