PSHE and RSE

What is RSE and what does it stand for?

Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSE) is about the emotional, social and cultural development of pupils, and involves learning about relationships, sexual health, sexuality, healthy lifestyles, diversity and personal identity.

The Government’s definition is this: “It is lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development. It is about the understanding of the importance of marriage for family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, love and care. It is also about the teaching of sex, sexuality, and sexual health. It is not about the promotion of sexual activity – this would be inappropriate teaching.” (Department for Education and Employment, SRE Guidance, 2000)

Currently, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) remains a non-statutory subject, and section 2.5 of the National Curriculum framework document states that: ‘All schools should make provision for personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE), drawing on good practice.’

However, from Summer 2021 Relationships Education will become statutory in Primary schools in England.

How will this be delivered?

At St Mary’s, we have been delivering Relationships and Health Education within our PSHE curriculum for many years. We have reviewed our PSHE curriculum to make sure that our lessons meet the requirements that the government has set out for the content of Relationships and Health Education.

All teaching in PSHE will take place in a safe learning environment and be underpinned by our school ethos and values. A variety of opportunities will be provided for pupils to ask questions to further their understanding and to find out more about what affects them personally.

This guidance forms part of our school’s PSHE education programme which is taught throughout the school in every year group and is monitored and reviewed regularly.