St Brendans NS Fenit

RSE - Relationships & Sexuality Education Policy

Definition

R.S.E. is a cross-curricular programme, which addresses the needs of the whole child. It promotes the holistic development of the child and specifically addresses the meaning of human sexuality, relationships, growth and development, and relevant personal and social skills. Central to the programme is the fostering of self-esteem. R.S.E. is an integral part of the SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education) programme.


Philosophy

1. The school will seek to promote Christian vision of human life and relationships.
2. The school will recognise that in the area of R.S.E. its role is subsidiary to that of the parents.
3. The school programme will reflect Christian moral teaching on sexual matters and will provide moral support, tolerance and understanding of the circumstances of all families and children in an inclusive and Christian manner.
The dignity, privacy and modesty of each individual child and family will be respected.


Aims

 To enhance the personal development, self-esteem and well being of each child.
 To promote respect for self and others.
 To help the pupils to develop healthy friendships and relationships.
 To foster an understanding of a healthy attitude towards human sexuality and relationships.
 To provide children with age appropriate information.


Guidelines for the Management and Administration of our R.S.E. programme
R.S.E. will be facilitated in 3 ways within the school.
1. In the context of a positive school climate and atmosphere.
2. As part of a timetabled S.P.H.E.
3. On an integrated, cross-curricular basis.

 Content and methodology to be used in the teachings of R.S.E. programmes will be as outlined in R.S.E. curriculum.
 Details of the contents of various elements of the programme for each stage of development of pupils will be available for inspection.
 Opportunities will be afforded to Parents/Guardians to engage with children on the content at various stages throughout the programme (Homework line work sheets – assignments etc.,)
 Confidentiality will be respected except where there is clear indication that serious is occurring or threatened.
 The Board of Management recognises that it is the right of Parents/Guardians to impart private and sensitive information on sexuality to their children at a time they themselves consider appropriate. Consequently the school will ensure that parents who wish to withdraw their child from sensitive aspects of the R.S.E. programme are facilitated.
• The primary responsibility for the education of children in this are rests with the parents and guardians. It is the policy of the Board of Management to assist and not replace this responsibility. The responsibility for imparting the R.S.E. programme for pupils will rest primarily with the teaching staff of the school.

On-going Support and review
• The Board of Management will put in place a review system which will seek to take into account the views of teachers, parents and pupils and the submissions of any individuals involved in the process.
• The Board will ensure access for teachers to any further in-career development opportunities.
• The draft policy will be circulated to all parents, which will be given the opportunity to comment at our AGM of parents. Any amendments deemed necessary will be undertaken and the final draft will be presented to the Board of Management for approval.

Review
A review of the programme will be undertaken after 2 years initially and every 5 years thereafter.