The objective of Sex and Relationship Education(SRE) is to help and support young people through their physical, emotional and moral development where they learn to respect themselves and others and move with confidence from childhood through adolescence into adulthood.
SRE is a graduated, age appropriate programme which teaches children about emotions, relationships (including sexual relationships) and puberty. Its teaching is based around the 3 main elements of:
1. Attitudes and values
2. Personal and social skills
3. Knowledge and understanding
Sex and Relationship Education is defined in the DfE guidance document as: ‘...lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development. It is about the understanding of the importance of marriage for family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, love and care. It is also about the teaching of sex, sexuality and sexual health. It is not about the promotion of sexual orientation or sexual activity – this would be inappropriate teaching.’
Effective SRE lays the foundations for children to understand their changing bodies, value themselves and adopt positive behaviours. The teaching of SRE allows children to build up their confidence and self esteem and gives them the knowledge and strategies they need to make informed decisions as they mature.
Parents and carers have a right to withdraw their child from SRE lessons which fall outside those aspects covered in the compulsory Science curriculum. The statutory Science National Curriculum objectives are set as:
Key Stage 1:
To know that animals including humans, move, feed, grow, use their senses and reproduce (1b)
To recognise and compare the main external parts of the bodies of humans (2a)
To know that humans and animals can reproduce offspring and these grow into adults (2f)
To recognise similarities and differences between themselves and others and treat others with sensitivity (4a)
Key Stage 2:
To know that the life processes common to humans and other animals include nutrition, growth and reproduction (1a)
To know about the main stages of the human life cycle (2f)
Parents and carers should express their wish to withdraw their child from the school’s SRE programme in writing to the Headteacher at the start of the academic year. The possible impact that withdrawal from the programme could have on the child and the possible negative experiences or feelings that the child might encounter will be discussed between school and parent/carer. Please click here to view the school's Sex and Relationship Education(SRE) Policy.
