Aim of RSE
The aims of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) within Discovery Multi Academy Trust is to:
• Provide a framework in which sensitive discussions can take place.
• Prepare pupils for puberty, and give them an understanding of sexual development and the importance of health and hygiene.
• Help pupils develop feelings of self-respect, confidence and empathy.
• Create a positive culture around issues of sexuality and relationships.
• Teach pupils the correct vocabulary to describe themselves and their bodies.
RSE is taught within the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education curriculum - following the PSHE Association Question-Based Model. Biological aspects of RSE are taught within the Science curriculum, and other aspects are included in Religious Education (RE). Relationships Education focuses on teaching the fundamental building blocks and characteristics of positive relationships including:
➢ Families and people who care for me
➢ Caring friendships
➢ Respectful relationships
➢ Online relationships
➢ Being safe
These areas of learning are taught within the context of family life taking care to ensure that there is no stigmatisation of children based on their home circumstances. Families can include single parent families, LGBT parents, families headed by grandparents, adoptive parents, foster parents/carers amongst other structures. Along with reflecting sensitively that some children may have a different structure of support around them (for example: looked after children or young carers). Resources used during RSE will show a variety of family structures e.g. pictures/stories. We are sensitive to the language that we use, within school, when discussing families and gender e.g. the use of mums/dads and boys/girls. We are mindful to avoid stereotyping ‘typical boy’ and typical girl’ interests/themes/topics when planning activities and lessons. Any language used in a derogatory way by pupils – is dealt with in line with our school ‘Managing and Supporting Positive Behaviour’ policy. Pupils also receive stand-alone Sex Education sessions in Years 5 & 6, which are delivered by school staff. Trained health professionals may also be invited into school to support with this. These sessions link closely to the Science curriculum.
Parents Right to Withdraw:
Parents do not have the right to withdraw their children from relationships education. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the non-statutory/non-science components of sex education within RSE. Requests for withdrawal should be put in writing using the form found in Appendix 4 taken from the policy below, this document should be addressed to the Head of School. Alternative work will be given to pupils who are withdrawn from sex education.
If you would like to discuss our RSE curriculum or the resources we use to support the teaching, please contact Mrs Catherwood, Mrs O'Brien or Mrs Gleed via the school office.