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Our Lady's Close

Upper Norwood

SE19 3FA

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RSE Programme

Parents

RSE Programme


There are some subjects which are, rightly, particularly sensitive in our culture. Statutory guidance calls us to help our school children understand that there are a variety of family units in our society, and to be tolerant of all persons whatever their situation – respecting the dignity of all. This is completely in keeping with Catholic ethos, and is traditionally a great strength of our school.


  • We are involved in relationships and sex education precisely because of our belief in the unique dignity of the human person made in the image and likeness of God. This insight underpins our approach to all education. 
  • Our approach to RSE is rooted in the Catholic Church’s teaching on the human person and presented in a positive framework of Christian ideals. 
  • RSE has an important role to play in helping our pupils to become happy and fulfilled adults who are capable of forming long-lasting friendships and committed intimate relationships.”
  • As a consequence of our belief that we are made in the image and likeness of God, gender and sexuality are seen as a gift of God’s which reflect God’s beauty and share in the Divine creativity. RSE, therefore, will be placed firmly within the context of relationship as it is there that sexuality grows and develops.
  • All RSE will be in accordance with the moral teaching of the Catholic Church, emphasising the central importance of marriage and the family while acknowledging that all pupils have a fundamental right to have their life respected whatever household they come from. 
  • The idea of ‘virtue’ is central. The virtues equip us to better love God and our neighbour; in other words, to live more effectively as human beings.
  • We commit ourselves to provide “positive and prudent sexual education” for our pupils, compatible with their physical, cognitive, psychological, and spiritual maturity, and rooted in a Catholic vision of education and the human person.


Our RSE programme understands sexuality in its fullest sense: we are sexual beings in our biology, our psychology, our spirituality and in how we relate to others socially. Learning to respect sexuality is important to becoming a balanced individual, one who is able to mix freely and form lasting friendships. These help to prepare for marriage and for bringing up children in the future.


Our RSE programme includes: understanding oneself as a human person, recognising and learning to master emotions in a positive way, learning the Golden Rule of treating others as one wishes to be treated, appreciating the differences and complementarities between the sexes, understanding the difference between loving and using people, , understanding the concepts of “consent” and harassment” and learn how to positively deal with these circumstances.


Throughout the programme, our pupils are taught to value the meaning of sexuality and to build positive relationship with respect to everyone.


Among other resources, we use the resources produced by ‘A Fertile Heart’ in the teaching of RSE; you can view sample resources for teaching at:


Key Stage 3 here: 



 and Key Stage 4 here:



For guidance on what is required by law in England, Scotland, and Wales, please see:



You can find a copy of our Relationships & Sex Education (RSE) Policy here:



More detailed information can also be found on other useful websites:


  • Protect Young Minds Full website with many useful tips and resources for both parents and teachers on cyber bullying, pornography and internet addiction. 


  • How to Talk to Kids About Porn Parenting consultant Nicholeen Peck gives advice on how to approach the subject before or after a child becomes involved. 13 minutes. Designed for parents; useful for teachers.



This is really designed for secondary schools but could be adapted for younger children.



  • RSE – Get it right! Supports parents, schools and local authorities in England who want to prioritise safeguarding children’s best interests within RSE. Explains schools’ and parents’ rights and responsibilities in simple language with ready access to the latest documents. 


The Christian Institute’s Relationships and Sex Education: A guide for Christian parents in England (and any other concerned parents). A well-constructed and easy to read guide which sets out the content of RSE, how schools may respond, and the rights of parents. Published September 2020.


  • ParentPower A group of parents and educators who support each other in safeguarding children and protecting parents’ rights to educate their children according to their own beliefs and values.


  • Family Education Trust Independent trust which researches the causes and consequences of family breakdown, produces educational materials and online resources for schools, campaigns to influence public policy and the media, and supports families, teachers and school governors. Publishes a regular bulletin and is a useful source of advice, books and leaflets.


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