RSHE

We are involved in Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSE) precisely because of our Christian beliefs about God and about the human person. The belief in the unique dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God underpins the approach to all education in a Catholic school. Our approach to RSHE therefore is rooted in the Catholic Church’s teaching of the human person and presented in a positive framework of Christian ideals.

Our School mission embraces the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, moral and social development of children and young people. Through an agreed approach to Relationship and Sex Education (RSE), using the Archdiocesan recommended resource ‘Journey in Love’ 2020, we believe that we can promote the development of the whole child, so that children can grow in virtue, wisdom and stature, understanding both the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing spiritually, as well as moral aspects of relationships within a context of a Christian vision for the purpose of life.

Relationships, Sex & Health Education: ‘A Journey in Love’

‘A Journey in Love’ is the RSHE scheme (Relationships, Sex & Health Education) that we use at St. Christopher's Catholic Primary School. It is a resource created by Sister Jude Groden of BRES. It is the recommended programme of study for Catholic schools for Relationships, Sex & Health Education, and has been written as a progressive scheme of work that supports the Religious Education, PSHE and Science curriculum taught within the school.

As children progress through school, they discover more and more about themselves and the wider world. This thirst for learning new things in all aspects of life is fostered by the school, who attempt to create a safe, stimulating environment for learning, supporting all children in their development. Our mission statement, which drives the school, attempts to achieve this goal following the Gospel values of truth and respect, understanding our journey as children of God, both special and unique.

Central to our work within our school is learning about our faith, including understanding ourselves, our position in our community and how we develop as human beings – our spiritual, social, emotional and physical development. This is how ‘A Journey in Love’ fits into the school’s curriculum. The scheme permeates through all levels of learning throughout the school. It focusses on friendship, family, community, relationships and spirituality; a guide to the children’s development as young Catholics.

As you would expect, not all issues related to personal development are covered by the end of Year 6. The content is age-appropriate and is taught with sensitivity, taking into account the children’s level of maturity in regard to the delivery of the lessons.

As with all aspects of learning, children are naturally curious, and many will have questions related to their lessons. Opportunities to discuss questions form part of the lessons, and again these are treated with care and understanding. ‘A Journey in Love’ highlights the importance of parental input, and children will be told to discuss their lessons at home.

As a parent, you have the right to withdraw your child from Sex Education at any time if you wish to do so; however, this is not to be confused with the topics around growing and life cycles within the Science curriculum which is a statutory requirement. Please see points 16-23 of the DfE Statutory Guidance document included below for more guidance.

A Journey in Love programme content:

An aspect of the mystery of love is taught in each year group; children are encouraged to marvel at the wonder and beauty of God’s creative love. This is reflected through a series of progressive and developmental tasks, activities and reflections focusing on physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development.

The following themes are studied in each year group:

Nursery: Wonder at God’s Love

Reception: God loves each of us in our uniqueness

Year 1: We meet God’s love in our family

Year 2: We meet God’s love in the community

Year 3: How we live in Love

Year 4: God loves us in our differences

Year 5: God loves me in my changing and development

Year 6: The wonder of God’s love in creating new life

Please access the following resources for further information:

DfE Statutory Guidance

Download: RSHE DfE Guidance (PDF)