RELATIONSHIP & SEX EDUCATION POLICY

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1 RELATIONSHIP & SEX EDUCATION POLICY Prepared by: Rohit Gohil, Deputy Headteacher Approved by: Governing Board, September 2015 Review date: September 2016

2 LEYSLAND HIGH SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP AND SEX EDUCATION POLICY Glossary of acronyms: RSE PSHE LT ECM PLC CP CPD STI INSET SEN Relationship and Sex Education Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education Leadership Team Every Child Matters Personalised Learning Centre Child Protection Continuing Professional Development Sexually Transmitted Infections In school staff training Special Educational Needs This policy was developed in accordance with Relationship and Sex Education Guidance DfES 2000, and the more recent National Healthy Schools Programme. The policy should be considered in conjunction with the Personal Development Curriculum policy and the Confidentiality policy. What Is Relationship and Sex Education? RSE is lifelong learning about physical, sexual, moral and emotional development. It is about the understanding of the importance of stable and loving relationships, respect, love, care, and family life. Objectives The aim of RSE is to provide balanced factual information about human reproduction, together with consideration of the broader emotional, ethical, religious, and moral dimensions of sexual health. Our RSE programme aims to prepare pupils for an adult life in which they can: develop positive values and a moral framework that will guide their decisions, judgements and behaviour have the confidence and self esteem to value themselves and others and the skills to judge what kind of relationship they want understand the consequences of their actions and behave responsibly within sexual and pastoral relationships avoid being exploited or exploiting others or being pressured into unwanted or unprotected sex 2

3 communicate effectively by developing appropriate terminology for sex and relationship issues develop awareness of their sexuality and understand human sexuality; challenge sexism and prejudice, and promote equality and diversity understand the arguments for delaying sexual activity understand the reasons for having protected sex have sufficient information and skills to protect themselves and, where they have one, their partner from uninvited/unwanted conceptions and sexually transmitted infections including HIV be aware of sources of help and acquire the skills and confidence to access confidential health advice, support and treatment if necessary know how the law applies to sexual relationships In order to achieve the above, we aim to guide our pupils in the following: Attitudes and Values learning the importance of values, individual conscience and moral choices learning the value of family life, stable and loving relationships, and marriage learning about the nurture of children learning the value of respect, love and care exploring, considering and understanding moral dilemmas developing critical thinking as part of decision-making challenging myths, misconceptions and false assumptions about normal behaviour Personal and Social Skills learning to manage emotions and relationships confidently and sensitively developing self-respect and empathy for others learning to make choices with an absence of prejudice developing an appreciation of the consequences of choices made managing conflict the ability to be able to avoid inappropriate pressures or advances (both as exploited or exploiter) 3

4 Knowledge and Understanding learning and understanding physical development at appropriate stages understanding human sexuality, reproduction, sexual health, emotions and relationships learning about contraception and the range of local and national sexual health advice, contraception and support services learning the reasons for delaying sexual activity, and the benefits to be gained from such delay the avoidance of unplanned pregnancy Organisation and Content of Sex and Relationship Education Leyland High School delivers Sex and Relationship Education through its PSHEE Programme and Science lessons. Abortion is considered as a moral dilemma in year 9 in RE / philosophy for children. YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 9 PSHE RSE Contraception and fertility (usually delivered by science teachers when studying reproduction in mammals) RSE (including revisiting contraception/safer sex, STDs and AIDS) SCIENCE RE / philosophy Reproduction as one of the 7 life processes (very basic) Physical aspects of sexual reproduction in mammals NC Sc.2 Contraception HIV in microbiology Marriage and relationships Revision of sexual reproduction Moral dilemma - abortion 4

5 How is RSE delivered? Wherever possible pupils take an active role in their learning. A variety of methods are used: Discussions and debates Using text Group work Role play Games Research ICT (websites controlled by teachers) Personal reflective writing DVDs/digital media Outside speakers (e.g. school nurses; teenage mothers) Any RSE lesson may consider questions or issues that some pupils will find sensitive. Before embarking on these lessons ground rules are established which prohibit inappropriate personal information being requested or disclosed by those taking part in the lesson. When pupils ask questions, we aim to answer them honestly, within the ground rules established at the start of the sessions. When it is felt that answering a specific question would involve information at a level inappropriate to the development of the rest of the pupils, the question may be dealt with individually at another time. Who Coordinates RSE? The RSE courses are led by the Deputy Headteacher. Delivery, monitoring and evaluation are overseen by the Head of Year. Who delivers RSE? Tutors generally deliver RSE with support from professionals where appropriate. Form tutors work closely with their tutees over a number of years and we believe that they are usually the best people to work with the pupils on many of the RSE topics as they are aware of each student's individual circumstances. The Science National Curriculum is delivered by staff in the Science department. These lessons are more concerned with the physical aspects of development and reproduction, although the importance of relationships is not forgotten. Contraception is taught in Year 8, and a letter sent home explaining to parents that they may withdraw their pupils from these lessons of the science curriculum. Support and training Appropriate support and external training is available to those leading the development of RSE courses, as is time for meetings and networking with other organisations and schools. 5

