LIFE EDUCATION
LOWER SCHOOL
YEAR 6
Life education lessons will focus on reducing one’s carbon footprint. Additionally, there will be a session on legal and illegal drugs, exploring their effects and risks, and pupils will learn strategies for handling peer pressure. Sessions will also cover online fraud, key money matters, first aid, and the importance of good nutrition.
YEAR 7
Year 7 explore how making changes to the way we live can impact the environment positively. They will go on to review the risks and effects of using alcohol, vapes and tobacco, including their addictive natures and how to avoid pressure from others to experiment with them. They will be asked to think about how peer pressure could influence their behaviour and to consider strategies to navigate these challenges and make informed, independent choices. Year 7 will work through two modules related to vocation and employment created by the school’s careers department. Pupils will also continue their work on ‘Exploring Relationships’ which will allow them to develop their thoughts on emotional expression and self-regulation.
YEAR 8
Year 8 will study the effects of using alcohol, vapes, tobacco, as well as the short and long-term effects of cannabis. They will also be asked to think about how peer pressure could influence their behaviour and to consider strategies to navigate these challenges and make informed, independent choices. Pupils will also explore environmental sustainability through a topic on fast fashion and will receive instruction and guidance from our head of careers and employability. Finally, pupils will also further their knowledge of basic first aid and examine the risks of gaming and gambling.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
YEAR 9
Year 9 are engaging with a dynamic series of lessons and external presentations, designed to expand their understanding of relationships, health and the world around them.
In a reproductive health assembly, pupils tackle important and often overlooked health topics including testicular torsion, PCOS and endometriosis. These sessions aimed to break down stigma, promote awareness, and encourage open conversations about physical wellbeing. We were fortunate enough to be joined by former pupil Ana Zigic, who is an ambassador for young women’s health and recently sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to raise awareness of girls in sport.
Our curriculum also includes thought-provoking sessions on marriage, long-term commitments, and parenting—encouraging
pupils to reflect on the responsibilities and values that come with different types of relationships and family life.
In the second half of term, pupils will also hear from representatives of the Magistrates Association and the local Police Liaison Officer, who will cover the legal system, personal safety, and rights and responsibilities in public spaces.
Finally, diversity and inclusion remain at the heart of our school values. Through the pupil-led Archer Group, Year 9 are continuing important discussions around identity, community, and embracing differences.
YEAR 10
At the end of June,Year 10 pupils will take part in a full day dedicated to careers and futures exploration. They will attend a series of informative sessions, including a talk from Exeter University on how to prepare strong applications for competitive UK universities, followed by a presentation on applying to universities in the US and EU.
Pupils will join the ‘Your Future Finances’ workshop led by Elent Financial Education.This practical session will cover financial literacy, including budgeting, saving, and the long-term impact of financial choices.
The day continues with visiting professionals offering insights into industries including STEM, advertising, IT, and acting. We will be joined by alumna Sadie Soverall, who has recently returned from a role on Broadway and, since leaving Emanuel, has worked in a variety of exciting roles, including the Netflix series Winx Saga and the acclaimed film, Saltburn.
After lunch, pupils will come together for a team-based activity designed to challenge their creativity, communication and problemsolving skills—rounding off what promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking day.
YEAR 11
Up until study leave, Year 11 pupils continued their life education programme with a focus on reproductive and sexual health. Lessons have explored important topics such as menopause, fertility, contraception, and the foundations of positive relationships, encouraging open discussion and informed understanding as pupils approach adulthood.
Tutors have also been supporting pupils in their final push toward GCSEs. An Elevate Education session before Easter focused on planning and time management strategies, helping students stay focused, organised and confident in the lead-up to their exams.
Year 11 pupils will complete a review of the life education programme, offering feedback to help ensure future sessions remain relevant, relatable and tailored to the needs of the pupil body.
SIXTH FORM
LOWER SIXTH
The summer term life education programme focuses on preparation for higher education. Students will be completing their UCAS applications using Unifrog to research courses and universities to find the most suitable ones for them. They will receive guidance on completing their personal statements - a crucial part of the process. There will be one-to-one sessions with their tutors to discuss their choices, whether this be undergraduate study, an apprenticeship or taking a gap year. There are sessions on
applying to overseas institutions as well as navigating Oxbridge and medical applications.
UPPER SIXTH
Before going on study leave,Year 13 had a talk from It Happens on ‘The Next Chapter’, focusing on preparing for life beyond Emanuel. This included discussions on relationships, consent and sexual harassment, alcohol and drugs, and how to navigate their time at university. Students also received an information toolkit called ‘Advice for your next steps’, which includes important information to help them with the transition into higher education and other avenues.
PASTORAL CONTACTS
DEPUTY HEAD: PUPILS AND DSL
Mr R Kothakota (ravi.kothakota@emanuel.org.uk)
ACTING DIRECTOR OF SAFEGUARDING:
Miss M Galbraith (mary.galbraith@emanuel.org.uk)
HEADS OF SECTION:
Ms J Johnson ( julia.johnson@emanuel.org.uk)
Mrs J McIsaac ( joanna.mcisaac@emanuel.org.uk)
Mrs R Chetwood (rachel.chetwood@emanuel.org.uk)
SCHOOL COUNSELLING TEAM:
Tess Bhokanandh and Iffat Shafiuddin (counsellor@emanuel.org.uk)
CHAPLAIN:
Reverend G Bailey-Smith (chaplain@emanuel.org.uk)
STAFF OVERSEEING LIFE EDUCATION
DEPUTY HEAD OF SIXTH FORM:
Mrs N Carpenter-Merrit (Naomi.Carpenter-Merritt@emanuel.org.uk)
DEPUTY HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Ms L Fitzgibbon ( laura.fitzgibbon@emanuel.org.uk)
ASSISTANT TO THE HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL:
Ms S Cleobury (sophie.cleobury@emanuel.org.uk)
