Personal, Social and Health Education
All our pupils study PSHE as a central part of the curriculum. Our aims are to achieve a balance between delivering factual information and providing a space for students to explore and discuss issues - some pertinent to them now, and some preparing them for situations and choices that are part of growing up. A flexible syllabus enables us to address current topical issues as well as covering a wide range of teenage specific subjects. We aim to equip our pupils with life skills that will enable them to make informed decisions about their future. We strive for respect in our community, understanding of diversity and differences, financial awareness, and the formation and maintenance of effective relationships.
Discussion of sensitive, controversial and often challenging issues takes place in lessons, where classes develop their own ground rules with their teacher so that lessons are positive, sensitive, and all pupils' opinions and contributions are appreciated. PSHE is a subject that is all-encompassing, and involves not only PSHE teaching staff. King's has a strong house system, and all the work done in PSHE is reinforced for both boarders and day pupils by the house staff. Housemasters and housemistresses, house tutors and 6th form tutors all have an important role to play in the development of a responsible attitude towards health and social issues.
The syllabus is complemented by a series of talks given by outside specialists and the school's medical officers. All 3rd form pupils take part in the Standing Tall workshop which aims to improve self-confidence, whilst teaching pupils modern manners and social graces. We also have Taunton's school police liaison officer visit us, working with whole year groups in the case of the internet safety lecture that all 3rd formers attend, and with small PSHE classes, covering drugs, alcohol and bullying.
PSHE is taught by a wide spectrum of staff at King's, from housemasters and housemistresses to academic subject teachers to members of the senior management team - even the Headmaster. Many of our staff attend courses related to issues surrounding teenage life to ensure that we are abreast of current trends. We also have a CEOPs trained member of staff in the IT department who is on hand to assist pupils with internet safety, and who runs internet safety workshops.
Staff profile
Head of department Rebecca Grove came to teaching and King's with a background in research and development. She loves the outdoors and now finds herself assisting with the Army cadets, coaching hockey and netball, and volunteering on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. She also works as an assistant housemistress and tutor in Taylor house, as well as a tutor to 6th form students, and is a member of the careers team.
QUICK LINKS
- I love my time at King's and find it a fantastic school to be part of. Meiling
- Personally I think King's has some of the nicest people. Annie
- King's is an amazing place to be and what makes it special is it feels just like home. Louise
- I can tell I'm going to like it here! Amelia
- The sport at King's is very good and at a high standard. Meiling
- When I was at my prep school I always thought of King's as a school where there were more opportunities and I was completely right. Jamie
- I can already see that this is probably going to be the best few years of my life so far. I have enjoyed every moment of every lesson. Toby
- There's just so much food, it’s like a feast … every meal time! Annabelle
- King’s is a great school and I am so glad that I came here. I can tell that it was the best decision for me. Louise
- Ever since I got here, everyone has been so friendly and welcoming; it has been so easy to settle in. Toby
- First impressions are exciting and impressive. Alicia
- The hockey is very sociable and a good way to get to know your friends. Annie
- I like this school more and more every day. The teachers are good and make lessons fun. Henry
- One of my first impressions of King's was the atmosphere. Everyone seemed happy and was enjoying themselves. George
- What really impressed me was the size of the campus and vast expanding playing fields. Alicia
- The teachers are very enthusiastic and will inspire you. Nancy
- The staff are kind, the subjects are interesting, the facilities are good and I can safely say when I am grown up, I will think back happily of my memories at King's. David
- My house is very warm and lovely, everyone in there is like a family. I like getting to know the older pupils and having that bond with them as well as my own year. Meiling
- As soon as I walked into the main hall on my tour I knew King's Taunton was the school for me. Joe
- The atmosphere is just wonderful for learning. Hendrik
- I love it. And I've made loads of new friends. I can't believe the first four weeks have already gone. Leo
- It's amazing. The teachers are brilliant, they are so friendly and enthusiastic. I just want to learn here. Leo