In June 2019 the Government issued new guidance for schools about the delivery of relationships and sex education. The guidance outlines how this subjects should be taught across primary and secondary settings. St Dominic’s has pupils ages 7 to 19 and we have ensured that our RSE curriculum not only reflects the government guidance but also takes into account the needs of our learners. Information is taught explicitly and sequentially as well as revisited regularly. Pupils and students are encouraged to ask questions to aid understanding and retention of the information and our robust safeguarding practices support our pupils to make safe choices and decisions about their relationships. 

The guidance states that RSE should support pupils to:

“ embrace the challenges of creating a happy and successful adult life, pupils need knowledge that will enable them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships and to build their self-efficacy. Pupils can also put this knowledge into practice as they develop the capacity to make sound decisions when facing risks, challenges and complex contexts”.

Through our Needs Led Curriculum we ensure that pupils understand the nature of the relationships they have in their lives, how to permission give and withdraw and the concept of consent. They are taught the biological facts about sexual relationships and contraception as well as how to keep themselves safe on social media. 

Families are informed through the curriculum maps and communication from tutors when aspects of RSE are going to be delivered. From Year 7 onwards families have the right to withdraw their child from RSE lessons if they wish. Families are also welcome to contact school via the therapy team or tutors if they wish for more information or support when it comes to providing information for their child. 

Please clink here to see the Needs Led and PSHE Subject Overview which shows where the RSE curriculum is delivered (these boxes are pale blue).

Please click here to read our Relationships and Sex Education Procedure.