RSHE is a guiding principle running through all the work of the school: in the formal curriculum and time-table; in tutorial time; in the extra-curricular programme; in pastoral work, and in the underlying values which make up the ethos of the school. All that we do, and the way that we do it.
We aim to provide opportunities for all of our students to embrace the challenges of adult life so that they can be happy, informed, successful, healthy and responsible members of a diverse society. At Mullion School we want our students to be able to make sound decisions when facing risks, challenges and complex contexts. We want all of our students to reflect on a range of cultural, moral, environmental and social issues, many of which they are likely to face in the future. In addition, growing up experiencing healthy and positive relationships is a vital component. Through our RSHE curriculum we aim to develop resilience in our students and for them to know how and when to access help and support.
The intention is to promote safety; on the internet, within relationships & families and within their communities. The RSHE curriculum provides an opportunity to address our safeguarding responsibilities and for pupils to have a voice and make sensible, informed choices.
WHAT WE STUDY:
During KS3 and KS4 students follow three core themes; Healthy relationships, Health and Wellbeing and Living in the Wider World. Each of these themes are further broken down into carefully sequenced lessons relevant to each year group and the context of our community.
In Year 7 there is an initial focus on the transition from primary school, getting to know each other and the new support mechanisms around them. In order to promote respect and understanding of how society works they then cover British Values with a key focus on the rule of law, individual liberty and tolerance before moving onto discussing healthy relationships, puberty, hygiene and reproduction. Finally, Year 7 will study a wellbeing unit on anxiety, self-esteem and managing behaviours.
Year 8 topics cover drugs and alcohol, democratic society and a range of lessons regarding positive relationships, both online and face to face, including peer on peer abuse.
Year 9 study units on healthy relationships and consent, a range of health issues including cancer, mental health and bereavement and the personal safety topics of radicalisation, child sexual exploitation and gaming and gambling.
Year 10 builds on previous topics by looking at money management, further discussion of online safety including sexting and relationships online and a unit on gender diversity, contraception and teen parenting. There is also a unit called ‘party culture’ which covers legal highs, alcohol and risky situations as well as further information on health matters such as different forms of cancer and how to carry out checks.
The curriculum in Year 11 recognises the changes up ahead as they face leaving school. For example, the responsibility of driving a car and of taking on insurance and bank loans. It has a heavy emphasis on future careers and helps students navigate the College or apprenticeship application process. The Year 11 curriculum builds on previous topics by providing further information on consent and safe sex as well as recognising that this is a potentially stressful period as they head towards examinations by discussing various mental health topics; eating disorders, anxiety and stress. Diversity is a final topic and seeks to ensure that our pupils head off with an understanding of cultural issues such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
HOW WE STUDY IT:
Year 7 receives one fifty minute lesson a fortnight of RSHE which is taught in mixed ability, mixed gender tutor groups. Years 8 & 9 receive three RSHE ‘drop down’ days covering the core themes.Year 10 and 11 have one fifty minute lesson each week and are mixed ability and gender.
Each pupil owns a folder containing worksheets and resources that travels with them as they move up each year.
RSHE lessons incorporate a variety of methods of delivery. We often have guest speakers who are experts in their field. Resources such as films are continually updated and checked for appropriateness and often pupils will be required to work in groups or in pairs in order to discuss topics and share ideas. Pupils are encouraged to self-reflect on their knowledge and understanding and evaluate their progress in learning about new topics. RSHE teachers also make an assessment of pupils’ social development and application of the key values of respect and listening.
A Shared Responsibility
Parents make the major contribution to the personal and social development of their children, but the school has an inescapable part to play. At certain points, for example when we introduce sex education or careers education, we enlist parents’ support and invite them to discuss the detail of content and approach. In this joint enterprise of ours, personal and social education is a primary concern and one where it is essential that we work together in order to succeed.
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