RSHE

RSHE

Our school follows the Sheffield RSHE (Relationships, Sex & Health Education) scheme. This was written in 2020 following new guidance that was released at the time.

There are 3 key themes in the scheme which are rotated on a half-termly basis (with a different focus each time). These are:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Relationships
• Living in the Wider World

Topics cover a range of content; such as what makes a good friend, how to prevent bullying, online safety, family dynamics and more (see overview below for more information). Sex education is covered in Y6 and parents do have the right to withdraw their children from this if required.

Although there is no strict structure of the lessons in this curriculum, there are recurring pedagogical themes that are used throughout:

High quality stimuli

Most lessons are built on an engaging ‘hook’, such as a picture book, video or image. By using narrative or visual catalysts, the chance of all children taking part in the lesson is increased.

Discussion

Each lesson is designed to promote discussion around a key question. Because of the nature of RSHE, children should come away with a deep and nuanced understanding of the topics discussed, rather than a list of rules to be followed. Children are encouraged to question why such rules might exist, in order that they will become adults, who feel empowered to make their own decisions around issues of interpersonal relationships, morality, health and wellbeing.

Flexibility

Teachers are encouraged to be flexible in their approach to these RSHE lessons. Wherever appropriate, tangents should be followed and children given opportunities to share their own thoughts and hear those of others. RSHE lessons should be exploratory and allow children to test their own opinions in a safe environment, where they feel listened to.

Diversity and inclusion

At the foundation of RSHE teaching should be the celebration of diversity and the promotion of inclusion. School staff should be mindful that their own opinions and faith may not be the same as those in the communities that they serve. It is important to balance the right of people to their own beliefs with the right of people to be free from discrimination.

Links to PSHE and Citizenship

This curriculum covers all objectives for RSHE, PSHE and Citizenship covered in the following documents:

RSHE Statutory guidance (DfE – 2019)

PSHE Programme of Study (PSHE Association 2020)

Citizenship Non-Statutory Guidance (DfE – 2015)

Downloads

RSHE Key Concepts

RSHE Overview