The Department for Education introduced compulsory Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) for secondary students from September 2020, in addition to compulsory Health Education. You can find further details about the introduction of compulsory relationships education, as well as answers to many other frequently asked questions, on the government website Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) (Secondary) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

As part of this, all schools are required to consult with parents when developing and reviewing their policies for Relationships and Sex Education, which will inform decisions on when and how certain content is covered. You can read the government guidance for parents Understanding Relationships, Sex and Health Education - a guide for secondary school parents (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Relationships and Sex Education at Pershore High School is taught as part of PSHE/Citizenship and PSD (Key Stage Three) and Society and Ethics (Key Stage Four) alongside other personal development subjects such as Citizenship and Careers. RSE is taught through a variety of resources, often from specialist external organisations such as CEOP. Time is set aside for discussion, and students are encouraged to explore theirs and others’ views through informed and monitored debate. The topics covered are led by government guidance and reflect the issues facing our young people today and the complex decision-making skills they need to develop. At the end of each unit students reflect on their learning and self-assess their progress.

The RSHE programme at KS5 builds upon the topics and themes delivered at KS3 and KS4. All Sixth Form students receive dedicated RSHE time each week and benefit from a range of speakers.  The RSHE programme is designed to supplement the academic curriculum and provide students with opportunities to develop, discuss and reflect.  We seek to prepare students to manage their current lives and lay the foundations for managing future experiences.

Our Health, Relationships and Sex Education lessons are supplemented by opportunities to discuss similar topics during tutor activities; and receive information during assemblies.

Parents have the right to request that their child be withdrawn from some or all of sex education delivered as part of statutory RSE. Before granting any such request we would discuss it at length with parents and, as appropriate, with the child to ensure that their wishes are understood and to clarify the nature and purpose of the curriculum. You will find our Sex and Relationships policy below:

Please find below the Health, Relationships and Sex Education topics taught in each Year Group, originally decided in consultation with the student school council and the parent panel. You will also have been able to see this information and ask questions during the Years 7 and 8; Year 10 and Year 11 Welcome Evenings (find the Years 7 and 8 presentation here:

You can see how the topics fit into the school year alongside other Personal Development subjects:

We review our practice regularly to improve and develop effectiveness so welcome your views on what is taught and when. To that end, we invite you to complete our survey.

You can access the survey to take your views https://forms.office.com/r/rvTbZcqr8Q . Please note the survey is available to complete at any point, with no end date – responses will be reviewed periodically, and taken into account when the policy is reviewed.