PSHE, RSE & Health

Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) is taught within the personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education curriculum. Biological aspects of RSE are taught within the science curriculum, and other aspects are included in Religious Education (RE).
 

RSE Policy Statement:

The aims of relationships and sex education (RSE) at our school are 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

We want our students to be independent but consider others, acting responsibly and sensitively to others so that both they and wider society benefit. We want your son to develop a positive sense of self awareness and self-esteem whilst also understanding the development of relationships within families, in friendships and wider contexts.
 

Curriculum overview:

Y7 to Y11 - one hour lesson of PSHE, RSE and Health per week delivered by Form Tutors.
Pupils also receive stand-alone sex education sessions delivered by trained health professionals from both the School Nurse Service, Manchester Healthy Schools and Brook.
 

Topics covered:

Across all Key Stages, pupils will be supported with developing the following skills:

• Communication, including how to manage changing relationships and emotions
• Recognising and assessing potential risks
• Assertiveness
• Seeking help and support when required
• Informed decision-making
• Self-respect and empathy for others
• Recognising and maximising a healthy lifestyle
• Managing conflict
• Discussion and group work

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 others), along with reflecting sensitively that some children may have a different structure of support around them (for example: looked after children or young carers).

Additional offer:

Safeguarding staff are trained by Brook to safely and confidentially distribute condoms to young people in our care. We ensure we provide balanced, factually accurate information and follow Fraser Guidelines to ensure young people are able to make safe, positive and healthy decisions about their relationships. If you would like to speak to us about this in more detail, please contact the school reception.