Background
This policy has been written and implemented following consultation and discussions with the school governing body, teachers and students by the Social Education Department. This policy is written in line with the Sex & relationship education (SRE) guidance issued by the government, DFEE 0116/2000.
Aim
The aims of SRE are to be an integral part of the learning process, be relevant and accessible to all young people in school.
As a school we aim to prepare our students for a range of relationships so that they can act responsibly and co-operatively with others. SRE also aims to encourage exploration of moral issues, consideration of sexuality and personal relationships and the development of communication and decision making skills. The programme also seeks to foster self esteem, self awareness and the skills to resist abuse and unwanted sexual experiences.
Rationale
As a school we are committed to providing a safe environment in which students are encouraged to explore sensitive issues and to ensure that students are able to access correct & impartial information. We feel it is important to recognise the power and confusion of informal learning – from TV, magazines, newspapers, gossip, jokes, the wider community and to address it. The school delivers a programme of (SRE) as an entitlement of each student to learn about their own and others’ sexuality and to be well prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. SRE encompasses not only anatomy and physiology but also examines values, morals, attitudes and beliefs. It is concerned with individual rights, responsibilities and respect for persons thus allowing students to become confident in themselves and their relationships.
Implementation
The programme for sex & relationship education should demonstrate
· progression from 11-18 in terms of language, concepts and content. Increasing in depth and complexity as students mature
· relevance and differentiation
· integration & inclusion
· Provide continuity & progression across the year groups by providing a coordinated spiral curriculum
The curriculum incorporates the following elements
· body knowledge }
· human growth and development } Science/PSHE
· child protection and safety }
· parenting, families }
· relationships (sexual & platonic) }
· sexuality, sexual identity and self esteem} PSHE
· personal and social skills }
· helping agencies }
From year 8 we also teach discreet lessons about sensitive issues such as contraception, abortion, sexual orientation, HIV/Aids, other sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and sexual abuse. These subjects are not formally taught in year 7 but may be generally discussed in direct response to students’ enquiry within lessons.
Delivery & Resources
SRE is taught as an integral part of the learning process within curriculum subjects as well as being taught as a discreet subject by specialist and non-specialist staff under the guidance of specialist staff.
The Department seeks to utilise the skills of external agencies such as the School Nurse, Relationship Agencies and Social Services etc to assist in delivering the programme of education when deemed applicable by the Subject teacher in consultation with the Head of Department. In such cases a teacher remains present in the classroom to maintain responsibility for class discipline and devise follow-up work to reinforce pupils’ learning. Before engaging an outside speaker the school will satisfy itself that:
· The external contributors are competent educators and facilitators and do not provide input outside their area of expertise
· They are aware of school policies relating to confidentiality, disclosure and safe guarding children,
· Their approach is consistent with that of the school
A variety of teaching and learning styles will be utilised including discussion, role plays DVDs, practical demonstrations and the use of I.T and dedicated websites etc.
Assessment & Evaluation
Progression, relevance & differentiation are routinely assessed via Teacher assessment, and through the use of questionnaires to the students. Students are also encouraged to complete self and peer assessments within the programme of study in the discreet lessons.
Parental right to withdraw students from lessons
It is the right of parents to have access to this policy and withdraw their children from sex education in PSHE lessons.
Monitoring
An annual review of the sex & relationship education policy will take place.
Fitzharrys School Staff Handbook Section page 2 of 2 Author :A J Williams reviewed : July 2015