As part of our pupils’ education here at the College, we promote personal wellbeing and development through a comprehensive Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) programme. Since the start of the Spring Term, we have been delighted to welcome Talk Consent, a company we have used in the past, to discuss in the style of an assembly, the topic of consent.
PSHEE is the curriculum subject that gives young people the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live safe, healthy, productive lives and meet their full potential. All PSHEE teaching takes place in a safe learning environment and is underpinned by our school ethos and values.
Talk Consent’s mission is to eliminate rape and assault through extraordinary and effective consent education by way of assemblies and workshops.
All year groups attended an assembly in the Lecture Theatre, but there were plenty of opportunities to ask questions and discuss the scenarios presented with peers to help navigate the complex area of consent.
All of Talk Consent’s content and delivery are adapted to the age of the audience and they follow the Department for Education’s guidance. The content covered for each year group included:
- Lower School: the focus is on personal boundaries alongside consent. The idea of consent with regards to lower-level relationships is introduced, and the definitions of sexual violence are given without going into depth.
- Years 9 to 11: consent is explored with more depth, including looking at consent in relationships and sexual activity.
- Sixth Form: the focus is on consent in relationships, including sexual relationships. The session also looks at what consent is legally and in reality, as well as why it is important to go beyond the legal definition.
Head of PSHEE, Mrs Krause, says the following:
‘Having Talk Consent discuss an extremely difficult topic was so useful for the students. The presentations were all seamless and both speakers pitched each talk at just the right level giving everyone useful tools for the future.’
Thank you to Talk Consent for visiting the College and taking the time to deliver assemblies to our pupils on what is an extremely important topic!
