RSHE
Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE)
Intent
At Holy Rosary we recognise that our children are growing up in an ever-changing world. As a school community, we work closely with parents, recognising that they are the first educators of their children, to ensure that our pupils are equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to keep themselves safe, healthy and happy.
Our RSHE curriculum is an important part of developing the whole child. We aim to provide our pupils with the knowledge, understanding and emotional skills they need to develop positive relationships, make informed choices and become confident and responsible members of society.
As a Catholic school, our teaching is firmly rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church. We believe that every child is unique, valued and created in the image and likeness of God. Through our curriculum and the wider life of the school, we promote the dignity and worth of every individual and encourage our children to show love, respect, compassion and kindness towards themselves and others.
Our school mission is:
“Together as a family, we love, learn and grow in the presence of God.”
This ethos is central to our approach to Relationships, Sex and Health Education. We want our children to understand the importance of loving and respectful relationships and to recognise the value of themselves and others.
At Holy Rosary, we believe that RSHE should support children in developing their physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing. Our curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to develop self-awareness, confidence, resilience and an understanding of how to seek help when they need it.
We recognise the importance of safeguarding within RSHE and ensure that children are taught how to keep themselves safe, understand appropriate boundaries and know who they can talk to if they are worried or concerned about something.
Our RSHE curriculum is accessible to all pupils and supports their social, moral, spiritual and cultural development. We aim for our children to leave Holy Rosary with high aspirations, a belief in themselves and the knowledge, skills and values needed to play an active, positive and successful role in today's diverse society.
Implementation
At Holy Rosary, Relationships, Sex and Health Education forms part of our broad and balanced curriculum. It is taught through PSHE, Science, Religious Education, Computing and our wider Catholic life, allowing children to revisit and develop their knowledge and understanding as they progress through the school.
RSE is taught through the Archdiocesan Journey in Love RSE programme. This ensures that our teaching of relationships and human development is firmly rooted in our Catholic faith and in the dignity and uniqueness of every human person.
Our PSHE curriculum complements this and follows a progressive approach, covering the three core themes of Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. This supports pupils in developing the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to stay healthy and safe and to prepare for life in modern Britain
We recognise that children develop and mature at different rates. Therefore, RSHE is taught in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner, taking account of the individual needs of our pupils. Children are given opportunities to ask questions, discuss their feelings and develop the confidence to seek help and support when needed.
Our curriculum also contributes to our safeguarding provision. Through appropriate teaching and discussion, pupils learn how to recognise risks, develop resilience, understand personal boundaries and know how and where to seek help. Safeguarding is an integral part of life at Holy Rosary, and we are committed to ensuring that all children feel valued, listened to and safe.
As a Catholic school, we believe that parents and carers have a vital role to play in their children's education. We seek to work closely with families and provide appropriate information and guidance to support parents in understanding the RSHE curriculum and continuing these important conversations at home.
At the beginning of each academic year, during our ‘Meet the Teacher’ session, parents and carers are provided with information about the RSHE curriculum, including the age-appropriate relationships and sex education content that will be taught throughout the year. This provides an opportunity for parents and carers to understand what their children will be learning, how the content reflects our Catholic ethos and values, and how it is approached in an age-appropriate and sensitive way. Parents and carers are encouraged to ask questions, discuss any concerns and seek clarification about the curriculum and the resources used.
We recognise that parents are the primary educators of their children in matters relating to relationships, sexuality and personal development. Our RSHE provision therefore seeks to complement and support the education and values that children receive at home, while ensuring that pupils receive accurate, age-appropriate information within the context of our Catholic school ethos. We encourage parents and carers to continue conversations at home and provide guidance and support as their children grow and develop.
Impact
The impact of our RSHE curriculum is that children at Holy Rosary Catholic Primary School develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to look after their physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
By the time our children leave Holy Rosary, we want them to:
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understand that they are unique and valued children of God;
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have a positive sense of self-worth and confidence;
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understand how to develop and maintain healthy and respectful relationships;
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recognise the importance of caring for their physical and mental wellbeing;
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understand how to keep themselves safe and recognise when they need help;
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know who they can speak to when they have worries or concerns;
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understand the importance of respect, kindness, honesty and compassion;
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develop resilience and the confidence to make positive and informed choices;
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appreciate the dignity and value of others;
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understand their responsibilities within their families, school and wider community; and
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be prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life beyond primary school.
Through our RSHE curriculum and the wider life of the school, we aim to develop children who are happy, healthy, confident and responsible, who understand their value and the value of others, and who are able to live out the Gospel values of love, respect, compassion and service.
At Holy Rosary, we want every child to love, learn and grow in the presence of God, developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to flourish as unique individuals and as valued members of our school and wider community.
LINK TO NEW STATUTORY GUIDANCE FROM DfE
Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education
NEW RSHE POLICY TO BE ADOPTED IN SEPTEMBER 2026