RSHE Intent
The intent of the RSHE (Relationships, Sex, and Health Education) curriculum at St. Aidan’s Church of England Primary School is to provide children with age-appropriate knowledge, skills, and understanding to help them develop healthy relationships, personal safety, and well-being.
It aims to equip pupils with the vocabulary and confidence to express their feelings, respect others, and make informed decisions about their bodies and emotions.
The curriculum seeks to foster an environment of inclusivity, respect, and empathy, supporting children to grow into responsible and respectful individuals who understand the importance of physical and mental health. Ultimately, RSHE at St. Aidan’s lays the foundation for positive social interactions and lifelong well-being.
RSHE Aims
The RSHE curriculum at St. Aidan’s aims to equip children with the knowledge, skills, and understanding they need to develop healthy relationships, respect themselves and others, and make informed decisions about their well-being. It focuses on fostering personal development, emotional resilience, and positive social interactions, while promoting awareness of physical health and mental well-being.
The curriculum is designed to be age-appropriate, inclusive, and sensitive to the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all pupils, ensuring that every child feels safe, respected, and supported.
Central to RSHE is the principle of helping children to build confidence, develop respect for differences, and understand their own rights and responsibilities in relationships both now and in the future.
RSHE Implementation
At St. Aidan’s, the implementation of the RSHE curriculum involves a comprehensive, age-appropriate approach to teaching children about relationships, health, and well-being. We use the JIGSAW programme, a robust and progressive framework that spans from Nursery to Year 6 covering the following topics;
- Being me in my world – Focuses on identity, belonging, and responsibilities and encourages self-awareness and understanding of personal goals.
- Celebrating Difference- Explores diversity, inclusion, and friendship challenges and promotes respect for others and appreciation of differences.
- Dreams and Goals– Helps children set aspirations and understand perseverance and builds resilience and teamwork skills.
- Healthy Me – Covers physical and mental health, nutrition, and safety and encourages healthy lifestyle choices and self-care
- Relationships – Teaches about friendships, family, and respectful interactions and Includes emotional literacy and conflict resolution
- Changing Me – Addresses growing up and our body changing. (This is supported by the school nursing team in Y5&y6)
British Values are taught both explicitly and embedded across the curriculum to develop pupils’ understanding of five key principles:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
As a school, we ensure that lessons are tailored to the developmental stages of the pupils, fostering a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics.
Teachers receive specific training where updates are shared and to deliver the curriculum effectively, using a variety of resources such as stories, role-plays, and discussions to engage students.
The curriculum is integrated across different subjects and aligned with the school’s values, promoting respect, empathy, and personal responsibility as well as British values.
Parents and carers are actively involved through clear communication and opportunities to review materials, ensuring transparency and support for the programme.
Regular monitoring and evaluation help the school adapt the RSHE delivery to meet the diverse needs of its community while complying with statutory requirements.
RSHE Impact
The RSHE (Relationships, Sex, and Health Education) curriculum at St. Aidan’s has had a significant impact on both students and staff.
It has provided a structured and age-appropriate framework for teaching essential life skills, including understanding relationships, personal boundaries, and health awareness. This curriculum helps foster a safe and inclusive environment where children feel supported in discussing sensitive topics, promoting emotional wellbeing and respect for diversity.
Additionally, RSHE encourages early development of critical thinking and decision-making skills, empowering pupils to make informed choices about their bodies and relationships as they grow.
For teachers, the curriculum offers clear guidance and resources, improving confidence and consistency in delivering these important lessons.
Overall, RSHE in primary education contributes to nurturing well-rounded, socially aware, and healthy individuals from a young age.
PHSE / RSE Curriculum Knowledge Progression
PHSE / RSE Vocabulary Progression