The Mindful Approach to PSHE for Ages 11-16

Jigsaw PSHE 11-16 is a comprehensive, evidence-informed curriculum programme designed to address the unique challenges faced by young people today. Our programme focuses on the development of critical life skills, emotional resilience, and wellbeing, integrating key topics such as relationships, mental health, online safety, and personal development. With mindfulness practices embedded throughout, Jigsaw PSHE equips young people with the tools to navigate school and life challenges alongside academic achievement with confidence.

Our spiral, RSE compliant curriculum programme is designed to build on core skills year after year, ensuring continuous growth and deeper understanding as students progress. Jigsaw PSHE is more than a curriculum; it’s an essential part of fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that empowers both young people and staff.

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What does Jigsaw PSHE 11-16 include?

Jigsaw PSHE 11-16 is designed to support young people through their teenage years, offering a series of lessons that develop both emotional and academic skills. With a strong emphasis on mindfulness, healthy relationships, mental health, and decision-making, this programme prepares young people for adulthood by fostering emotional resilience and critical thinking.

Each lesson is supported by interactive resources, engaging activities, and ongoing assessments to ensure personalised learning for every student. Alongside structured lessons, Jigsaw PSHE includes whole-school activities such as assemblies and celebrations, creating a cohesive, supportive learning environment.

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Our Puzzle Pieces

Each of the six puzzle pieces in Jigsaw PSHE 11-16 is carefully crafted to build on key life skills year after year. These are progressive modules that align with young people’s developmental needs, from emotional resilience to healthy relationships, self-regulation, and mindfulness. The spiral structure of these puzzles means that students revisit important themes with increasing complexity as they move through the school.

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Being Me in My World focuses on self-identity, belonging, and the challenges students face in their social world. It encourages students to develop self-awareness and helps them understand their place within their school, peer groups, and society. Students explore their individuality, peer pressure, and online identity, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment in a diverse world.

Key Topics

  • Self-awareness – Students reflect on their identities, considering personal traits, values, and how they define themselves.

  • Peer pressure and belonging – Understanding peer dynamics and how to balance independence while maintaining positive relationships.

  • Online identity – Exploration of how students present themselves on social media and how it affects self-image and interactions.

  • Consequences of online behavior – Understanding the real-world impact of actions and words shared online.

Key Skills and Outcomes

  • Students will develop a strong sense of self and the confidence to make decisions independently.

  • They will learn to navigate peer pressure, balancing personal values with group dynamics.

  • They will understand the importance of managing their online persona and making responsible choices.

  • By practicing reflection, students will better manage conflicts and take responsibility for their actions in real-world situations.

Celebrating Difference helps students embrace diversity and learn to respect others. This puzzle covers important topics such as discrimination, prejudice, and the value of equality, fostering inclusivity and empathy where students learn to value their own uniqueness and understand the importance of respecting differences in others.

Key Topics

  • Prejudice and discrimination – Exploring the meanings and impacts of discrimination, and understanding how to challenge it.

  • Diversity and inclusion – Learning to appreciate different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

  • Equality – The importance of fairness and equal treatment for all, regardless of background or beliefs.

  • Bullying and being an upstander – Understanding how to identify bullying behaviours and learning how to support others.

Key Skills and Outcomes

  • Students will develop empathy and respect for people from all walks of life.

  • They will practice standing up against bullying and become proactive bystanders who support equality.

  • They will learn to challenge prejudice and discrimination, becoming active participants in creating inclusive environments.

  • By reflecting on these concepts, students will gain stronger interpersonal skills and a more tolerant perspective.

Dreams and Goals equips students with the tools to set and achieve personal and academic aspirations. This puzzle focuses on developing a growth mindset, perseverance, and the ability to handle setbacks. Students will explore the importance of planning and working towards goals, while also learning how to handle challenges along the way.

Key Topics

  • Setting and achieving goals – How to identify aspirations, set SMART goals, and develop strategies for success.

  • Growth mindset – Embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and the importance of persistence.

  • Resilience – Building mental toughness to overcome failures and bounce back stronger.

  • Teamwork – Developing skills to work together towards common goals, both in personal and academic settings.

Key Skills and Outcomes

  • Students will develop the ability to set realistic goals and achieve them through hard work and perseverance.

  • They will learn how to cope with setbacks and understand that mistakes are part of the learning process.

  • Through teamwork, students will improve their collaboration skills, learning to work towards common objectives.

  • A deeper understanding of self-motivation will empower students to take responsibility for their success.

