“God wants us all to see one another as brothers and to live as such, forming a great human family that is harmonious in its diversity”. Pope Francis
Sex and Relationship education is lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development. It is about the understanding of the importance of marriage for family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, love and care. It is also about the teaching of sex, sexuality and sexual health. As a Catholic School we acknowledge that we have a particularly significant role to play in this aspect of our student’s development.
Sex and Relationship Education is an important part of the curriculum for all students in Years 7 to 13 and takes place within the spiritual and moral context of the Roman Catholic tradition.
What does outstanding RSE in Catholic school look like?
In order for Catholic RSE to be fully effective it needs to:
– be faithful to the Church’s vision of human wholeness whilst recognising the contemporary context in which we live today;
– involve parents as they are primary educators of their child;
– provide a positive view of human sexuality and dignity of the human person;
– equip young people with the ability to make practical judgments about the right thing to do in particular circumstances;
– explore and promote virtues which are essential to promoting respect and dignity;
– be delivered in an age appropriate way which reflects the development of the child;
– be part of the cross-curricular work in both primary and secondary schools;
– be sensitive to the needs of the individual pupil and recognise the mix of pupils with different sexual orientations, genders and family backgrounds in each class;
– be taken seriously by governors and teachers as an integrated part of the broad and balanced curriculum that Catholic schools offer;
– be delivered by competent professionals who understand the Church’s teaching.1 Curriculum: In PSHE students will follow the TENTEN programme, this will cover all aspects of the RSE curriculum.
In addition:
Key Stage 3: In Year 7 Science lessons students learn about the reproductive systems. They study:
– male and female reproductive systems
– Fertilisation
– Foetal development and effects of drugs during pregnancy
The Year 7 RE day allows students to reflect on all of their positive qualities as well as the special
qualities of their peers. In RE in Year 9 students spend a great deal of time considering the importance of the choices that they make. They explore conscience and the consequences. They will study a number of moral issues such as sexual behaviour, teenage pregnancy, consent and the law.
Key Stage 4: Year 11 Science explores:
– Male and female hormones and menstrual cycle
– IVF
– Different types of contraception (advantages and disadvantages)
The RE GCSE course covers a number of relevant issues such as the changing nature of families,
homosexuality, contraception, marriage and divorce.
Key Stage 5: In PSHE sessions students will cover the topic “Staying Safe” as well as “Stress Management”. In General RE students study the consequences of sexual behaviour, consent and the promotion of a loving, permanent relationship.
Provision for students with SEN
Differentiated materials are provided for students with SEN to meet their needs and working in smaller groups. In addition students who are part of the ASD base often need more support when learning about sex and relationships. Teachers will liaise with Mrs Speed/ Mrs Wraige to make sure students feel comfortable in these lessons. Discussion with parents is valuable.
There are a wide range of experiences to enable personal and social development, develop citizenship and community work and present challenge. Student wellbeing and health is complemented by an extensive programme of extra-curricular sport, music and drama that enhances mental and physical wellbeing as providing opportunities to develop life skills. Our Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is undertaken by a large number of students which gives further opportunity to enhance physical and mental wellbeing and to engage positively with the environment and the local community.
1 http://www.catholiceducation.org.uk/schools/relationship-sex-education
Cross curricular integration: Relationships and Sex Education runs alongside the PSHE programme. The Science, Religious Education and Physical Education curriculum in particular contribute to the delivery of RSE, relationships and physical and mental wellbeing.
