RSE

Relationships and Sex Education Statement

As a school we recognise that parents have the prime responsibility in teaching your children how to build healthy, loving relationships, but our catholic school also plays a vital part in supporting you as the first educators of your children. The Governors at Our Lady & St. John's Catholic Primary School have adopted the ‘Life to the Full’ programme to support the non-statutory relationships and sex education throughout the school (Nursery to Year 6). The programme of study is authentic to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Below, there is a brief outline of the content of the programme which is also available on our school website.

Life to the Full

Life to the Full has as its foundational premise the belief that we are made in the image and likeness of God and, as a consequence, gender and sexuality are God’s gift, reflect God’s beauty and share in the divine creativity.

In order that children may grow and develop healthily and holistically towards an understanding of their gender and its implications for successful relationships, they must be at ease with themselves and grow in self- knowledge. The entire teaching is underpinned with a religious 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.

An aspect of the mystery of love is treated in an age-appropriate way for each year group; children and young people are encouraged to marvel at the wonder and beauty of God’s creative love. This is reflected in each stage of a person’s growth in the Primary years through a series of progressive and developmental tasks, activities and reflections which focus on physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development.

You have the right to withdraw your child from this aspect of the curriculum however, this is not to be confused with the science curriculum which is statutory.

Our ‘Life to the Full’ programme will cover:

Module 1: Created and Loved by God

• Religious Understanding
• Me, my body, my health
• Emotional well-being
• Life cycles

Module 2: Created to Love Others

• Religious Understanding
• Personal Relationships
• Keeping Safe

Module 3: Created to Live in Community

• Religious Understanding
• Living in the Wider World

‘Love is the light – and in the end, the only light – that can always illuminate a world grown dim and give us the courage needed to keep living and working. Love is possible, and we are able to practise it because we are created in the image of God.’

Deus Caritas Est 39

If you require any further clarification regarding this aspect of the curriculum please contact: Mrs. Cunningham (Headteacher) or Ms. Grimshaw (RE Leader).