Relationship and Sexuality Policy
Introduction
RSE is a statutory element of the Northern Ireland Curriculum. It is the intent of the policy that it will reflect the morals and values held by most students, parents, staff and the local community. The revised DENI circular 2001/15 and the Guidelines produced by CCEA were used as a basis for this policy. The Curricular 2001/15 ‘Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE)’ states that:
“The department considers that every school should have a policy setting out how the school will address relationship and sexuality education within each student’s curriculum….the policy should be the subject of consultation with parents and should be endorsed by the school’s Board of Governors. All teachers, whether or not they are centrally involved in teaching the programme should be aware of its detail and their implications.”
Definition of Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE)
RSE involves the whole person. It includes a person’s physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological development and needs. It is a lifelong process and one in which many people surrounding the young person can impact. It encompasses beliefs, values, personal and social domains; Sexuality is an inherent part of being human.
Aims of College Policy for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE)
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Enhance the personal development, self-esteem and well-being of the young people in
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To provide an environment in which young people can discuss relationships in a secure and controlled environment.
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Help our young people develop healthy and respectful friendships and relationships.
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Foster an understanding of, and a healthy attitude to, human sexuality and relationships in a moral, social and spiritual framework.
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Promote responsible behaviour and the ability to make informed decisions.
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To encourage an appreciation of the value of marriage, family life and other long-term relationships and the responsibilities of parenthood.
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Promote and appreciate the value of human life and the wonder of birth.
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To help students cope with the physical and emotional challenges of growing up and to help them prepare for adult life and responsibilities.
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To facilitate communication of personal, social and sexual matters between students, parents, guardians and other carers, within the perimeters of the Children (NI) Order, 1995.
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To develop among students, skills of ‘empowerment’, decision making and assertiveness which may be needed to resist society’s pressures.
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To develop student’s emotional intelligence whereby anxiety, fear and emotions can be learnt to be managed. Part of this may be the encouragement of delaying first sexual experiences and instead using abstinence as a positive option.
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To develop skills in forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
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To give accurate information to correct misunderstandings students may have gained from their peers.
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To value and support teachers who are involved in the planning and delivery of RSE.
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To ensure that the planning and delivery of RSE reflects the ethos and values framework in our school.
The Moral and Values Framework of the Policy
We recognise that young people live in a diverse range of cultures, religions and family types. We recognise them as individuals with 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 young people in our College. We also recognise that at times there may be conflict between the different value systems and, whilst respecting difference, we will uphold the ethos of the college and include it in all aspects of RSE teaching.
Marriage is positive and ideal. Within our school community, it is vital that we are fully aware that other lifestyles exist, such as single parent families, co-habiting couples and homosexuality within families. Therefore we must be free from judgement of those people. Happy marriages will be presented as the ideal to which many aspire and achieve. To be consistent with the teaching of Religious Education, sexual abstinence before marriage and fidelity within it will be presented as a positive option and an achievable reality.
As part of the curriculum, teachers can provide general information to students about the types of contraception and the risks to health. Teachers must advise students to seek advice from their parents or medical practitioners. Staff should handle the issue of sexual orientation in a sensitive, nonconfrontational and reassuring way; however they must promote heterosexuality as the ideal, regardless of their own views. Students should be reminded that a male under the age of 17 years cannot legally consent to any homosexual act. It is only legal if it is in private, both parties are over 17 years and both consent.
Students should be reminded that the legal age of consent for girls in
The RSE programme will be delivered through individual class tutors during Learning for Life and Work class. A full list of the themes within the RSE programme are listed in the full version of the policy. The school is willing to discuss with concerned parents, their expressed desire for their son/daughter to be excluded from aspects, or the entire RSE programme. Whilst the College acknowledges and understands parental concerns, it is important to note that there is no ‘legal right’ for withdrawal from RSE. Therefore, the College will encourage all students to complete the ‘RSE’ programme.
If students raise issues that are offensive to some, or beyond the maturity level of the majority of the students, the teacher should not answer the question in class but arrange to speak to the student afterwards. The teacher may choose at his/her discretion to answer the question or may suggest that the student discusses the matter with his/her parents. If students do not wish to discuss a particular question with their parents, the teacher may decide to answer the question in the presence of a colleague.
External Agencies and Individuals
Staff Training
Staff training is particularly important on those sensitive issues that will arise during the RSE programme. Training can be provided to staff from SEELB, Health Education Specialists and Diocesan Advisers. Outside agencies can be used, ensuring that they are in keeping with the ethos of the school.
Monitoring and Evaluating
The Pastoral Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the monitoring and evaluation of the provision of RSE within the school. Students, parents and teachers will evaluate the provision of RSE in the school regularly and this will provide valuable evidence to feedback into an annual review of policy and procedure.
