William Ellis School believes that Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) is an essential part of every pupil’s education because:

1. Pupils have the right to information about what is happening to their bodies, to gain skills to establish positive relationships and explore their own and others’ attitudes about sexual matters.

2. Pupils gain information about sexual matters from a range of sources – much of this can be incorrect and lead to misunderstanding. SRE at school can give an objective and balanced view.

3. SRE helps to prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs.

4. SRE is effective when it is planned, supported by and involves parents/carers, gives staff training on teaching SRE and takes account of pupils’ views.

5. In so doing SRE can help pupils develop positive self-image and high self-esteem, responsibility and the ability to make informed decisions.

6. SRE addresses the personal and social aspects of pupils and is part of the provision of a broad and balanced curriculum as stated in the Education Reform Act 1988 and fulfills the compulsory provision of sex education as required by the Education Act 1993.

SRE AT WILLIAM ELLIS SCHOOL

SRE is that part of a pupil’s education which provides knowledge about reproduction and puberty and an understanding of the nature of relationships and sexuality. It encourages acquisition of skills to make positive and fulfilling relationships and helps pupils examine their own and other people’s attitudes and values, to respect and empathise with others. SRE needs to be placed within a moral, social, legal, cultural, ethical and personal context and accords with the aims of the school as laid out in the staff handbook.

ORGANISATION OF SRE

SRE should not be an isolated subject, and is planned as part of the personal, social and health education curriculum. Each year group has a weekly 40-minute lesson of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) which includes approximately 6 lessons a year dedicated to SRE.

SRE is organised both systematically as part of the planned health education component of PSHE Year 7 to Year 10 based on a spiral model and as part of the National Curriculum.

In Year 11 there is dedicated time for two half-day workshops. In Years 12 and 13 there is a SRE programme [6 x 45 minute lessons]. Opportunities should be used as they occur as well as answering pupils’ questions as they arise.

TEACHING SRE

Since SRE is more than just gathering facts, teaching approaches and methods need to encourage exploration of attitudes and values as well as developing decision-making skills. Pupils need to feel comfortable in raising issues and questions (discussing emotions and relationships). In response, teachers need to feel comfortable and confident in dealing with the sensitive issues and answering questions.

Teachers set clear ground rules and this ensures that teaching is set within an appropriate context and should be matched to the maturity of the pupils and be sensitive to the diverse religious and cultural views.

Special provision is made to encourage positive attitudes to women in all roles they occupy within and outside the school.

The programme is created by the Sex and Relationship Advisory Group working party and will normally be delivered by tutors in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. In addition to teachers, it is useful to involve other professionals, for example, the school nurse, family planning workers, the LEA Advisory Teacher as well as the Camden and Islington SHET team. When outside visitors deliver SRE, they will be given a copy of the Sex Education Policy and be expected to work within it.

In Year 10 there will be two half-day workshops involving tutors and visitors.

Teachers are given opportunity for LEA Inset to provide effective SRE. If teachers are uncomfortable about particular issues relating to the SRE programme, they have the right to take a supporting role. In these circumstances, a member of the SRE working party and/or another professional will deliver the lesson supported by the class tutor.

Guidance to teachers about confidentiality is detailed in the policy handbook.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Staff may not offer or guarantee confidentiality to students in any matter relating to abuse, under-age sexual intercourse or pregnancy. At the same time, students will be offered sensitive and appropriate support.

In the case of a student disclosing possible abuse, the school’s Child Protection Procedures will be used.

CONTENT OF SRE

The SRE programme includes the following elements:
Biological facts, the law, morality, relationships, contraception, feelings, sexuality, HIV/AIDS, marriage, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), safer sex, responsibility and where to get help.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Parents will be informed in accordance with general school practice for all other areas of the curriculum through the school brochure and also other forums such as WESA meetings. SRE is part of all pupils’ education and it is hoped that all pupils will participate. However the school acknowledges that parents have the right to withdraw their child from the non-statutory aspects of SRE, which is defined as work relating to attitudes, sexuality and HIV/AIDS. Although this is non-statutory, the school is obliged to teach it and feels it is important that these aspects are dealt with sympathetically.

Date of origin: November 2005
Governors’ annual review: Autumn Term