PSHE and RSE
Our detailed policies can be found at the bottom of this page.
Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE)
Subject Coordinator: Ms Murphy
Intent
At St Polycarp’s, our aim is to give pupils the knowledge and skills they will need to thrive in the modern world. They will gain an understanding of diversity, acceptance, and the responsibilities they will face growing up. This includes learning how to manage change, responsibilities, and the challenges they can bring.
Implementation
Our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education is embedded into our broad and balanced curriculum.
Whilst children have explicit PSHE lessons, cross-curricular links are made to other subjects, to support children’s moral, spiritual and cultural development, keeping in line with our school ethos. Additionally, British Values are promoted through the aims and objectives of PSHE.
During PSHE lessons, children have opportunities to listen, learn and share their own opinions, with the help of the Jigsaw Puzzle cuddly pieces. Children are encouraged to follow the following charter in each of the sessions to create a safe space to learn:
As a Catholic school, we have adapted parts of the Jigsaw programme in line with guidance from our diocese.
As members of a class and school community, children learn social skills such as how to share, take turns, play, help others, resolve simple arguments and stand-up against bullying. They begin to learn about their own and other's feelings, becoming aware of the views, needs and rights of other children and older people. Pupils go on to learn about the wider world and the interdependence of communities within it.
Relationships, Sex & Education (RSE)
Subject Corodinator: Mrs Parker
"In faith and love, we learn and grow."
Intent
RSE is the lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development. Here at St Polycarp’s it is taught in the context of our Catholic faith. The subject covers the understanding for the importance of marriage for family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, love and care. It is also about the teaching of sex, sexuality and sexual health. Our intention is that children will progress through the school, discovering more about themselves and the wider world through the programme that we use. In each Year group, an aspect of love is explored where children are encouraged to marvel at the wonder and beauty of God’s creative love.
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- Importance of Marriage and Family Life: We emphasise the significance of marriage for family stability and nurturing loving relationships. Our teachings promote respect, care, and understanding within families.
- Sexuality Education: RSHE includes comprehensive instruction on sex, sexuality, and sexual health. We aim to provide accurate information to empower students to make informed choices.
- As with all aspects of learning, children are naturally curious, and many will have questions related to their lessons. Therefore, opportunities to discuss questions will form part of the lessons, and they will be treated with care and understanding supported by the Catholic views.
- Supporting Parents and Carers: Our intent is to support our parents or carers in the education of their child, recognising that they are the prime educators.
- Our teaching reflects the law including the Equality Act 2010.
- We will ensure that RSE is accessible for all pupils including those with Special Educational Needs and/or disability.
Implementation – Journey in Love
“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” John 3:18 NLT
At St Polycarp’s the Relationships and Sex Education programme that we follow is called ‘Journey in Love’, which is approved by the Arundel and Brighton Diocese. This educational program is crafted with care to guide children through the complexities of relationships and personal growth. Developed by Sister Jude Groden of BRES, it is a recommended resource for Catholic schools, seamlessly integrating with Religious Education, PSHE, and Science curriculum. The program unfolds the enigma of love, inviting children to appreciate the splendour of divine affection. It supports a child's journey from the early years onward, offering a variety of age-appropriate tasks, activities, and reflections aimed at nurturing their physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual facets.
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Curiosity is a natural part of learning, and "A Journey in Love" embraces this by incorporating ample opportunities for discussion, addressing questions with sensitivity and comprehension.
Recognising the vital role of family in education, the program encourages dialogue at home and respects parental discretion in matters of Sex Education, ensuring that you, as a parent, can make informed decisions about your child's participation.
As you might expect “A journey in Love” follows your child’s journey through school years in St Polycarps:
The programme is made up of 4 areas:
- Social and Emotional
- Physical
- Spiritual
Each area is broken down into:
- Content and information for the teacher
- Key questions to consider
- Suggested activities
- Pause and reflect
- Prayer
Curriculum Content by Year group
Impact
The intended outcome of RSE in St Polycarp’s is to foster a comprehensive understanding that nurturing & stable relationships are foundational to family happiness, regardless of their form. It aims to impart knowledge on the origins of human life in a respectful and age-appropriate manner. Additionally, RSE seeks to instil a sense of respect and empathy, guiding children to recognise that being created in the divine image shapes ethical interactions and the formation of enduring bonds with others.
Reception: The Wonder of being special and unique
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 us in our changing and development
Year 6: The wonder of God's love in creating new life
