Relationships & Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education

At Risby CEVC Primary, Relationships & Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education is a fundamental part of the curriculum and content is taught in the context of a broad and balanced curriculum. Our RSHE programme:

• Is vital in establishing effective safeguarding procedures in school and ensuring our children remain safe and protected;
• Promotes pupils’ emotional wellbeing;
• Prepares children for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adolescent and adult life;
• Has a positive impact on pupils’ mental health and wellbeing;
• Enables children to learn about safety and risks in relationships;
• Ensures children are not misinformed by information they may have heard outside of the classroom;
• Supports our children in feeling good about themselves and their bodies;
• Works to ensure that our children develop high levels of self-esteem.

Core knowledge is communicated clearly to pupils, in a carefully sequenced way, through the following timetabled lessons:

Personal, Social, Health & Economic: PSHE

Having reviewed different PSHE programmes to establish which programmes were most appropriate for the age and maturity of our children, and would be most sensitive to their needs, we chose to deliver PSHE through a programme called SCARF. Children have weekly lessons in the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms and relationships & sex education and health education are covered as shown in the whole school planning below.

Sex Education

Sex Education at Risby is taught through the National Curriculum for Science. In Science, children in Year 5 & Year 6 are taught about the life process of reproduction in plants, animals and humans. Appropriate anatomical and scientific language is used during these lessons by teaching staff, who also encourage the children to use the same language during any discussions in class. Ahead of these lessons, parents & carers are kept fully informed on what will be covered and when it will be covered and they are always given the opportunity to ask any questions and/or address any concerns with the class teacher. Please note that children cannot be withdrawn from Sex Education lessons that are taught through the National Curriculum for Science.

One World

Once a half term, the children participate in a One World lesson. The lessons focus on a particular book - as outlined in the One World Booklist below - and are based around developing understanding of characteristics protected by the Equalities Act. They champion inclusion, celebrate diversity and promote tolerance. They help prepare children for life as global citizens and support equality.

Philosophy

At Risby, we use philosophy throughout the school to teach the skills of reasoning, thinking and enquiry. The children learn to work cooperatively and collaboratively as they explore complex concepts. They are taught to listen carefully to one another, build on one another's ideas and explore disagreements respectfully; they learn to disagree with the idea not the person.