Relationships and sex education (RSE) at St Bede’s Catholic Middle School 

Relationships and sex education is about the emotional, social and cultural development of pupils and involves learning about relationships, sexual health, sexuality, healthy lifestyles, diversity and personal identity. It is crucially linked to safeguarding, and the personal development of all pupils. RSE is taught within the SMVSC education curriculum. Biological aspects of RSE are taught within the science curriculum, and other aspects are included in religious education (RE). We use guidance from the PHSE association and alongside this, we use faith inspired resources and guidance produced by Ten Ten which has been recommended by the diocese. RSE involves a combination of sharing information and exploring issues and values.  

Whilst promoting Catholic values and virtues and teaching in accordance with Church teaching, we will ensure that pupils are offered a balanced programme by providing an RSE programme that offers a range of viewpoints on issues. Pupils will also receive clear scientific information as well as covering the aspects of the law pertaining to RSE (in secondary schools/academies relating to forced-marriage, female genital mutilation, abortion, the age of consent and legislation relating to equality). Knowing about facts and enabling young people to explore differing viewpoints is not the same as promoting behaviour and is not incompatible with our school’s promotion of Catholic teaching. We will ensure that pupils have access to the learning they need to stay safe, healthy and understand their rights as individuals. We expect and encourage all of our pupils to become ‘well-rounded individuals’. Our RSE curriculum enables pupils to understand the values and qualities associated with a responsible, tolerant and law-abiding citizen. 

During our teaching of RSE, we use resources that are aligned with the teaching requirements set out in the statutory RSE guidance. Many of resources are supported by Ten:Ten, who help our school community grow in faith, love, understanding and compassion. They do this by creating a wide-range of unique media-rich programmes and resources, inspired by our Christian faith. 

Our KS2 pupils, use a fully resourced curriculum scheme of work in Relationships and Health Education (RHE) for Catholic schools. These resources are approved by Catholic dioceses throughout England and Wales, the entire teaching is underpinned with a Christian faith understanding that our deepest identity is as a child of God – created, chosen and loved by God. The programme is fully inclusive of all pupils and their families. 

In KS3, our pupils learn about Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) within the context of a Christian understanding of human sexuality rooted in the wisdom and teaching of the Catholic Church. Addressing the needs of our pupils where they are at in today’s world, the programme is fully inclusive of all students and their families.