RSE

What is Relationship and Sex Education? 

The Government’s definition is this: “It is lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development. It is about the understanding of the importance of marriage for family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, love and care. It is also about the teaching of sex, sexuality, and sexual health. It is not about the promotion of sexual activity – this would be inappropriate teaching.” (Department for Education and Employment, SRE Guidance, 2000)

Currently, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) remains a non-statutory subject, and section 2.5 of the National Curriculum framework document states that: ‘All schools should make provision for personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE), drawing on good practice.’ However, from September 2020 Relationships Education will become statutory in Primary schools in England, with government guidance being offered during 2018 as to the expected content of this curriculum.

 

What are the aims of RSE? 

There are four main aims for teaching RSE within the context of Primary School PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education):

 • To enable young people to understand and respect their bodies, and be able to cope with the changes puberty brings, without fear or confusion

 • To help young people develop positive and healthy relationships appropriate to their age, development etc. (respect for self and others)

 • To support young people to have positive self-esteem and body image, and to understand the influences and pressures around them

 • To empower them to be safe and safeguarded

From September 2020, Relationships education will become statutory in all primary schools in England. In line with government guidance, it is recommended that age-appropriate sex education is also taught in all primary schools. For more information, the Department for Education RSE Guidance as well as slides from our parent workshop are available below: