Sex and Relationship Education Policy

Introduction

St. Anselm’s College is an 11 – 18 Boys Grammar School. There are 850 pupils in the school, including 210 in the Sixth Form. Pupils are drawn from a wide catchment area and entry is determined by passing an Entrance exam.

Policy Review

Mrs N Howlett - Deputy Head, responsible for liaising with Heads of Years and Diocese.
Miss L Baines - Assistant Headteacher, responsible for PHSE.
Mr L Jones - Head of Religious Studies, responsible for liaison with Mrs N Howlett,, Miss L Baines and RS staff.
Mrs J O Gorman - Link Governor, responsible for link PHSE and Religious Studies Department.

The initial SRE policy was ratified by the full Governing Body in October 2004. The proposals had been viewed by all those with an interest, before it was presented to the Governing Body for approval.

In September 2007, the Policy was reviewed. It was agreed that during the academic year 2007 – 2008, the policy would be open to further consultation with all parties, including the Student Council, parents, Staff and Governing Body.

Aims

  • To teach the importance of values and individual conscience and moral considerations within the ethos of this catholic school.
  • To teach the value of family life, and stable and loving relationships for the nurture of children.
  • To understand the purpose of marriage and consider ways in which Christian marriage is different.
  • To explore the value of relationships and the dignity of each person.
  • To teach the value of respect, love and care.
  • To explore, consider and understand moral dilemmas.
  • To teach students how to manage emotions and relationships confidently and sensitively.
  • To develop self respect and empathy for others.
  • To learn and make choices based on an understanding of difference and with an absence of prejudice.
  • To learn how to manage conflict.
  • To develop an appreciation of the consequences of choices made.
  • To learn how to recognise and avoid exploitation and abuse.
  • To learn and understand about physical development at appropriate stages.
  • To understand about human sexuality, reproduction, sexual health, emotions and relationships.
  • To understand the Christian teaching about sex before marriage with emphasis on Catholic teaching.
  • To learn the reasons for delaying sexual activity, and the benefits to be gained from such delay.

    • These aims will need to be reflected on the teaching objectives and learning outcomes contained in Schemes of Work and individual lesson plans.

    SRE Curriculum Delivery

    SRE is delivered:

  • As part of the PSHE programme with the support of outside agencies.
  • KS3 & KS4 science.
  • Through Religious Education.

    • Teaching

    The Teaching of the SRE programme in this catholic college should be handled sensitively within the guidelines laid down by the Catholic Church and the expectations of the parents.

  • Delivery should be in a safe, secure and supportive environment.
  • Staff should set the ground rules with pupils.
  • Use a variety of teaching techniques with supporting documentation.
  • Staff should be clear as to how to manage sensitive and controversial issues – through INSET training.

    • Resources

    The Head of Religious Studies and the PSHE Coordinator have overall responsibility for the acquisition of resources. In order to ensure the most effective use of capitation the following criteria are used when selecting resources they

  • support the College’s agreed aims, the aims of the lessons and the objectives and values framework for SRE.
  • conform to the legal requirements of SRE.
  • are appropriate to the needs of the pupils.
  • avoid racism, sexism, gender and homophobic stereotyping.
  • portray positive images of a range of young people.
  • can be used as discussion materials.
  • are adaptable for use with all pupils.
  • are factual and up to date.
  • clear instructions on use of the resources are included – pupil and teacher information is separated and where appropriate handouts can be photocopied.
  • well designed, durable and easy to both understand, use and store.
  • contribute to a broad, balanced PSHE curriculum.
  • encourage active and participatory learning methods.

    • Evaluation

    There will be an annual audit of the teaching of the SRE as part of the PSHE review, this will include a pupil questionnaire and will be programmed the PSHE co-ordinator. Through feedback from teaching staff, student response and parent response.

    Specific Issues

    Confidentiality of young people cannot and must not be guaranteed by school staff.

    It is the responsibility of every member of staff to know and abide by the College’s Child Protection procedures. If any member of staff has a concern about the safety of pupil they must record their concerns and pass them on to the school’s Child Protection Co-ordinator. To do nothing is not an option.

    Parents have the right to withdraw their children from SRE lessons, except National Curriculum Science orders.


    Reviewed September 2007