Relationships and Sexuality Education Policy

 

Introductory Statement & Rationale:

This policy statement is an approved approach to the teaching of RSE in St. John the Baptist Girls' Primary School.  It was developed by St. John the Baptist Girls' Primary School RSE Policy Committee which included two teachers, two representatives of the Board of Management and two parent representatives.  It was developed to inform teachers and parents as to what material is covered in the RSE programme within SPHE.

School Philosophy / Ethos:

St. John the Baptist Girls' Primary School is an all girls' Catholic school serving an urban/rural area under the trusteeship of the Archbishop of Cashel & Emly.  We are committed to the promotion of high educational social and Christian standards for all entrusted to our care.  All policies developed are implemented in ways which are in keeping with the ethos of the school.  The ethos of the school is characterised by the following:

• sensitive to reality of our children's lives in a changing world.
• mutual respect between all partners in education
• child-centred
• aims to ensure each child reaches full potential in the holistic sense
• hopes that children are equipped with healthy self-esteem to enable them to live happy and fulfilled lives.

Definition of RSE:

RSE is an integral part of Social, Personal and Health Education and is taught in this context.  It provides structured opportunities for pupils to acquire knowledge and understanding of human sexuality and relationships through processes which will enable them to form values and establish behaviours within a moral, spiritual and social framework.

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.

Relationship of RSE to SPHE:

In St. John the Baptist Girls' School RSE will be taught in the context of Social, Personal and Health Education.  SPHE is a subject on the school curriculum that provides opportunities for pupils to learn basic personal and social skills which foster integrity, self-confidence and self-esteem while nurturing sensitivity to the feelings and rights of others.  This happens in the context of their emotional, moral, social and spiritual growth as well as their intellectual, physical, political, religious and creative development.  The content of the schools SPHE programme covers a wide range of topics such as healthy eating, alcohol and drug awareness, environmental issues, safety and social responsibility as well as RSE.

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.

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.

Guidelines for the Management and Organisation of RSE in our school:

Content:

 the content objectives covered will be taught as laid down by the Department of Education and Science in the SPHE Curriculum 1999.

• RSE will be taught in all classes.
• The SPHE/RSE curriculum will be of a spiral nature and all content objectives will be covered by the time children leave 6th class.
• All resources used in the teaching of the programme will be in keeping with the ethos of the school and in the spirit of this policy.
• For an outline of the RSE programme - see Appendix 1.
• For the vocabulary to be taught in the sensitive areas - see Appendix 2.

Timetabling:

One half hour period per week is timetabled for each class for SPHE.  RSE will be included in the programme taught during this time.  It is envisaged that some aspects of RSE (including the sensitive will be taught through a number of core periods while some material may be taught in a cross curricular manner. RSE material will be taught in each classroom during the Second Term.

Parental Involvement:

RSE is an ongoing process throughout life.  Parents are acknowledged primary educators of their children and the school works in partnership in a supportive role.  On enrolment of their child, parents will be provided with an overview of the SPHE/RSE programme and with a copy of this policy document.  Each year prior to implementation of the RSE programme parents will be informed when the teacher will begin to teach the programme.  The curriculum books and resource materials are available in the school and parents are welcome to view these if desired.

Withdrawal from RSE:

Since RSE is an obligatory requirement of the Department of Education and Science it should be inclusive.  However, a parent's right to withdraw a pupil from themes pertaining to sensitive issues will be respected on the understanding that the parent is taking full responsibility for this aspect of education.  Parents are obliged to inform the school in writing of their decision to withdraw the child from the sensitive issues classes.  The child must then be collected from class at 2:30p.m. (1:30p.m. in infant rooms) on the days on which these lessons will be taught.  The school cannot be responsible for any information which a child may receive outside the direct teaching of RSE lessons.

Teacher Opt Out:

It is envisaged that all aspects of SPHE and RSE will be taught by class teachers to their own classes.  Teachers will teach only the topics laid down for the class and will answer only those questions related to the topics taught.

Pupils will be informed that questions/issues not on the programme cannot be addressed and they will be referred back to their parents.  Teachers may exercise discretion to contact parents themselves if they feel that a question is inappropriate.  A teacher’s right to opt out from teaching the sensitive areas will be respected.  Arrangements for the teaching of the programme in that teacher's class will be made by the Principal.

Confidentiality and Child Protection:

Where there is disclosure by a child of abuse, the school will follow the Department of Education and Science child protection guidelines and guidelines as set out in "Children First".

Resources:

Walk Tall Resource Books.

Stay Safe Programme

RSE Manuals

Other resource material as deemed appropriate by class teachers in consultation with the principal.

Provision for Ongoing Support:

For Parents:

• Parents are welcome to view the curriculum if they wish
• There will be contact with parents prior to and during the teaching of lessons involving "sensitive issues".  A home/school link page accompanying the lessons will be sent home and parents will be encouraged to discuss the topic.
• In consultation with the Parent Association a guest speaker may be invited to address the general body of parents.
• "Going Forward Together" booklet and a copy of this policy will be included in the enrolment pack for new pupils.

For Teachers:

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

Implementation:

This policy will be implemented during school year 2008/09

Review:

This policy will be reviewed in June 2009 after the first year of implementation.  It will be reviewed every two years thereafter or sooner should a need arise.  Parents and staff will be informed of any amendments made.