Relationships & Sexuality Policy

Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is an important component of our Pastoral Care Provision in school. This policy therefore contributes to our Pastoral Care Policy and outlines how we aim to ensure our pupils are well catered for in all aspects of this increasingly important area of their developing life.

RATIONALE
Education is concerned with the whole person in relation to their spiritual, physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. RSE is a statutory element of the Revised N.I.Curriculum. In the areas of Home Economics, Science, Personal Development, R.E. and P.E. Children should learn about changes which will occur as they grow older. Particularly around the 11-14 age group they become more aware of their own sexuality and need information and guidance in coming to terms with physical and emotional changes and the impact these have in relationships with other people. Whilst most parents see the need to equip their children on sex education not all will be able to deliver this completely at home. As a result many children’s knowledge of sexual matter is acquired through the media and their peers and can be often distorted in a basic manner.

Aims of RSE

1. To enhance the personal development self esteem and well being of the young person and in doing so encourage personal responsibility in all forms of behaviour.
2. To develop self respect and self confidence.
3. To help the young person learn how to develop and enjoy healthy and respectful friendships and relationships with peers, teachers and other adults which are based on responsibility and mutual respect.
4. Provide guidance, knowledge and information to enable young people to develop in a healthy and responsible manner towards human sexuality.
5. To help the young person value the importance of stable, loving personal relationships, marriage and family life

PUPILS presenting with difficulties regarding any of these issues in any subject areas will be dealt with by subject teachers, HoD’s, HoY’s, SENCo, Designated Teacher for Child Protection, Vice-Principal Pastoral Care or one of the schools’ two counsellors.

The R.S.E. Policy is available to all parents on request.