6 Healthy schools provide training to all tutors on aspects of the law and confidentiality. Tutors receive detailed lessons plans for each individual lesson. It is the responsibility the Heads of Year 7 and 9, and Deputy Headteacher to ensure that tutors are appropriately prepared and supported. This happens during training days, year team meetings, curriculum meetings and INSET. More expert or specialist teachers support tutors who are uncomfortable with teaching certain aspects of the curriculum. Support is offered within the year team or from the RSE co-ordinators / Deputy Headteacher who will help with delivery of lessons if required. Resources Lesson plans are provided, and are stored in the large folders. These lesson outlines and other materials are also on the Staff Drive under PDC. These documents are read only by can be copied by individual tutors and changed for their own use. Wherever possible tutors use laptops and projectors rather than worksheets. Also on the staff drive PDC are PowerPoint resources, Elate and Boardworks. Sections from these have been incorporated into lesson plans, and may be used as 20 minute activities. Tutors may wish to use them at other times or in other ways. Several short films are available from Teachers TV and Youtube in the staff folder. Tutors each have several textbooks for other ideas and information. Class sets of Folens Citizenship and PSHE books are available for class use. Where necessary. There are several sets in the staff room, tutors are invited to book these if they need them, then collect and return them to the staff room after the lesson. LSA support is available for RSE lessons. This should be booked in advance using the school s computerised booking system. Assessment Assessment is carried out at the end of the module and involves teacher, pupil and peer assessment of knowledge and understanding, interpersonal skills, and attitudes. Inclusion Ethnic and Cultural Groups We intend our policy to be sensitive to the needs of different ethnic groups. For some young people it is not culturally appropriate for them to be taught particular items in mixed groups. We will respond to parental requests and concerns. 6

7 Pupils with Special Needs We will ensure that all young people receive sex and relationship education, and we will offer provision appropriate to the particular needs of all our pupils, taking specialist advice where necessary. Sexual Identity and Sexual Orientation We aim to deal sensitively and honesty with issues of sexual orientation, answer appropriate question and offer support. Young people, whatever their developing sexuality need to feel that relationship and sex education is relevant to them. Right of Withdrawal of Pupils from Relationship and Sex Education Some parents prefer to take the responsibility for aspects of this element of education. They have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of the relationship and sex education except for those parts included in the statutory National Curriculum (i.e. in Science lessons). We would make alternative arrangements in such cases. Parents are encouraged to discuss their decisions with staff at the earliest opportunity. Parents are welcome to review any RSE resources the school uses. Confidentiality, Controversial and Sensitive Issues Teachers cannot offer unconditional confidentiality. Teachers are not legally bound to inform parents or the Headteacher of any disclosure unless the Headteacher has specifically requested them to do so. In a case where a teacher learns from an under 16 year old that they are having or contemplating sexual intercourse: The young person will be encouraged, wherever possible, to talk to parent/carer and if necessary to seek medical advice. Child protection issues will be considered, and referred if necessary to the teacher responsible for Child Protection under the school's procedures. The young person will be directed towards a Health Professional or Pastoral Manager (Year Head, DH, Mentor), who may offer information about where young people can access contraception and advice services. In any case where child protection procedures are followed, the teacher will ensure that the young person understands that if confidentiality has to be broken, they will be informed first. Health professionals in school are bound by their codes of conduct in a one-to-one situation with an individual student, but in a classroom situation they must follow the school's confidentiality policy. 7

8 Monitoring and Evaluation of Relationship and Sex Education It is the responsibility of the Deputy Headteacher (Teaching and Learning) and the Heads of Year 7 and 9 to oversee and organise the monitoring of RSE. They ensure that: Courses, staffing, timetabling and resources are all in place Relevant policies are reviewed annually and amended as a result of feedback and reflect current practice Pupils and staff are consulted about the relevance of the programme The courses are reviewed regularly RSE lessons are observed and feedback given Staff records and samples of pupils work are examined Evaluation of RSE Teachers who deliver RSE fill in a brief evaluation sheet each lesson. This is used to promote and inform discussion at each year team meeting in order to ensure that lessons, units and schemes of work are effective. RSE leaders meet regularly to consider the overall programme. Pupils work and assessment records are scrutinized. Pupils views on the courses, their needs and their learning are canvassed. Review of RSE The Personal Development Curriculum will be reviewed as part of the school s rigorous Departmental Review cycle, by LT. RSE will be included in this process. The Science Department is reviewed by LT at regular intervals. Ofsted is required to evaluate and report on spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils. This includes evaluating and commenting on the school's RSE policy, and on support and staff development, training and delivery. Governors Governors are responsible for overseeing, reviewing and organising the revision of the Relationship and Sex Education Policy. 8