Preparing Pupils for Life Beyond the Classroom Through a Meaningful PSHE Curriculum

Here at King’s, we believe that education is about more than academic achievement.

As Head of PSHE, I see daily how important it is to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the modern world. A key part of this is developing an understanding of the role of money in society and the ways in which economic systems shape everyday life.

Welcoming HMRC Representatives to King’s

This term, we were pleased to welcome representatives from HMRC to speak with our Year 7 and Year 8 pupils about tax. The session formed an important part of our Personal, Social, Health and Economic education curriculum. It introduced pupils to the purpose of taxation, how it supports essential services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure, and the ways in which financial responsibility contributes to a well-functioning society.

For many pupils, this was a great opportunity to consider how money circulates through society and how individual choices connect with wider economic systems. The workshop encouraged them to think critically, ask questions and begin to understand their role as informed future citizens.

Interactive Activities That Brought Tax to Life

To bring the topic to life, pupils took part in a series of interactive activities. They began by guessing which everyday items were taxable or exempt, discovering that shoes up to a certain size, medication, video games and stationery are treated differently within the tax system. They then worked in groups to consider how tax revenue should be allocated. Pupils were given six sectors, which were healthcare, education, caring for outdoor spaces, museums, and the army, and asked to rank them in order of priority. Their explanations showed thoughtful reasoning as they realised how closely these sectors rely on one another. Many initially placed healthcare at the top of their list and education further down, but soon recognised that without education, there would be no doctors or nurses. Museums appeared at the bottom of most lists, which prompted useful reflection on the cultural and educational value they provide. These activities encouraged lively discussion and helped pupils understand the complexity of public spending and decision-making.

Strengthening Our PSHE Curriculum Through Real‑World Expertise

At King’s, we are committed to preparing pupils for life beyond the classroom. Welcoming external experts provides valuable real-world context and helps pupils develop confidence in applying their learning. Opportunities like this enrich our PSHE programme, strengthening personal wellbeing and empowering pupils to meet their full potential.

By Jamie Rudkin
–Head of PSHE