Set in the context of a whole-school approach to supporting Pupils in being safe, happy and prepared for life beyond School, Marton and District CE A Primary School’s approach to RSHE undertakes and follows the principles in the Church of England Charter for faith sensitive and inclusive relationships, sex and health education (RSHE).
I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness. (John 10:10, GNB)
Church of England Vision for Education
RSHE in our school reflects our Christian faith perspective by reinforcing our School’s core Christian values of Agape, Communion and Justice. Supported by everyone at School, modelled in all interactions, and upheld and demonstrated in our specially designed curriculum, our distinct Christian vision and values remain a central part of our School's culture and ethos and are reflected in our RSHE curriculum. Our bespoke RSHE programme has been produced through Staff, Pupil, Governor and Parental consultation, to ensure our RSHE curriculum and policy reflects our school community, vision and values. It is designed to inform, protect and nurture all Pupils so they can grow into safe, informed, confident and responsible citizens, able to grow within a diverse society.
Relationships
There are no outsiders in our school and this is fundamental to our Relationships curriculum. Our curriculum supports this message in informing our pupils, and fostering good relations across characteristics - between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it. Furthermore, it teaches our Pupils to keep themselves safe as well as become able to form healthy relationships where they respect and afford dignity to others.
Health Education
Physical health and mental well being are interlinked, and it is important that Pupils understand that good physical health contributes to good mental well being, and vice versa. At Marton we believe that health education supports our Pupils in developing their positive personal attributes; becoming confident in their own abilities, achieving well, persevering and making positive and informed choices. Our Health programme, within the wider context of RSHE, teaches Pupils key health messages about keeping well, fit and healthy through the varied ways that we can look after our bodies and stay safe.
Our Health curriculum encourages openness. It recognises the impact that a person’s mental health can have upon their lives, and that self-control and the ability to self-regulate can support Pupils in developing a happy and healthy life.
Sex Education (NON STATUTORY)
The content of Sex education is varied, and forms an integral part of our RSHE Curriculum. An overview of the learning is communicated to parents before these lessons are taught as these lessons are not mandatory and Parents have the right to request that their child be excused from some or all Sex education lessons. In the instance that a Parent requests their child to be excused, it will be communicated to the Head Teacher and Class Teacher and your wishes respected. Pupils will be provided with curriculum work outside of the classroom if excused from Sex education.
The developed Sex education programme ensures that all pupils understand the importance of love, self-worth, consent and respect - of their own and other’s bodies. It develops pupils’ awareness of their own development, understanding the correct and scientific vocabulary in relation to Sex education. Pupils will gain awareness of their changing bodies as they grow up (including emotions), they will develop their understanding of hygiene, personal morals and values as well as social and cultural models and expectations. Perhaps most importantly, Pupils will understand that they can seek support and advice when needed and where to get this.