Below is an overview of the wellbeing curriculum pupils will be covering during the second half of the Summer Term.

First Form – Digital Literacy

This unit focuses on online safety, digital literacy, media reliability, including AI-generated deepfakes and the risks associated with gambling and chance-based transactions.

Topics covered will include:

• Understanding online communication
• Using social networking sites safely
• Recognising online grooming in different forms, including sexual exploitation, financial exploitation, extremism and radicalisation
• Knowing how to respond and seek support in cases of online grooming
• Identifying biased or misleading information online, including developing critical thinking around AI and deepfakes
• Critically assessing different media sources
• Understanding the difference between publicly and privately shared content
• Recognising age restrictions across different forms of media and making responsible choices
• Protecting financial security online
• Assessing and managing risks linked to gambling and chance-based transactions

Second Form – Drugs and Alcohol
This topic explores alcohol and drug misuse, as well as the pressures young people may face relating to substance use.

Pupils will learn:

• About medicinal and recreational drugs
• The risks associated with over-consumption of energy drinks
• The relationship between habit and dependence
• How to use over-the-counter and prescription medications safely
• How to assess the risks linked to alcohol, tobacco, nicotine and vaping
• Strategies for managing influences relating to substance use
• How to recognise and promote positive social norms and attitudes

Third Form – Employability Skills
Pupils will focus on employability and managing their online presence.

Areas covered include:

• Young people’s employment rights and responsibilities
• Enterprise and employability skills, including AI awareness and critical thinking
• How to give and respond to constructive feedback
• Managing a positive online personal brand
• Habits and strategies that support progress and resilience
• Identifying and accessing support for concerns related to life online

Fourth Form – Virtual Work Experience
This programme supports preparation for work experience and developing readiness for the workplace.

Topics include:

• Evaluating strengths and interests in relation to career development
• Exploring opportunities in learning and employment
• Strategies for overcoming challenges and adversity
• Understanding responsibilities in the workplace
• Managing practical issues and health and safety
• Maintaining a positive online presence
• Reflecting on and building upon learning gained from work experience

Lower Sixth – Health Choices and Safety
This unit focuses on independence, personal safety and making informed health choices.

Pupils will cover:

• Independence and keeping safe
• Travel safety
• First aid
• The impact of substance use
• Assessing and managing risk in new independent situations, including online
• Personal safety when travelling, including cycle safety, young driver safety, passenger safety, licensed taxis and getting home safely
• Rights and responsibilities when travelling in the UK and abroad, including passports, visas and insurance
• Understanding when to contact emergency services and the importance of providing accurate information
• Recognising the impact of substance use on health, personal safety, decision-making and sexual behaviour
• Understanding the consequences of substance use and managing alcohol and drug-related situations
• Recognising the risks of travelling with an intoxicated driver
• Understanding the impact of substance use on road safety, workplace safety, reputation, and future careers

In addition, Optimus Education recently shared a helpful “Mental Health A–Z” poster, which I hope may provide some useful ideas and support over the half term break.