CURRICULUM AIMS
The school will deliver an appropriate RSE curriculum within the programme for PSHE and Citizenship so that children receive their sex education in the wider context of relationships, thereby preparing them for the changes ahead.
Children will:
- develop confidence and a sense of responsibility
- prepare to play an active role as citizens
- develop a healthier, safer lifestyle
- develop good relationships and have respect for differences between people
CURRICULUM ORGANISATION
RSE will be taught through a number of subject areas across the curriculum such as science, RE, English, drama, history, circle time, collective worship and through timetabled sessions for PSHE.
Through an appropriate scheme of work the school will ensure continuity and progression within and across Key Stages. Teachers will use a range of approaches to ensure that children are able to discuss issues freely as they arise, whilst taking account of the suitability of the topic.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Teachers will use a variety of strategies to facilitate learning, which encourages pupils to participate, question and communicate. This might include videos, books, role-play and debates. Ground rules are established in order that all children can contribute within a safe and caring environment, regardless of ability, gender, religion or beliefs.
Teachers will use their own discretion with regard to pupils with Special Educational Needs. Teachers will use ‘distancing techniques’ to enable real life issues to be addressed without personal disclosure.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At Key Stage 1 pupils should be taught:
- that animals, including humans, move, feed, grow, use their senses and reproduce.
- to recognise and compare the main external parts of the bodies of humans
- that humans and animals can produce offspring and that these offspring grow into adults
- to recognise similarities and differences between themselves and others and to treat others with sensitivity.
At Key Stage 2 pupils should be taught:
- that the life processes common to humans and other animals include nutrition, movement, growth and reproduction
- about the main stages of the human life cycle
RSE should have three main elements - knowledge and understanding, attitudes and values and personal and social skills.
In primary schools the guidance recommends that:
- ‘All primary schools have a sex and relationship education programme tailored to the age and physical and emotional maturity of the children’.
- ‘In the early primary school years, education about relationships needs to focus on friendship, bullying and the building of self-esteem’.
- ‘Both boys and girls know about puberty and how a baby is born…. All children including those who develop earlier than the average, need to know about puberty before they experience the onset of physical changes’.
In years 5 and 6 pupils should be taught:
- changes in the body related to puberty, such as periods and voice breaking.
- when these changes are likely to happen and what issues may cause young people anxiety and how they can deal with these.
- how a baby is conceived and born.
In addition primary schools should ensure that all children:
- develop confidence in talking, listening and thinking about feelings and relationships.
- are able to name parts of the body and describe how their bodies work.
- can protect them and ask for help and support
- are prepared for puberty
