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Sex And Relationships Education

The Department for Education has requested that all schools must teach Sex and Relationships Education (section 80A of the Education Act 2002 and section 403 of the Education Act 1996) by September 2020. Sex and Relationships Education (including Health Education) is therefore compulsory in all schools in the UK. Young people are growing up in a complex world with many positive and exciting opportunities in life, but also a lot of risk. Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) prepares young people to stay safe and healthy so they can manage their academic, personal and social life in a positive way. Sex and Relationships Education is taught in an inclusive, sensitive and age appropriate manner at The John of Gaunt School, so all backgrounds and beliefs are respected. Sex and Relationships Education is taught within the PSHE curriculum, although elements of the SRE curriculum is taught within other areas within the school, such as Religious Education and Science. However, all areas of school life can add and promote healthy and positive relationships to ensure that all young people become an active and responsible citizen.

The Purpose of Sex and Relationships Education

  • To promote and develop healthy relationships across all areas of life, not just intimate relationships.
  • To prepare young people for developing intimate relationships.
  • The importance of delaying sex.
  • To assess what a healthy and unhealthy relationship looks like (intimate and platonic relationships).
  • To be able to consider how a relationship can impact mental health.
  • To understand human sexuality and respect for all.
  • To develop confidence and self-esteem.
  • To understand what is meant by sexual health, and why healthy choices are important.
  • To understand the importance of healthy relationships within the family and friendships.
  • To study what the law states about sex, sexuality, sexual health and gender identity.
  • To explore what different types of sexual orientation are present in society, including same-sex relationships.
  • To discuss religious attitudes towards sex and relationships.
  • To assess what is meant by domestic abuse in relationships
  • To examine how to use the internet safely.

Below is an outline of what is covered in Sex and Relationships (including Health Education).

Sex and Relationships Education in Year 7

  • Dealing with emotions
  • Mental health and wellbeing at secondary school
  • Bullying
  • Friendship issues
  • Puberty
  • Menstruation and pregnancy
  • Personal hygiene
  • Drugs Education
  • Health Education

Sex and Relationships Education in Year 8

  • Puberty
  • Dealing with emotions
  • Setting limits in relationships
  • Internet safety, including sexting
  • Understanding what makes a healthy and unhealthy relationship
  • Domestic abuse
  • Drugs Education
  • First aid
  • Health Education

Sex and relationships Education in Year 9

  • Understanding what makes a healthy and unhealthy relationship
  • Sex, sexuality, gender identity and the law
  • Sexual health, including contraception, sexually shared infections and HIV/AIDS
  • Drugs Education

Sex and Relationships Education in Year 10

  • The consequences of sex
  • Sex in a loving and committed relationship
  • Delaying sex
  • Types of relationships and sexual lifestyles
  • Understanding what makes a healthy and unhealthy relationship
  • Same-sex relationships
  • Sex and the law
  • Sexual health: sexually shared infections (including HIV and AIDS)
  • Drugs Education

Sex and relationships Education in Year 11

  • Teenage pregnancy – consequences
  • Understanding what makes a healthy and unhealthy relationship
  • Myths regarding sex and pornography
  • Parenting, pregnancy and contraception
  • Same sex relationships and gender identity
  • Sex and the law
  • Internet safety

Sex and Relationships Education in the Sixth Form

  • Domestic abuse
  • Understanding what makes a healthy and unhealthy relationship
  • Sexual orientation and gender identity
  • LGBTQ+ relationships
  • Contraception

Right to withdraw

  • Parents have the right to withdraw their child from some or all of Sex Education by discussing their concerns with the Headteacher.
  • If a child is withdrawn from sex education lessons then the school will set the work during these encounters based on general Health and Relationships Education.
  • This request should be received three terms before the child turns sixteen years old. After this point the child has the right to attend Sex Education lessons regardless of parental consent.
  • A parent does not have the right to withdraw their child from any aspect of Relationships and Health Education.

For more information on Sex and Relationships Education at our school please contact Mr M Perraton (mperraton@jogschool.org)

Most recent parent consultation: June 23

Every year we review the RSE provision at our school and would appreciate feedback from parents. Please feel free to contact myself (mperraton@jogschool.org) or Mrs Kerr (hkerr@jogschool.org) with any possible feedback.  

https://www.johnofgauntschool.org/parents-and-carers/sex-and-relationships-education