Personal and Social Education

"P.S.E. or Pupil Support programmes are now an established feature of most Scottish Secondary schools".

The title 'Personal and Social Education' is one which is difficult to define but in Peebles High School we have interpreted it as involving important topics and issues that are of immediate concern to pupils such as:

personal and social development
relationships
health education (sex, aids, drugs, etc)
careers (choices)
assertiveness training
community involvement
problem solving etc, etc.
The topics are covered in a series of structured programmes which begin in 1st year and follow through to 6th year. The methods used are based on group activities (discussing, role-playing, brain storming and even playing games) which help to develop pupils' self-esteem, their ability to make decisions and their communication skills. By tackling these issues in a 'controlled' environment, where there is no 'threat' from real life confrontation, pupils can see and learn how to tackle situations and problems in such a way that it builds up their confidence, enabling them to be more assertive in reaching decisions and communicating their feelings to others. When they feel good about themselves they are more able to relate to others and to accept other points of view. From this awareness comes the confidence to ask questions which increases their understanding of the issues under discussion.

In this way it is hoped that pupils will take responsibility for their own learning and decision-making and that the support they have gained through group involvement will benefit them in future life.

Pupil Support staff have undergone a series of training programmes dealing with sensitive areas in the Health Education programme.

Parents may wish to know in greater detail some of the topics which will arise. The Pupil Support Department is willing to discuss any concerns which parents may have.

Pupils in S3 and S4 will continue the course in Personal and Social Education followed for the previous two years. Pupils remain in the same House with the same Pupil Support Teachers as before.

The main aims of the course are:

to help young people to develop as individuals and to assist in their understanding of themselves and their relationships with others.
to encourage independence and personal responsibility.
to ensure that young people understand their responsibility to the community.
to help young people acquire insight into their own and other people's feelings.
In summary, to help young people realise that their future is in their hands.

The course is not rigid and must remain flexible in order to reflect the rapid changes taking place in society, e.g. changes within schools and Further Education Institutions, changes within the law, changes within the family, etc.

Methods used include individual and group work, discussion, visiting speakers, films and video material.

Topics which have been covered in recent years and which are likely to be covered in the future are shown below:-

Study Skills

Exam Procedures

Sex Education - including contraception and sexually transmitted diseases

Health Education - diet, smoking, alcohol dependency, drugwise, leisure activities

Friendships - relationships with peers and adults: rights and obligations

Young People and the Law - Children's Panels, local employment bye-laws

Child Care - caring for others, handicaps

Family Affairs - budgeting, personal finacne, saving, insurance, coping with stress at home

Personal Safety - coping with awkward/threatening situations