PSHE
The aims of PSHE, including the statutory elements of relationships and sex education (RSE) at our school are to:
- Provide a framework in which sensitive discussions can take place
- Prepare pupils for puberty, and give them an understanding of sexual development and the importance of health and hygiene
- Help pupils develop feelings of self-respect, confidence and empathy
- Create a positive culture around issues of sexuality and relationships
- Teach pupils the correct vocabulary to describe themselves and their bodies
- Promote equality and an understanding that everyone will be treated equally in our school.
- Develop pupils’ understanding of the world around them, and that there are no outsiders in our school community
As a primary academy we must provide relationships education to all pupils as per section 34 of the Children and Social work act 2017.
We do not have to follow the National Curriculum but we are expected to offer all pupils a curriculum that is similar to the National Curriculum, including requirements to teach science which would include the elements of sex education contained in the science curriculum.
In teaching RSE, we are required by our funding agreements to have regard to guidance issued by the secretary of state as outlined in section 403 of the Education Act 1996.
At Highfields Academy we teach PSHE, including RSE as set out in our policy. We have developed the curriculum in consultation with parents, governors, pupils and staff, taking into account the age, needs and feelings of pupils. If pupils ask questions outside the scope of this policy, teachers will respond in an appropriate manner so they are fully informed and don’t seek answers online.