Healthy Me focuses on mental and physical health, providing students with the knowledge to make informed decisions that contribute to their overall wellbeing. The puzzle explores topics such as healthy habits, substance misuse, and emotional regulation, helping students manage their physical health, stress, and emotions in healthy ways.

Key Topics

  • Mental health – Understanding the importance of mental health, recognizing signs of stress, and learning how to manage it.

  • Physical health – The significance of exercise, healthy eating, and sleep in maintaining overall well-being.

  • Substance abuse – Educating about the risks of drugs, alcohol, and other substances, and promoting healthy choices.

  • Body awareness – Discussing puberty, body image, and self-care, fostering confidence in one’s physical self.

Key Skills and Outcomes

  • Students will gain emotional regulation skills, learning how to manage stress and emotions.

  • They will build awareness of the physical and mental habits that promote overall wellbeing.

  • Students will understand the consequences of unhealthy behaviours and develop strategies for making responsible health decisions.

  • Self-care practices will be encouraged, helping students build confidence in their own bodies and self-image.

The Relationships puzzle helps students understand the dynamics of healthy relationships, covering key themes such as consent, boundaries, and communication. Students will learn to recognize unhealthy behaviors, navigate conflicts, and build supportive relationships based on respect and trust. This module also addresses online relationships, teaching students how to engage safely in digital spaces.

Key Topics

  • Healthy relationships – The qualities that make relationships positive and nurturing, such as trust, respect, and mutual support.

  • Communication skills – Learning how to express feelings, listen effectively, and resolve conflicts.

  • Respecting boundaries – Understanding and respecting personal boundaries, both physical and emotional.

  • Online safety – Developing safe and respectful behaviours in online interactions, including managing cyberbullying and online abuse.

Key Skills and Outcomes

  • Students will develop clear communication skills, learning how to express themselves and listen actively.

  • They will understand the importance of setting and respecting boundaries in relationships.

  • Students will gain the ability to identify healthy versus unhealthy relationships and understand the importance of consent.

  • Online safety awareness will empower students to make responsible digital choices and protect their wellbeing in virtual spaces.

Changing Me explores the physical, emotional, and social changes students face as they approach adulthood. It covers sensitive topics such as puberty, self-esteem, gender identity, and emotional growth. The puzzle prepares students for the challenges of transitioning into adolescence and adulthood, building their resilience, confidence, and coping strategies.

Key Topics

  • Puberty and body changes – Learning about the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty, including body image and hygiene.

  • Self-esteem and body image – Exploring the impact of societal expectations on self-worth and teaching strategies to develop a positive body image.

  • Gender identity and sexual orientation – Understanding the complexities of gender identity and sexual orientation in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Transitioning to adulthood – Preparing for the social, academic, and emotional transitions that come with growing up.

Key Skills and Outcomes

  • Students will develop self-confidence and body positivity, learning to appreciate their unique qualities.

  • They will gain the tools to navigate changes in their physical and emotional selves, preparing for the challenges of puberty.

  • Students will better understand their personal identity and respect the identities of others.

  • They will become equipped to manage the emotional and social changes that accompany the transition to adulthood.

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Key Skills and Outcomes for Every Child

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Emotional Resilience

Young people learn to manage their emotions and bounce back from setbacks, helping them approach challenges with a positive mindset.

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Social Skills

Through cooperative learning activities, children develop communication, empathy, and teamwork skills.

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Self-Confidence

Jigsaw encourages young people to gain self-awareness, allowing them to develop self-esteem and a strong sense of identity, essential for personal and academic success.

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FAQs

Jigsaw PSHE is organised into six themed puzzle units, each with a series of age-appropriate lessons designed to build on one another. The spiral curriculum ensures continuity and progression, reinforcing learning year after year.

Jigsaw PSHE is designed for young people aged 11-16, covering the entire primary school experience with developmentally appropriate content at each stage.

Yes! Jigsaw PSHE is flexible and can be adapted to suit the unique needs of your school community. Teachers are provided with detailed lesson plans, resources, and support to ensure the program is relevant and accessible to every student.

Jigsaw offers a comprehensive support package, including CPD (Continuing Professional Development), ongoing training webinars, and a dedicated support team. Teachers also have access to lesson plans, teacher notes, and a community of educators for advice and shared experiences.

Getting started is easy! Simply book a demo with one of our Partnership Managers who will walk through the Programme and show you our platform.

Jigsaw PSHE was originally created by an experienced teacher and a qualified psychotherapist. The programme is kept up-to-date and compliant by teachers, for teachers, combining in-depth knowledge of education with therapeutic techniques. This ensures the content is both practical and effective, addressing the emotional and educational needs of children at every stage of their development. To learn more about The Jigsaw Approach please click here.