RSE (Relationships and Sex Education)
New Guidance
The Department for Education has recently published updated guidance relating to Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE). As a result, our school's RSE Policy is currently under review to ensure that it continues to meet statutory requirements while reflecting our Catholic ethos and values.
The proposed policy will be considered by the Local Governing Committee and shared with parents as part of the consultation process. We value the important role of parents as the primary educators of their children and welcome their views during this review. Following consultation and approval, the final policy will be published on the school website.
In the meantime, the school will continue to use the Ten:Ten Life to the Full programme, which has been developed specifically for Catholic schools and is rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church. The programme has been produced in partnership with the Catholic Education Service and supports schools in delivering Relationships, Sex and Health Education in a way that is faithful to Church teaching, promotes the dignity of every person, and recognises parents as the primary educators of their children.
Should you have any questions regarding Relationships and Sex Education at our school, please contact the school office.
RSE in SMSS
As a part of your child’s educational experience at St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, we aim to promote personal wellbeing and development through a comprehensive taught programme of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education that gives children and young people the knowledge, under-standing, attitudes and practical skills to live healthy, safe, productive and fulfilled lives, both now and in the future.
This means that we have reviewed our RSE (Relationship and Sex Education) curriculum and policy so we can be sure our RSE provision is appropriate for our pupils based on their:
- Age
- Physical and emotional maturity
- Religious and cultural backgrounds
- Special educational needs and disabilities
RSE is part of the mission of Catholic schools to educate the whole person. It should be carried out as part of the holistic education which seeks to form as well as inform young people in preparation for adult life.
(Catholic Education Service)
Catholic schools are required to deliver RSE in accordance with the teaching of the church. This approach is compatible with the guidance issued by the DfE.
Our RSE and PSHE link together, so we have one policy which covers both. This was updated in Spring 2023 by the FGB. There were no changes to the RSE part of the policy.
Click below to read our RSE and PSHE policy - please note - this policy is under review:
Life to the Full
At St Mary Star of the Sea, we will be using the Ten:Ten programme for Catholic primary schools, Life to the Full, to teach Relationships Education and Health Education within the context of a Christian understanding of human sexuality rooted in the wisdom and teaching of the Catholic Church.
We will deliver this teaching through the prism of Catholic RSHE. The framework of our programme is taken from the Model Catholic RSE Programme by the Catholic Education Service, which has been highlighted by the Department of Education as a work of good practice.
Life to the Full is a fully resourced Scheme of Work in Relationships and Health Education (RHE) for Catholic primary schools which embraces and fulfils the new statutory curriculum. Taught with a spiral approach to learning, in which pupils will revisit the same topics at an age-appropriate stage through their school life, the programme includes teaching about personal health, physical and emotional wellbeing, strong emotions, private parts of the body, personal relationships, family structures, trusted adults, growing bodies, puberty, periods, life cycles, the dangers of social media, where babies come from, an understanding of the Common Good and living in the wider world. The entire teaching is underpinned with a religious understanding that our deepest identity is as a child of God - created chosen and loved by God. The programme is fully inclusive of all pupils and their families.
Please note: When puberty and change are taught parents will be informed beforehand to support communication at home.
Life to the Full - EYFS overview
Life to the Full - KS1 overview
