RSHE  

Our belief in the unique dignity of the human person as made in the image and likeness of God underpins the approach to all education in our Catholic schools. To this end, RSHE is rooted in the Catholic Church’s teaching of the human person and firmly embedded in the Religious Education framework as it is concerned primarily with nurturing the human wholeness of our pupils.’

Bishop Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton.

Relationships and Sex Education Statement

At Cottesmore St Mary, our vision is for all our pupils to grow up to be safe and healthy individuals with the skills to manage the challenges and opportunities of modern Britain. Our Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum is designed to support pupils with acquiring knowledge so that they can make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships, whilst preparing them for a successful adult life. As a Catholic school, we have adopted a Diocesan approved RSHE scheme known as, ‘Life to the Full’ which is age-appropriate and sensitive to the needs and religious background of our pupils.

At Cottesmore St Mary we believe teaching high quality RSHE is essential in creating an inclusive ethos and is central to developing healthy relationships and behaviours where children are able to assess and manage risk. We aim to provide a suitable programme that follows the statutory need to include RSHE into their curriculum which meets the ethos of its Catholic identity and mission. Our approach to RSHE is rooted in the Catholic Church’s teaching of the human person and presented in a positive framework of Christian ideals. It will also prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. Our school’s mission embraces the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, moral and social development of children and young people. Through an agreed approach to RSHE using the Archdiocesan recommended resource ‘Life to the Full’, we believe that we can promote the development of the whole child so that children can grow in virtue, wisdom and stature, understanding both the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing spiritually, as well as moral aspects of relationships within a context of a Christian vision for the purpose of life.

Our well-planned and sequenced RSHE curriculum ensures that there is correspondence between phases and disciplines and also ensures that parents/carers are fully involved in the planning and evaluation of the teaching of RSHE. Our parents/carers are the children’s first educators and we work positively with parents/carers to share the curriculum and provide opportunities for them to use the Parent Portal (see below) to further support their children’s learning and development beyond school life.

Life to the Full (RSHE programme of study)

‘I have come that you may have life, life to the full.’
John 10:10

The Life to the Full programme is based on the structure of ‘A Model Catholic RSHE Curriculum’ by the Catholic Education Service. This model curriculum was highlighted as a work of good practice by the Department of Education so we therefore have confidence that the programme will be fit for purpose in supporting the growth and development of our children. 

Life to the Full, highlights the importance of parental input. We will consult parents/carers beforehand about the detailed content of what will be taught in school. This process will include offering parents/carers support in talking to their children about the upcoming topic.

Our ‘Life to the Full’ programme will cover:

Module 1: Created and Loved by God

· Religious Understanding Me, my body, my health

· Emotional well-being

· Life cycles 

Module 2: Created to Love Others   

• Religious Understanding

· Personal Relationships

· Keeping Safes

Module 3: Created to Live in Community

·        Religious Understanding

·        Living in the Wider World

We have also adapted RSHE materials from a number of resources (mainly from the PSHE Association and Brighton and Hove PSHE team). Please see below for our full RSHE Curriculum map: 

^{Click the image to view the Curriculum Map pdf}

Dealing with sensitive issues and responding to questions

Teachers will use their professional judgement when addressing sensitive issues and will answer questions honestly but with due regard given to the nature of the question and the age and maturity of the questioner. Careful consideration will be given to the wide and varied experience and backgrounds of the pupils in their care. In some cases, it may be inappropriate for the teacher to respond to a specific question and the pupil will be referred to his/her parents/carers if appropriate. Teachers should never feel pressured into discussing their personal views or experiences and should always respect the sensitivity of their position as a teacher in a Catholic school.

Differentiation and Inclusion

During teaching we will ensure differentiation and inclusion and that RSHE is sensitive to the different needs of individual pupils. We will respect pupil’s different abilities, levels of maturity and personal circumstances e.g. sexual orientation, faith and culture and ensure it is taught in a way that does not subject pupils to discrimination. Lessons will also help children to realise the nature and consequences of discrimination, teasing, bullying and aggressive behaviours (including cyber-bullying), use of prejudice-based language and how to respond and ask for help as outlined in our inclusion policy. The governing body have wider responsibilities under the Equalities Act 2010 and will ensure that our school strives to do the best for all of the pupils, irrespective of disability, educational needs, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, pregnancy, maternity, sex, gender identity, religion or sexual orientation or whether they are looked-after

Sex Education

Relationships Education is compulsory in all primary schools. Sex education is not compulsory in primary schools. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the non-statutory component of Sex Education in year 6. This is where sexual intercourse is taught discretely as part of the physical aspect within ‘Life to the Full’, the Archdiocesan recommended resource. However, parents will not be able to withdraw from the statutory science curriculum.

Right to Withdraw

Requests for withdrawal from Sex Education in Year 6 should be made in writing and addressed to the Head Teacher (see policy for Right to Withdraw form). The Head Teacher will discuss the request with parents/carers and take appropriate action. Alternative work will be given to pupils who are withdrawn from Sex Education. Parents do not have the right to withdraw their children from Statutory Relationships Education as set out in the DFE guidance 2020.

If you require any further clarification regarding this aspect of the curriculum, please contact: Mrs Brady-Smith (EPR Subject Lead) 

RSHE Policy - November 2025