PSHE and RSE

The importance of the knowledge, skills and understanding young people gain from PSHE lessons is immeasurable. Through PSHE lessons, pupils develop a deep understanding of themselves and others, in addition to the communities and systems of society. PSHE learning teaches young people vital life skills, such as keeping themselves safe, and helps prepare them for their futures. 

Although PSHE is a non-statutory subject, some elements of PSHE are statutory. Schools must teach relationships education under the Children and Social Work Act 2017, in line with the terms set out in statutory guidance. We must teach health education under the same statutory guidance. To explore the statutory documentation, please click here. 

PSHE is made up of three core themes:

• Core theme 1- Health Education. In short, this core theme covers content to teach pupils how to stay healthy (both physically and mentally). 
• Core theme 2- Relationships Education. In short, this core theme covers content to teach pupils how to recognise and provide positive, caring relationships.  
• Core theme 3- Living in the Wider World. In short, this core theme covers content to teach pupils about society and the economy. 

Core themes 1 and 2 

Core themes 1 and 2 are statutory. At Ramsgate Arts Primary School, Relationships and Health Education is mapped out carefully and taught to both Key Stages 1 and 2 using the government guidance. Details about the curriculum content for Relationships Education and Health Education can be found at the end of this page. 

Core theme 3

Although core theme three is not statutory, at Ramsgate Arts Primary School, we know the value of pupils learning about living in the wider world. For details about the content taught for core theme 3, read the document found at the end of this page. 

Although Core theme 3 -Living in the Wider World- is taught discretely as part of our PSHE programme, we do include elements within and across other areas of the school curriculum. Read more about this in the ‘How do we teach PSHE at Ramsgate Arts Primary School?’ section of our PSHE policy found at the end of this page. 

Objectives for all core themes are divided across the year groups. Some objectives are repeated across year groups. This is so thatthe objective is embedded; learning something often takes more than one lesson and can easily become diluted or forgotten without repetition. Lessons and activities themselves are not repeated, but the learning outcomes are strengthened by exploring one objective in different ways at different times and at different depths.  

All PSHE lessons begin with a ‘Big Question’. To explore the Big Questions for for the academic year, see the Big Questions overview found at the bottom of this page. This document will give you an idea about the type of learning for PSHE each term. For furtherdetails about the content, please email your child's class teacher who will be happy to share our programmes of study with you. 

At Ramsgate Arts Primary School, so much of our school ethos is inspired by personal, social, health and economic development of our pupils. Below are just some examples of how PSHE weaves through our day-to-day lives at RAPS.

• Assemblies with topical themes.
• The Arts Curriculum.
• Elements of the RAPS Curriculum content.
• School ethos, e.g. positive behaviour policies and focus on pupil and staff relationships, core values, British Values.
• Celebrating local, national and global events.
• Community projects and events organised by the school or members of the community.
• Celebration assemblies, which often focus on personal development, core values and PSHE traits.
• Some school trips (for example visits to the Houses of Parliament) and special visitors.
• Both the Junior Leadership Team and Head Boy and Head Girl elections and contributions.

Relationships and Sex education (or RSE) refers to learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health[1].

RSE lesson are not about the promotion of sexual activity.

RSE is different to ‘Relationships Education’, which focuses mainly on recognising, understanding and developing positive and healthy relationships. It is also different to ‘Health Education’, which focuses mainly on mental and physical wellbeing.

The teaching of both Relationships Education and Health Education is compulsory for all schools.

For primary schools, RSE is not compulsory, but is strongly advised by the DFE. This means that schools should decide what to teach in relation to Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) in consideration of the pupils at their school.

Please note that all schools must teach science. Some science lessons cover some of the biological elements of Relationships and Sex Education. 

At Ramsgate Arts Primary School, biological elements of RSE are taught through statutory science lessons. The class teacher teaches these science lessons. These are important lessons that offer pupils knowledge and understanding of the human body and its processes. To explore the science content which relates to RSE, please see the RSE policy at the end of this page. 

As well as teaching science content at Ramsgate Arts Primary School, we also provide additional RSE lessons to Year 6 pupils. These elements are non-statutory. For details about the content and delivery of RSE lessons taught to Year 6, pleaser read the RSE policy. 

Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from RSE lessons. Please note, this does not include withdrawal from statutory science lessons that relate to RSE. Unless parents opt-out of RSE lessons, all pupils will take part. See you policy for more information about withdrawing your child from RSE. 

[1] https://www.sexeducationforum.org.uk