RSHE

All education in our College is underpinned by the belief in the unique dignity of the human person, made in the image of God. We are involved in relationships and sex education precisely because of these Christian beliefs about the human person and our relationship with God. There is no longer sacred or profane, natural or supernatural, mortification or prayer – because it is one and the same Spirit who brings it about that the Christian will see and ‘find God in all things’. As such, Christians must strive to know and understand the gifts which have been given to us by our Creator, in order to appreciate fully His power and His love for us. Therefore, our approach to RSHE is rooted in the Catholic teachings around the human person, presented in the positive framework of broader Christian ideals. It is concerned with nurturing human wholeness and is integral to the physical, spiritual, emotional, moral, social and intellectual development of pupils. It will be centred on Christ’s vision of being human as good news and will be positive and prudent, showing the potential for development, while enabling understanding and appreciation of the dangers and risks which may be faced in the real world.

All RSHE will be in accordance with the Church’s moral teaching. It will enshrine Catholic values relating to the importance of stable relationships, marriage and family life, whilst acknowledging that all pupils have a fundamental right to respect irrespective of their background or identity. As a consequence of the Christian belief that we are made in the image and likeness of God, gender and sexuality are seen as God’s gift, reflect His beauty, and are an undeniable part of divine creation. RSHE will reflect this through ensuring students recognise the importance of diversity, both in human beings and in relationships or sexuality. RSHE will also promote those virtues which are essential in responding to God’s call to love others with a proper respect for their dignity and the dignity of the human body. The following virtues will be explicitly explored and promoted: faithfulness, fruitfulness, chastity, integrity, prudence, mercy and compassion.

RSHE has become a core part of our College experience, allowing students to become more effective men and women for others and allowing for cura personalis, the care for the whole person, educating our students for the real world.

Right to Withdraw

Parents’ right to request withdrawal from sex education

Parents have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of sex education delivered as part of statutory RSHE.

Before granting any request for withdrawal of a child from sex education, it is good practice for the head teacher to discuss the request with parents, and the child if appropriate, to understand the request and to clarify the nature and purpose of the curriculum. This is likely to include discussing the benefits of sex education, and any detrimental effects of withdrawal, including social and emotional impacts on the child, and the likelihood that the child will hear their peers’ version of what was said in class, which may not be accurate. Schools will want to document this process to ensure a record is kept.

Where primary schools provide sex education, head teachers must automatically grant a request to withdraw a pupil from it, other than content that is taught as part of the science curriculum. In secondary, head teachers can refuse a request in exceptional circumstances, for example because of safeguarding concerns or a pupil’s specific vulnerability.

From three terms before the pupil turns 16, a pupil can choose to opt back into sex education even if their parent has requested withdrawal. For example, if a pupil turns 16 during the autumn term, the pupil can opt back into sex education at any time after the start of the previous autumn term. Schools should ensure that pupils know they have this option.

If a pupil is withdrawn from sex education, it is the school’s responsibility to ensure that the pupil receives appropriate, purposeful education during the period of withdrawal.

Parents do not have the right to withdraw their pupils from relationships and health education, nor can they be withdrawn from topics taught as part of the science curriculum, including science topics related to puberty or sexual reproduction. 

Everyone has relationships with others, and most pupils will develop sexual relationships at some point in their lives. Relationships education should equip pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to act with kindness and respect in all their relationships as they grow into adulthood, to enjoy their relationships, and to keep themselves and others safe.

The RSHE Policy can be found in the Policy section of our website: https://www.st-ignatius.enfield.sch.uk/708/policies

RSHE Consultation letter January 2024

RSHE Curriculum

Ten:Ten Parent Portal (access to RSHE resources)