RSE

It is expected that we have the following:

• SRE should form part of the PSHE curriculum, as this will ensure that pupils:
  • Receive their SRE in the wider context of relationships
  • Are prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life
• Schools have a SRE programme tailored to the age and the physical and emotional maturity of children
• All children should learn about the emotional and physical changes of puberty before onset
• SRE must take moral, sexuality  & cultural considerations and the value of family life into account
• Must ensure that SRE is done within a clear values framework
• Must prepare pupils for the roles, responsibilities and experiences of adult life
• Must ensure all aspects of SRE in the Science National Curriculum is taught.

Through our teaching, we will promote the values of respect and tolerance, ensuring that there is no discrimination against any group identified in the Equality Act. Our curriculum provision promotes inclusion and equality for all, so our resources will reflect a range of families and relationships. Our school takes part in LGBT+ History month in February, which celebrates the achievements of those who challenge inequality and embrace diversity. Children learn from an early age what the acronym LGBT represents. We strive to combat homophobic bullying in Anti-Bullying Week during November, and celebrate uniqueness with a PRIDE celebration in June. We may also discuss sexuality if and when it arises in the curriculum for example when discussing the life of Frida Kahlo in art or the contribution of Alan Turing in history.

In Year 4 children will learn how hormonal changes can make our hair greasy, how we can sweat more and how our skin may become prone to spots. The focus is on maintaining good personal hygiene and prepares children for more detailed information about puberty in Year 5. In Year 5 children will learn about the emotional changes, and physical changes that occur in puberty including growth of pubic hair, what happens when you start your period, and changes that occur in males. They will learn about the male and female internal reproductive organs so that they understand where in the body eggs and sperm originate.

The lesson in Year 6 ‘How babies are made’ uses the term sexual intercourse and does explain that the man will put his penis in the woman’s vagina. However, this part of the lesson is set within the wider context of a series of lessons which is focussed on being in a committed, loving relationship and being ready and responsible to start a family.

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of the sex and relationship education provided at school except for those parts included in the statutory National Curriculum and issues covered by the Equality Act.

Parents have the right to view the material before their child is shown and we have a meeting with parents/carers before anything is taught . We request that the parents/carers write to the Principal and agree to meet him to discuss this further. We will make arrangements to accommodate parental wishes on the understanding that we cannot govern conversations between children in their break times.