St. Joseph’s Primary School, Kilmuckridge

Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Policy

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Introductory Statement & Rationale

This policy statement is an approved approach to the teaching of RSE in St. Joseph’s Primary School. It was developed to inform teachers and parents as to what material is covered in the RSE programme within SPHE.

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School Philosophy / Ethos

St. Joseph’s Primary School is a mixed Catholic school under the patronage of the Bishop of Ferns. Our school aims to give the children in our care a sound religious and moral education within the established Catholic ethos of the school and to help them establish a faith in God which will grow and develop.

The ethos of St. Joseph’s Primary School can be seen in the everyday dealings with all those who work in the school have with each other. It is manifested in the respect and consideration shown by teachers to pupils and vice versa. We are proud of the children who are part of our school and hope they go on to become fulfilled adults.

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Definition of RSE

RSE aims to provide opportunities for children to learn about relationships and sexuality in ways that help them to form values and establish behaviours within a moral, spiritual and social framework. It is an integral part of the Social, Personal and Health Education and is taught in this context.

RSE aims to help children learn, at home and in school, about their own development, about their friendships and relationships with others. This work is based on developing a good self-image and self-esteem and providing them with appropriate information.

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RSE in the Context of Our SPHE Programme

SPHE is a subject on the school curriculum that provides opportunities for pupils to:

• Learn basic personal and social skills

• Foster integrity, self-confidence, and self-esteem

• Nurture sensitivity to the feelings and rights of others

It is taught from Junior Infants up to 6th Class. RSE forms part of this programme. It is a spiral curriculum that ensures topics are taught in a developmental manner throughout the primary years.

SPHE supports the child’s emotional, moral, social, spiritual, intellectual, physical, political, religious, and creative development.

Topics covered include:

• Healthy eating

• Alcohol and drug awareness

• Environmental issues

• Safety

• Social responsibility

• RSE

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Including RSE in the Curriculum

RSE is facilitated in the following ways:

• In the context of a positive school climate and atmosphere

• In the context of an effective Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy

• As part of Religious Education

• As part of timetabled SPHE

• On an integrated cross-curricular basis

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Aims of Our RSE Programme

• To help young people develop healthy friendships and relationships

• To enhance the personal development, self-esteem and well-being of the child

• To foster an understanding of, and a healthy attitude to, human sexuality and relationships in a moral, spiritual and social framework

• To enable the child to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, human love, sexual intercourse and reproduction

• To develop and promote in the child a sense of wonder and awe at the process of birth and new life

• To enable the child to be comfortable with the sexuality of oneself and others while growing and developing

Content objectives will be taught as laid down by the Department of Education and Skills in the SPHE Curriculum (1999).

• RSE will be taught in all classes

• The SPHE/RSE curriculum will be spiral in nature and all content objectives will be covered by the end of 6th class

• Questions arising from lesson content will be answered in an age-appropriate manner

• All resources used will be in keeping with the ethos of the school and this policy

• RSE for 5th and 6th class boys and girls will be delivered separately by two trained staff members

• Parents of 5th/6th class pupils will be invited to a talk outlining the lesson content beforehand

• Appendix I outlines the RSE programme

• Appendix II lists the vocabulary to be taught in sensitive areas

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School Policies and Curricular Plans Supporting RSE

St. Joseph’s P.S. is a child-centred school. Educational and emotional needs are central to planning and policy development.

Policies supporting RSE include:

• Grow in Love Religious Education Programme

• SPHE Curriculum

• Stay Safe Programme

• School’s Code of Behaviour and Discipline Policy

• Anti-Bullying Policy

• Child Protection Policy

• Enrolment Policy

• ICT and Social Media Acceptable Use Policy

• Administration of Medicine Policy

In line with these policies, the school promotes:

• Good behaviour

• Open communication

• Understanding and tolerance

• Respect for staff, pupils, and others

• A sense of responsibility

• Attention to the well-being of all community members

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Timetabling

• One half-hour SPHE period per week is timetabled for each class

• RSE is integrated into this time

• Sensitive issues will be taught primarily in the Third Term

• Some content may be delivered cross-curricularly

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Parental Involvement

• Parents are acknowledged as primary educators

• On enrolment, parents receive an overview of the SPHE/RSE programme and a copy of this policy

• Each year, before RSE lessons begin, parents are informed of the start date

• Curriculum books and materials are available online at www.pdst.ie

• Parents are welcome to view the RSE programme resources

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Withdrawal from RSE

• RSE is an obligatory requirement of the Department of Education and Skills

• However, parents may withdraw their child from themes relating to sensitive issues

• This is on the understanding that the parent takes full responsibility for these aspects of the child’s education

• Withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing

• The school cannot be held responsible for any information a child receives outside of direct RSE lessons

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Pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

• Consultation with parents of pupils with SEN may be arranged

• Where needed, RSE sensitive lessons may be delivered individually or in small groups

• A variety of teaching methodologies may be used to accommodate different needs

 

Confidentiality and Child Protection

Where a child discloses abuse, the school will act in accordance with:

• Department of Education and Skills Child Protection Guidelines

• Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children

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Resources

Resources used in the teaching of RSE include:

• Stay Safe Programme

• RSE Manuals

• Busy Bodies

• Making the Links

• Other materials as deemed appropriate by class teachers in consultation with the Principal

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Provision for Ongoing Support

For Parents

• Parents will be informed by email prior to lessons involving sensitive content

• This communication will include:

  • A link to the school’s RSE Policy

  • A list of sensitive terminology

  • A link to the RSE Curriculum

• Home-School Links materials will be provided by class teachers as topics are planned and taught

For Teachers

• The Board of Management will support in-career development in the area of SPHE/RSE when opportunities arise

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Implementation

This policy will be implemented during the 2020/2021 school year.

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Review

This policy will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, or earlier if necessary. Parents and staff will be informed of any amendments made.

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Ratification

This policy was ratified by the Board of Management on: _____________________

Signed:
Chairperson, Board of Management

Signed:
Principal / Secretary to the Board of Management

Date: ______________________
Date: ______________________

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Appendix I – RSE Programme Overview

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Appendix II – Vocabulary Taught in Sensitive Areas