What is RSE?

RSE stands for Relationships and Sex education.

RSE lessons are one part of the PSHE curriculum. We teach these in every year group and build upon the skills and language as the children go through school.

All children have a variety of relationships throughout their lives. We teach them how to maintain and gain positive relationships and also, what a negative relationship is. This is important for all children. Relationships education is taught in every year group. Sex education begins in year 3, where the children are taught the correct anatomical names for parts of the body. Year 4 teaching is about growing up, how the body changes as it goes through puberty. In year 5, the children learn about puberty again and conception. Finally, in year 6, the children revisit conception, puberty and are taught about body image and social media usage.

Is my child too young?

Every child will go through puberty. We believe, as a school, that it is important for a child to be taught about what will happen to them, before it happens. This will help them to be confident about any changes they notice in their moods, bodies and relationships.

Why should my child be included in the RSE lessons?

Children hear and see many things from TV, social media, older siblings and friends. We believe that it is important that your child is taught about Relationships and Sex Education is a safe classroom environment by a skilled practitioner, where they can ask questions confidently.

How do you teach RSE?

As a school, we use, like always, a wide range of teaching methods. We may use: story books, educational video clips, powerpoints, visitors or role play.

Why are RSE lessons important?

All the main reasons to answer this question are above. However, as PSHE leader, I believe that RSE lessons are incredibly important in allowing our children to gain the information about how their bodies will change as they grow. Our children are taught the facts over several years so they can gain a deeper understanding as they mature. All relationships are valuable. We want to give our children the skills to foster and maintain good, healthy relationships, and also, to know when a relationship is not healthy.

Why do we have to give permission?

The government say that as parents, you need to know what we are teaching in our RSE curriculum. They also say that you must give your permission for your child to be part of the RSE lessons in year  5 and 6.