15th November 2024RSE
Relationships and Sex Education
The aim of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) at our school is to prepare pupils for the changes and challenges of puberty and to teach them about reproduction and healthy relationships. The curriculum lessons provide a framework in which sensitive discussions can take place. It also promotes the importance of health and hygiene as well as how to stay safe and respectful online. It will enable pupils to learn about their moral, physical and emotional development and help them to learn about the value of respect, care and love. Pupils will be taught about the nature of stable, healthy and supportive relationships. This curriculum does not promote sexual activity or any one type of relationship. No stigma will be placed on children based on their home circumstances.
At Thames Ditton Junior School we create a positive culture around issues of sexuality and relationships and teach pupils the correct vocabulary to describe themselves and their bodies. Lessons are set in the context of the family, friends and wider societal issues and address responsibilities that arise from within these relationships. Our aim is that all children understand what makes a relationship positive and healthy and can recognise and get help if they are experiencing something unhealthy. The starting point is building a positive, respectful relationship with self, engendering a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Curriculum Content
Relationships and Sex Education is taught through a planned programme as part of work that follows the Jigsaw PSHE programme. Jigsaw is designed as a whole school approach, with all year groups working on the same theme at the same time.
Jigsaw RSE Content
The grid below shows specific RSE learning intentions for each year group.
Lower Key Stage 2
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Year Group |
Piece Number and Name |
Learning Objectives ‘Pupils will be able to…’ |
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3 |
Piece 1 How Babies Grow |
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Piece 2 Babies |
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Piece 3 Outside Body Changes |
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Piece 4 Inside Body Changes |
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Year Group |
Piece Number and Name |
Learning Objectives ‘Pupils will be able to…’ |
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4 |
Piece 2 Having A Baby |
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Piece 3 Puberty
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Upper Key Stage 2
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Year Group |
Piece Number and Name |
Learning Objectives ‘Pupils will be able to…’ |
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5 |
Piece 2 Puberty for Girls |
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Piece 3 Puberty for Boys and Girls |
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Piece 4 Conception |
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Year Group |
Piece Number and Name |
Learning Objectives ‘Pupils will be able to…’ |
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6 |
Piece 2 Puberty |
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Piece 3 Babies – Conception to Birth |
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Piece 4 Boyfriends and Girlfriends |
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Withdrawal from RSE Lessons
“Parents have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of sex education delivered as part of statutory Relationships and Sex Education” DfE Guidance p.17
At Thames Ditton Junior School, puberty is taught as a statutory requirement of Health Education and covered by our Jigsaw PSHE Programme in the ‘Changing Me’ Puzzle. We conclude that sex education refers to Human Reproduction, and therefore inform parents of their right to request their child be withdrawn from the PSHE lessons that explicitly teach this i.e. the Jigsaw ‘Changing Me’ Puzzle:
- Year 4, Lesson 2 (Having a baby)
- Year 5, Lesson 4 (Conception)
- Year 6, Lesson 4 (Conception, birth)
Information about the non-statutory content of RSE lessons will be shared with parents prior to curriculum delivery. It can also be viewed on our school website. Those parents/carers wishing to exercise this right are invited in to see the class teacher who will explore any concerns and discuss any impact that withdrawal may have on the child. Any withdrawal will be granted with support from the Headteacher.
For further information, please see our RSE Policy.
