Intent – PSHE and RSE

The aim of Holy Cross Catholic Primary School is to provide opportunities for children to develop as independent, confident, successful learners with high aspirations who know how to make a positive contribution to their community and the wider society. We put a high focus on developing children’s moral, spiritual, social and cultural understanding, as well as actively promoting the British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs to prepare our pupils for life in modern day Britain.

We are committed to providing a high quality educational experience for all pupils. The school uses the Dot.Com Programme.  Dot Com provides a unique PSHE and safeguarding programme that empowers children, builds their self-worth and offers a safe environment for them to have a voice. It is intended to support the school in developing a cohesive whole-school approach to personal, social, health and economic well-being (PSHE). 

Dot.Com sets out a progressive and sequenced programme evidenced by the learning intentions written into all material. It allows pupils to focus on ‘the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life’; and as such underpins a broad and balanced curriculum offer. The scheme is inclusive and allows pupils of all abilities and from all backgrounds, to participate and learn.

Sex education is defined as ‘learning about physical, moral and emotional development’. It is about understanding the importance of healthy relationships for family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, love and care. It is also about the teaching of sex, sexuality, and sexual health.

Relationships and sex education are part of the Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum in our school. While we use sex education to inform children about sexual issues, we do this with regard to matters of morality and individual responsibility, and in a way that allows children to ask and explore moral questions. We do not use sex education as a means of promoting any form of sexual orientation.

We view the partnership of home and school as vital in providing the context of studying relationships between different groups of people.

Our curriculum provides a context for Holy Cross to fulfil our responsibilities to: 

• Promote the physical, social and emotional well-being of pupils.

• Provide relationship and sex education (RSE).

• Promote British values.

• Provide a safe place for discussion of current, relevant social issues.

• Protect our children from radicalisation. 

Implementation – PSHE and RSE

Dot.Com PSHE’s wide range of child-centred activities ensure the learning is enjoyable for pupils and teachers alike. Children are taught to: 

1) to develop their self-esteem, confidence and self-awareness to make the right choices. 

2) to develop their social skills and social awareness.

3) to make sense of their personal and social experiences.

4) to maintain responsible attitudes towards the maintenance of good physical and mental health, supported by a safe and healthy lifestyle.

5) to develop effective interpersonal relationships and a caring attitude towards others. 

6) to develop a caring attitude and sense of responsibility about the environment.

7) to manage and understand their feelings. 

8) to understand how society works and the rights and responsibilities involved.

We use Dot.Com PSHE from Nursery through to Year 6 to support the development of the skills, attitudes, values and behaviour, which enable pupils to:

· Have a sense of purpose

· Value self and others

· Form relationships

· Make and act on informed decisions

· Communicate effectively

· Work with others

· Respond to challenge

· Be an active partner in their own learning

· Be active citizens within the local community

· Explore issues related to living in a democratic society

· Become healthy and fulfilled individuals

Relationship and Sex Education

At Holy Cross Catholic Primary, our RSE policy and scheme of work is based on the guidance provided by the Diocese of Brentwood Education Service.  At the core of RSE is the belief that: 'Every child is created in the image of God and loved by God.'  RSE is taught following the advice given from Brentwood Diocese and will be taught using the scheme 'A Journey in Love'. The scheme focuses on the Emotional, Physical and Spiritual side of RSE and one section will be taught each term.

Impact – PSHE and RSE

Assessment of PHSE/RSE will take place termly in the form of an emotional well-being survey.

We have many areas of PSHE that occur in our school regularly. These include (but are not limited to): school trips, sports tournaments, PSHE lessons, exposing children to a wide variety of literature and asking them to see things from different perspectives, key stage Assemblies, various classroom visitors, our school council etc. We are confident our children are developing their PSHE skills both in and out of lessons at every possible opportunity.