RSHE (Relationship, Sex and Health Education)

In the academic year 2020/21.  Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE), became statutory in all primary schools in England.  This new subject builds on the non-statutory lessons we have previously taught in RSHE.

We researched various programmes that are available and have adapted Life to the Full by Ten Ten Resources.  Ten Ten is an award-winning Catholic education organisation that is well-respected and very experienced in this field of work.  

It has been approved by our diocese and highlighted as a work of good practice by the Department for Education.

Intent

As a Catholic school, our mission is to support the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all of our pupils, rooted in the wisdom and teaching of the Church.  The education of children in human sexuality is an important, precious and privileged responsibility.  The Church teaches us that this is very much a partnership with parents, in which parents are the ‘first educators’ of their children on these matters; ultimately parents confer on us the right to co-educate their children with them.

Implementation

The programme is delivered over 3 terms every year.  This means that the full learning stages are run twice (e.g. the full KS1 programme is run in Year 1 and then repeated in Year 2).

Why repeat the programme?

•    Children change and grow; their level of engagement will increase as they develop their social, moral, cultural and spiritual awareness and understanding.

•    The learning will be embedded as children build upon what they have previously learned – a truly spiral curriculum.

•    Some sessions can be omitted one year if we feel that the children are not quite ready, or they have surpassed that stage of learning; similarly, particularly focus can be given to certain topics if it is felt that is needed.

•    Teachers are required to plan carefully to ensure that the content is age-appropriate and that it is differentiated from previous learning.

•    Extended activities are particularly helpful to class teachers.

•    Children are happy to return to the same video content.

The curriculum planning map highlights the topics that are taught and when.

Impact

School delivers a fully integrated and holistic programme in Relationship Education that truly enables children to ‘live life to the full’.

All children and families feel fully included, celebrating the family unit in whatever form it takes; every child is assured and their family background affirmed.  Pupils leave our school confident in the knowledge that will enable them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, as well as health related behaviour.  They learn to respect and care for their bodies and are prepared for puberty and adulthood.  They become confident, participating members of society.

Ten:Ten - Programme