Sex and Relationship education is lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development here at St. Christopher’s School; this programme is firmly embedded in the Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) and the SEAL curriculum.

The curriculum is tailored to the age, physical and emotional maturity of the children. It develops an understanding of the importance of stable and loving relationships, family life, respect, love and care.

Rationale

At St. Christopher’s we believe that Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship ensures that we can provide an education which will give the pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy independent lives. We have a planned programme of study which encourages our children to make well informed choices. They also play an active, positive role in contributing to school life and that of the community.

Aims

• To provide a secure sensitive and caring framework where learning and discussion can take place.
• To provide information which is easy to understand, relevant and appropriate for the needs, age and maturity of the pupils.
• Encourage the use of correct vocabulary.
• To foster self worth and awareness, together with a sense of moral responsibility.
• To help the children to acquire and practise important life skills such as critical thinking, decision making, communication and assertiveness.
• To ensure that sex education is available to all children regardless of gender, ability, cultural or religious background in line with the school’s policy on equal opportunities.
• Provide parents with an informed choice by inviting them to a pre-course overview/ workshop outlining the programme of study and intended outcomes of sex education led by the school nurse.

Provision

Sex and Relationship teaching will be delivered via two areas of the curriculum.

1. Through National curriculum Science where they are required to learn:

Key Stage 1

- 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 these grow into adults.

- To recognise the similarities between themselves and others and treat others with sensitivity.

Key Stage 2

- That the life processes common to humans and other animals include nutrition, growth and reproduction.

- The main stages of human life cycle.

Seniors

- As with other PSHE units Sex Education will develop in response to key questions.

- Sex education at the school will be developmental and age appropriate.

- Pupils will be taught about the nature of the human body and how it grows and changes.

- Sex education will be taught within the context of relationships and family life.

- The school nurse & PRMC male nurses will support the specific unit and provide resources and expertise alongside teaching staff within the framework of this policy.

Discussion will be encouraged at all times.

Ground rules for discussion excluding personal questioning of staff or pupils will be established.

We shall attempt to deal with questions in a sensitive, open, frank and matter of fact way.

Difficult or explicit questions do not have to be answered directly. Teachers will use their own discretion in these situations.

Most groups will be mixed age and gender but if felt more appropriate, single sex or age groups may be formed.

Assessment, Reporting and Recording

Note will be taken of individual responses to SRE units of study and included in assessment of progress in personal and social development.

Equal Opportunities

Pupils will have the opportunity to participate in SRE. However, parents have the right to withdraw their children from some or all of the curriculum after discussion with the Headteacher and if the school is notified in writing.

Safeguarding/Child Protection

All staff have an awareness of safeguarding /child protection procedures.

Staff Support and Development

It is appreciated that some staff may feel less comfortable with this area of the curriculum. All staff will be supported with appropriate training and support and if preferred, alternative staff or visiting professionals may be asked to deliver the curriculum.

S.G.C.

This policy will be discussed on an annual basis so as to inform the SGC body.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The PSHE subject leader will monitor coverage and the effectiveness of this policy within the framework of the school monitoring timetable and alongside the monitoring of PSHE and Citizenship.

This policy will be reviewed; Autumn 2009 Date: ________________________________

Note: This policy should take account of the following policies:

Equal opportunities / P.S.H.E./Citizenship