Curriculum Area: RSE
Subject Leader: Ms Walters
RSHE education is a school subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepare for life and work in modern Britain. Evidence shows that well-delivered RSHE programmes have an impact on both academic and non-academic outcomes for pupils, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Here at Bailey Street, our RSE department follows the curriculum document published by the DfE titled; Relationship, Sex Education and Health Education 2019. Here at Bailey Street Alternative Provision Academy, good relationships are fundamental to our ethos and our success in being a happy, caring and safe school. Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is lifelong learning about relationships, emotions, looking after ourselves, different families, sex, sexuality and sexual health. We aim for the students in our school to acquire the appropriate knowledge, develop their skills and form positive beliefs, values and attitudes. RSE has a key part to play in the personal, social, moral and spiritual development of young people.
Intent
The first theme is Health and Wellbeing. This aims to help pupils keep safe by making them aware of the dangers facing them in areas such as drugs, knife crime, and online harms, developing their ability to make the right choices, their knowledge of how to seek support for themselves and others. Guidance on keeping mentally and physically healthy is developed by providing information and encouraging discussion of real scenarios and choices in lessons. We also have regular drop-in sessions from the school nurse for the students to access freely.
The second theme is Relationships and Sex Education. This aims to provide pupils with the knowledge and skills to make appropriate, safe and legal choices around relationships and sexual activity, and to make them aware of issues around identity, gender and sexuality. We also have good connections and communication with the Sexual Health nurse who regularly provides help and support for our pupils.
The third theme is Living in The Wider World. This aims to develop pupils’ knowledge and skills around global issues, looking at issues around politics, both locally and globally, economic and financial well-being, and the work of local charities and groups in the community. Pupils are empowered to become informed and active citizens who know how democracy operates and how the UK is governed, are aware of their rights and responsibilities, are interested in volunteering and the charitable sector, and can manage their money effectively.
Implementation
At Key Stage 3, pupils build on the knowledge and understanding, skills, attributes and values they have acquired and developed during the primary phase. RSHE education acknowledges and addresses the changes that young people experience, beginning with transition to secondary school, the challenges of adolescence and their increasing independence. It teaches the knowledge and skills which will equip them for the opportunities and challenges of life.
Pupils learn to manage diverse relationships, their online lives, and the increasing influence of peers and the media. At Key Stage 4, pupils deepen knowledge and understanding, extend and rehearse skills, and further explore attitudes, values and attributes acquired during Key Stage 3. RSHE education reflects the fact that pupils are moving towards an independent role in adult life, taking on greater responsibility for themselves and others.
At Key Stage 4, pupils deepen knowledge and understanding, extend and rehearse skills, and further explore attitudes, values and attributes acquired during Key Stage 3. RSHE education reflects the fact that pupils are moving towards an independent role in adult life, taking on greater responsibility for themselves and others.
Impact
Recent pupil voice from Years 7 to 11 suggests that the curriculum is enjoyed by pupils, they learn a lot in their lessons and the topics covered are relevant to pupils of their age. We have listened to the feedback regarding the variety of different activities and more assemblies with the focus on national days such as Mental Health Awareness week, Anti -Bullying and Equality and Diversity Relationships are now embedded into the whole school assembly rota and in RSHE lessons.
The curriculum is deliberately planned to enable pupils to revisit core themes and deepen understanding. Specific vocabulary is taught and modelled by RSHE teachers and pupils are expected to use this vocabulary in both oral and written answer. Pupils are assessed through the NCFE Relationships, Sex and Health level 1 qualification, which is built into each unit of work and challenge all abilities throughout the school. This allows to compare where a pupil is at the end of a unit against where they were at the beginning. Pupils are introduced to themes of the week, which covers local, national and international current issues shared during daily form time. Weekly assemblies are planned to cover any additional sessions that would benefit the whole school. Pupils at Bailey Street will benefit from a variety of visitors that complement our curriculum to offer additional learning.