Relationships and Sexuality Education Policy
Relationships and Sexuality Education Policy
Reviewed June 2009
Rationale
Belfast Boys’ Model School is committed to ensuring the physical, emotional, spiritual and moral well being of all of its pupils so that they may develop to their full potential and contribute positively to their community and to wider society.
Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is a lifelong process, which encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, understanding and skills, the development of attitudes, beliefs and values about personal and social relationships and gender issues.
Sexuality includes all aspects of the human personality and has biological, cultural, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions. In Belfast Boys’ Model School the RSE programme is designed to further the school aim of respecting self and others.
The Moral Framework
RSE is taught in a sensitive manner in conformity with traditional moral and religious principles.
Emphasis is placed on:
• the importance of permanent loving relationships;
• the responsibility of parenthood and the value of a stable family life;
• the deferment of sexual activity until young people are physically and emotionally mature and
• abstinence as an achievable option.
Belfast Boys’ Model School recognises that young people live in a diverse range of cultures, religions and family types. We recognise that our pupils have the right to be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their class, sexuality, culture, religion and gender. We are committed to an RSE programme which at all times will reflect the diversity and complexity of the lives and experiences of our pupils.
Desired Outcomes
• The RSE policy enables our pupils to develop and maintain safe, healthy and satisfying personal relationships.
• All staff involved in the delivery of RSE are provided with adequate training and support to enable them to deal with the issues raised effectively.
• The planning and delivery of RSE reflects the ethos and values framework of Belfast Boys’ Model School.
• The provision of RSE is an equal opportunity issue. All pupils in BBMS will receive adequate preparation for the emotional and physical changes at puberty and beyond.
• The programme will provide opportunities to investigate the legal aspects of RSE regarding issues such as legal age of consent and abortion.
Confidentiality
It is essential that at all times confidentiality operates within the boundaries of the school’s Child Protection Policy. All teaching staff must follow the following procedures:
• Confidentiality must be discussed with pupils before beginning an RSE programme. Ground rules should be agreed with the pupils.
• Pupils should be informed that there are instances when confidentiality cannot be kept (for example in cases of suspected abuse). Pupils should be fully informed of action that will be taken.
• Pupils must be fully aware that they have the right to, and indeed should, report inappropriate attitudes and/or behaviour by any member of the school personnel.
• Where teachers are unsure when confidentiality should not be maintained, they should consult with the Designated Teacher for Child Protection (Appendix 1)
Associated guidelines
Teachers delivering the RSE programme
• will be provided, through staff in-service days, with opportunities for training to enable them to better deliver aspects of the RSE programme.
• need to listen openly to questions posed, issues raised and attitudes voiced, which are of a sensitive nature.
• are prepared to deal with potentially difficult issues e.g. homosexuality in an open and sensitive manner, in an attempt to counteract prejudice.
• whatever their own views, should counteract prejudice and support the development of self esteem and a sense of responsibility in every pupil.
The Health Education Co-ordinator
• will ensure that all staff and parents are aware of and have access to a copy of the policy.
• will oversee and co-ordinate the planning and curricular provision of RSE in compliance with the statutory requirements, including periodic update and review of the policy.
• will ensure that the programme is age appropriate and tailored to the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs, in terms of content, methodology and resources used.
• will act as the point of contact for outside agencies working with the school (Appendix 2)
The Board of Governors
• will examine and approve the completed policy and programme prior to their implementation in the school.
• will review the policy at regular intervals.
Development of Skills
The RSE curriculum is designed to enable pupils to learn and to practise the skills necessary to form and maintain relationships and to make informed choices regarding health and well-being. These skills will enable them to critically evaluate the wide range of information, opinions, attitudes and values available to them. These skills will evolve as the pupils are given the opportunity and encouragement to reflect and practise them in a non-judgemental environment. They will assist in the development of the pupils’ self-esteem and emotional maturity.
RSE will provide opportunities for the pupils to:
• form values and establish behaviour within a moral, spiritual and social framework;
• examine and explore the variety of human relationships;
• learn how to develop and enjoy personal relationships and friendships which are based on responsibility and mutual respect;
• build the foundations for developing more personal relationships later in life;
• make positive, responsible choices about themselves and others and the way they live their lives;
• practise communication skills by listening to others, giving and receiving feedback, being assertive, handling and resolving conflict;
• develop decision- making and problem-solving skills;
• exercise interpersonal and leadership skills by taking the initiative, managing others and managing relationships confidently.
• discuss the legal aspects of RSE.
• discuss issues such as contraception, sexual identity and abortion in a manner which is balanced, non-judgemental and respectful of the diversity of values that are reflected in our society.
Parental Involvement
Parents will be made aware of the content of the school’s health education programme by letter. Full details of the RSE policy and programme are available on the school website (www.bbms.org).
Additionally, information leaflets will be supplied to parents so that they can discuss any issues which their sons might raise.
Associated school policies
These policy guidelines are implemented in conjunction with associated school policies such as:
• Pastoral Care
• Child Protection
• Internet Safety
• Positive Discipline
• Drugs Education Policy
• The School Vision
Appendix 1
Relevant staff
Designated Teacher for Child Protection: Mr A. Logan
Headmaster: Mr WJ Keith
Health Education Co-ordinator: Mrs M Dinsmore
Chairman of the Board of Governors Mr E Mc Murran
Head of Counselling: Mrs J. Blair
Appendix 2
The RSE programme
At KS3 RSE is taught mainly through the Personal Development (PD) module of the modular Learning for Life and Work programme, which includes PD, Employability, Citizenship and Home- Economics. At KS4 RSE is taught in Learning for Life and Work. Aspects of RSE are also found within Science and Religious Education.
Where possible, the programme is supported by outside agencies, such as Health for Youth through Peer Education (HYPE). All outside agencies must be properly vetted with regard to Child Protection. A member of staff must remain with the class, at all times, when outside agency personnel are delivering a programme. Agency personnel must be provided with a copy of the school’s RSE policy.
Appendix 3
Resources
As part of the curriculum, teachers can provide general information about sexual health issues but will also advise pupils to seek advice from parents or medical practitioners. The pupils will also receive information about where, and from whom, they can receive confidential advice, treatment and support.
Personal medical advice must not be given to pupils.
Appendix 4
References
Guidance for Post- Primary Schools, Relationships and Sexuality Education; CCEA, 2001
Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Circular 2001/15
Belfast Boys’ Model School Child Protection Policy