RSHE

In the academic year 2020/21, Relationships Education and Health Education will become statutory in all primary schools in England. This new subject will build on the non-statutory lessons we have previously taught in RSE.

As a Catholic school, our mission is to support the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all of our pupils, rooted in the wisdom and teaching of the Church. The education of children in human sexuality is an important, precious and privileged responsibility. The Church teaches us that this is very much a partnership with parents, in which parents are the ‘first educators’ of their children on these matters; ultimately, you confer on us the right to co-educate your children with you.

We have been researching various programmes that are available and have decided to adopt Life to the Full by Ten Ten Resources. Ten Ten is an award-winning Catholic educational organisation that is well-respected and very experienced in this field of work.

Life to the Full has been approved by our diocese. Furthermore, Ten Ten have entered into a partnership with the Catholic Education Service and the Department for Education to provide training for teachers in Catholic schools on the subject of the new statutory curriculum. Therefore, we are confident that this programme is a very good fit for our school.

Through their programme, Ten Ten understand the foundational role that parents have in educating and nurturing their children on these matters. Within the programme, they have built in resources which will not only keep you informed about what is being taught in school, but will also give you the opportunity to engage your children in discussion, activity and prayer.

Teaching of RSHE

Life to the Full is a programme in Relationship and Health Education for Catholic primary schools throughout the UK. The Life to the Full programme is based on the structure of ‘A Model Catholic RSE Curriculum’ by the Catholic Education Service. This model curriculum was highlighted as a work of good practice by the Department of Education so we therefore have confidence that the programme will be fit for purpose in supporting the growth and development of your child.

Life to the Full is much more than a series of lessons. It is an entire platform of creative resources that will engage, inform and inspire our children and, indeed, you as parents. This includes interactive video content, story-based activities, employing a wide range of teaching tools, original worship music and an accompanying programme of classroom prayers.

In addition there is an online parent platform so that you, as parent and carers, can view the teaching materials, engage with the teaching and deepen the experience for your child. To access the online parent platform please visit: www.tentenresources.co.uk/parent-portal

School Username: SJPDN35

School Password: SJP690672

Our approach to RHE is rooted in the Catholic Church’s teaching of the human person and presented in a positive framework of Christian ideals. It will be delivered in conjunction with teaching the Religious Education programme and as part of the statutory element of the Science National Curriculum. All RHE will be in accordance with the Church’s moral teaching. It will emphasise the central importance of marriage and the family whilst acknowledging that all pupils have a fundamental right to have their life respected whatever household they come from and support will be provided to help pupils deal with different sets of values. The school will use Ten Ten “Life to the Full” to deliver the RHE curriculum content within the context of a Christian understanding of human sexuality rooted in the wisdom and teaching of the Catholic Church. Life to the Full has been approved by the Diocese of Nottingham. Therefore, we are confident that this programme is a very good fit for our school.

As children progress through school, they discover more and more about themselves and the wider world. This thirst for learning new things in all aspects of life is fostered by the school, who attempt to create a safe, stimulating environment for learning; supporting all children in their development. Our mission statement which drives the school, attempts to achieve this goal following the Gospel values of truth and respect, understanding our journey as children of God, both special and unique.

Central to our work within the school is learning about our faith, including understanding ourselves, our position in our community and how we develop as human beings – our spiritual, social, emotional and physical development. This is how Ten Ten “Life to the Full” fits in to the school’s curriculum. The scheme permeates through all levels of learning throughout the school. It focuses on friendship, family, community, relationships and spirituality; a guide to the children’s development as young Catholics.

As you would expect, not all issues related to personal development are covered by the end of Year 6. The content is age appropriate and is taught with sensitivity, taking into account the children’s level of maturity in regard to the delivery of the lessons.

As with all aspects of learning, children are naturally curious and many will have questions related to their lessons. Opportunities to discuss questions form part of the lessons and, again, these are treated with care and understanding. The programme has, as its foundation, the belief that we are made in the image and likeness of God and as a consequence, gender and sexuality are God’s gift and reflect God’s beauty. Each stage of growth is delivered through a series of suggested, progressive and developmental tasks and activities. Reflections will focus on physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development. As children progress through school, they will discover more and more about themselves and the wider world.

Curriculum Intent

RSHE ensures children and young people are equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence to cope with the many pressures and challenges of modern society. Learning about friendships and family in RSE are the building blocks to help children to understand themselves and others. Children are prepared for the physical and emotional changes they undergo at puberty. RSE should equip children and young people with the information, skills and positive values to have safe, fulfilling relationships. It provides a positive view of human sexuality and dignity of the human person; equips young people with the ability to make practical judgments about the right thing to do in particular circumstances and explores and promotes virtues which are essential to promoting respect and dignity. All of this is done within the doctrine of the Catholic Church, faithful to the Church’s vision of human wholeness whilst recognising the contemporary context in which we live today.

Year group information

Reception

In Reception the children learn God loving each of us in our uniqueness. The children will know and understand that God has made them unique and that although we are all different, we are special to him.

Year 1

In Year One the children learn about meeting God’s love in our family. The children know and understand that they are growing and developing as members of their own family and God’s family.

Year 2

In Year Two the children learn about meeting God’s love in the community. The children will know and understand that they are growing and developing in a God-given community.

Year 3

In Year Three the children learn about how we live in love. The children will know and understand the virtues essential to friendship e.g. loyalty, responsibility etc. and experience the importance both of forgiving and being forgiven and of celebrating God’s forgiveness.

Year 4

In Year 4 the children learn about how God loves us in our differences. The children will know and understand that they are all different and celebrate these differences as they appreciate that God’s love accepts us as we are and as we change.

Year 5

In Year Five the children learn about God loving them in their changing and development. The children will know and become aware of the physical and emotional changes that accompany puberty- sensitivity, mood swings, anger, boredom etc. and grow further in their understanding of God’s presence in their daily lives.