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RSE Statement

Relationships and Sex Education

Our Vaishnava values underpin our ethos; every child is valued and encouraged to achieve their full potential. Every member of our school community is encouraged to respect and value each other. Wherever possible we make close links between our values, worship and PSHE curriculum.

Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) are an important and necessary part of all pupils’ education. Through a planned programme of learning, we aim to provide our pupils

with the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need in order to manage their lives both now and in the future. As part of a whole school approach, we aim to develop the attributes our pupils need to thrive as individuals, as part of a family and as a confident member of the wider community.

The purpose of sex education should be to provide knowledge about loving relationships, the nature of sexuality and the processes of human reproduction. Certain parts of this are taught during PSHE and science. It should lead to the acquisition of understanding and attitudes which prepare pupils to view their relationships in a responsible and healthy manner. The sex education delivered should be tailored not only to the age, but also to the understanding of pupils. After consultation with all stakeholders, it was decided that at the Gurukula, with its Vaishnava value-system, sex education will be delivered to the children at home by their parents with the support of the school regarding content and resources. Meetings will be held with parents to help them speak and guide their children in these topics.

Given the school’s value system, it will not be value-free, although it will aim to present facts in an objective, balanced and sensitive manner. It will be set within a clear framework of values and an awareness of the law regarding sexual behaviour. Pupils will be encouraged to appreciate the value of a stable family life, marriage and the responsibilities of parenthood.

Such matters will be treated with sensitivity and great care will be taken to encourage all children to feel a sense of worth. Particular care will be taken when issues such as marital breakdown and divorce are dealt with.

Our school is committed to serving its community and surrounding areas. We recognise the multi-cultural, multi faith and ever-changing nature of the United Kingdom, and therefore those we serve. We also understand the vital role we have in ensuring that groups or individuals within the school are not subjected to intimidation or radicalization by those wishing to unduly, or illegally, influence them. At our school we embrace the British Values of: Democracy, The rule of law, Individual liberty, Mutual respect and Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs.

We want our children to learn to understand and respect our common humanity, diversity and differences so that they can go on to form the effective, fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life and learning.

At Gurukula, we believe that PSHE helps to give pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, independent lives, in order to become informed, active and responsible citizens.

Under the new guidance issued by the DfE, by September 2020, Relationships Education at primary school will be compulsory. We believe that, to be effective, RSE should always be taught within a broader PSHE education programme. RSE enhances and is enhanced by learning related to topics including anti-bullying; keeping safe on and off line; keeping physically and mentally healthy, learning about drugs, alcohol and tobacco; and the development of skills and attributes such as communication skills, managing peer pressure, risk management, resilience and decision making.

The aims of relationships and sex education (RSE) at our school are to:

  • Promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of all pupils
  • Prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life
  • Encourage pupils to value themselves and others
  • Allow pupils to acknowledge and appreciate difference and diversity
  • Teach pupils how to make informed choices • Prepare pupils to be positive and active members of a democratic society
  • Teach pupils to understand what constitutes a safe and healthy lifestyle
  • Provide a framework in which sensitive discussions can take place
  • Promote safety in forming and maintaining relationships
  • Provide pupils with a toolkit for understanding and managing their emotions
  • Provide pupils with the opportunities to consider issues which may affect their own lives and/or the lives of others
  • Help pupils to identify the characteristics of healthy relationships, how relationships may affect mental and physical health; and how to stay safe online
  • Prepare pupils for puberty, and give them an understanding of bodily development and the importance of health and hygiene
  • Help pupils develop feelings of self-respect, confidence and empathy
  • Teach pupils the correct vocabulary to describe themselves and their bodies
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