What is SPHE?
‘Social, Personal and Health Education, as part of the curriculum, supports the personal development, health and well-being of young people and helps them create and maintain supportive relationships’ source www.sphe.ie
AIMS of SPHE at Blackrock College
- To enable students to develop skills for self-fulfillment
- To enable students to develop personal and social skills
- To promote self- esteem and confidence
- To enable students to develop a framework for responsible decision making
- To provide for reflection and discussion
- To promote physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health and well being
The ten modules taught in the SPHE programme are:
| Topic | Themes Covered |
| Belonging and integrating | 1. Coping with change 2. Joining a new group 3. Appreciating difference 4. Bullying is everyone’s business 5. Coping with loss |
| Self-management | 1. Organising myself 2. Organising my work at home and in school 3. Balance in my life |
| A sense of purpose | 1. Express yourself 2. Learning to listen 3. Passive, assertive and aggressive communication |
| Physical health | 1. Body care 2. Healthy eating 3. Exercise |
| Friendship | 1. Making new friends 2. A good friend |
| Relationships and sexuality | 1. Me as unique and different 2. Friendship 3. Changes at adolescence 4. The reproductive system 5. Images of male and female 6. Respecting myself and others |
| Emotional health | 1. Recognising feelings 2. Respecting my feelings and the feelings of others |
| Influences and decisions | 1. My heroes |
| Substance use | 1. Why use drugs? 2. Alcohol: the facts 3. Smoking and its effects 4. Smoking: why, why not? |
| Personal safety | 1. Looking after myself (recognising danger Internet Safety) |
These modules are taught through “experiential learning”. There is a great emphasis on the students’ input through role plays, discussions questionnaires etc.
SPHE is intrinsic to all areas of the curriculum and to every facet of the student’s life. Personal and social development permeates all aspects of the work of Blackrock College.
