Written Statement on RSE Policy
Al-Khair secondary schools aims to provide an environment where sensitive discussions can take place that allow pupils to develop self-respect, confidence and empathy.
RSE is about the emotional, social and cultural development of pupils, and involves learning about relationships, sexual health, sexuality, healthy lifestyles, diversity and personal identity. RSE involves a combination of sharing information and exploring issues and values. RSE is not about the promotion of sexual activity.
By the end of secondary school, pupils should know that there are different types of committed, stable relationships and how these relationships might contribute to human happiness and the importance of bringing up happy children. Pupils should also have a good understanding of what marriage is, its legal status and the characteristics of other types of long-term relationships. They will also develop their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of parenting, including the characteristics of successful parenting.
In addition, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge to identify unsafe relationships and how to seek advice when concerned about others. We aim to develop our pupils into healthy, respectful adults who partake in respectful relationships including friendships. They will leave with skills in developing trust, kindness, generosity, boundaries and will understand the importance of boundaries and consent. They will have also learnt how to manage conflict in a healthy way and how to end relationships. Stereotyped attitudes or behaviours are regularly challenged and how they might normalise non-consensual behaviour or encourage
prejudice.
Pupils expect to be treated with respect in school, and in return should treat others with respect, both in and outside of school, including people in positions of authority and those who share different beliefs. We also explore the impact of bullying (and cyber bullying) and that some of these behaviours can have criminal implications. We explore the Equality Act (2010) and how material should be shared online, and
the difficulty of removing potentially compromising material online. We also equip our pupils with the knowledge about issues such as pornography, and the criminal offences associated with child pornography. Pupils are taught how to stay safe online and what to do when they feel unsafe whilst online.
Reproductive health and well-being are explored in depth, including issues such as fertility, sexual pressure, the choice to delay sex or enjoy intimacy without sex. Contraceptive choices are explored, and the impact of pregnancy, having a baby and different sexually transmitted infections. Al-khair secondary schools have their own dedicated PSHE teacher who will provide individual lessons to pupils throughout the school term.