relationship and sex education

What is RSE? Sex and relationships education (RSE) is learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health.

Why is RSE important? RSE equips students with the information, skills and values to have safe, fulfilling and enjoyable relationships and to take responsibility for their sexual health and well-being. It should help students to learn to respect themselves and others and move with confidence from childhood through adolescence into adulthood.

At King's School we deliver RSE through PHSE lessons, Tutor Time and lesson time. External visitors such as the School Nurse may visit to deliver specific topics and facilitate discussions. We encourage students and teachers to share and respect each other’s views and generate an atmosphere where questions and discussion on sexual matters can take place without any stigma or embarrassment. Christian perspectives on relationships are explored through all our schemes of work and we liaise with governors regularly on these. 

Year by Year

RSE topics are introduced and revisited throughout the students' school years. This enables students to reflect and teachers to go into more subject depth as the students mature.

Year 7: Identity and Puberty

Students will consider aspects of identity, including from a Christian perspective. Students will develop an understanding of how puberty can change personal hygiene needs, and learn about the different products and methods that can help maintain good personal hygiene. They will develop an appreciation that feelings and emotions can change during puberty, and how to deal with this change. They will also learn about the changes that take place to the body during puberty.

Year 8: The Media and Relationships - Sexting, Sexuality and Pornography

In this unit students will explore the way in which relationships and sex are presented in the media, including from a Christian perspective. Students will consider the harmful effect the media can have on relationships including unrealistic portrayals of relationships, pornography and ‘sexting’. Students will also explore sexuality, gender and presentations of sexuality and gender in the media.

Year 9: Sexual Consent

In this unit students will consider the important issue of sexual consent. They will look at the law surrounding sexual consent, pornography, and will consider how an individual’s wishes should be respected.

Year 10: Contraception, STIs and Unplanned Pregnancy

In this unit students will learn about sexual relationships including Christian perspectives. Students will also learn about contraception and STIs.

Year 11: Marriage and Raising Children

In this unit students will explore lifelong relationships and marriage. They will learn about successful relationships, and will also consider abuse within relationships.

Excusing your child from Sex Education

Our RSE curriculum is sensitively designed with full inclusion in mind. Parents wishing to withdraw their children from lessons when sex education is delivered (part of Year 9, Term 6 - Sexual Consent; Year 10, Term 1 - Sex and Relationships) are asked to contact the headteacher in writing (via head@kingsschoolhove.org.uk). Alternative arrangements for children withdrawn will be made in accordance with the standard practice for students unable to attend other lessons.

In accordance with the government guidance we will respect a parents’ request to withdraw their child, up to and until three terms before the child turns 16.  After that point, if the child wishes to receive sex education rather than be withdrawn, the school will make arrangements to provide the child with sex education during one of those terms.

Further Information

We recognise that parents are the key people in teaching their children about sex, relationships and growing up. You may find the following resources helpful when talking to your children about the topics they have covered. 

Support on talking to your children about RSE 

Advice on parenting teenagers

Factsheet summarising government guidance on RSE

An overview of the legislation and guidance currently in place regarding sex and relationship education (RSE) in schools, related reviews and proposals in Parliament.

Click here for a handy print out of useful sites for you to keep safe at home.