May 18th, 2021
Dear Parents/Carers,
I enclose the findings from our school’s Relationships, Health and Sex Education consultation that was undertaken between Thursday, March 11th 2021 and Thursday, March 25th, 2021.
Dr Thomlinson Middle School carried out a consultation on Relationships, Health and Sex Education from Thursday, 11th March to Thursday, 25th March, 2021. Stakeholders were sent a copy of our draft Relationships, Sex Education and Health Education policy together with with the relevant Government Guidance. The consultation asked:
1. I read and understood our school’s Relationships, Sex Education and Health Education policy – you may add any suggestions for additions/changes (please see statutory guidance)
2. I read and understand our school’s Relationships and Health Education curriculum plan you may add any suggestions / additions (please see statutory guidance)
3. I understand the right Parents/carers have to withdraw their child from sex education
There were thirty four responses – 3 of which were from staff; 31 from Parents/Carers. Of the thirty four responses all said they had read and understood our policy; all said that they had read and understood our Relationships and Health Education Plan; all said they understood the right of Parents/Carers to withdraw their child from sex education.
There were three comments:
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One comment questioned the need for gender segregated teaching for sex education. We have amended our policy to say when this will take place and for what reason;
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One comment wanted our policy to recognise the validity of committed adult relationships other than marriage and we have amended our policy accordingly;
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One asked to see more guidance for children about when they meet outside of school and their behaviour, sleepovers and legal responsibilities. This will be covered in our RSE curriculum when we look at practical steps children can take in a range of different contexts to improve or support respectful relationships.
At the same time we also consulted with our student body. We received this feedback.
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What do you enjoy most about the things we learn in PHSCE? |
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Yr 5 |
The way it makes you think about your everyday behaviour;It teaches you life skills such as getting along with others; You can learn about other people such as how they feel about things; Teaches you about the dangers of life; Teaches you to a responsible citizen; Teaches you to think before you act |
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Yr 6 |
The memory games, group discussion, the new information, recaps for each lesson. Find it helpful to learn about topics that might not be covered in other lessons. Learning something about emotional development |
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Yr 7 |
Healthy Eating and Food, Meditation |
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Yr 8 |
The way it teaches self-awareness, discusses important issues and listens to the opinions of peers. It’s different to other subjects like Maths and Science, it’s interesting, helpful for life as it could save your life (Like drugs awareness), good for your mental health, modern content, might not learn these things at home, it’s about “you”, it helps if you’re stressed, good information, raises awareness of what others may be going through, you can find help without even having to ask |
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What could we improve about the things we learn in PHSCE? |
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Children requested more help on how to deal with relationships – in terms of dealing with friendships (both offline and online) and peer pressure; More time spent on basic first aid; Further discussion of ways to support mental well being particularly managing stress; More activities to support resilience More activities that focus on business and enterprise activities We will amend our PHSCE Curriculum accordingly. |
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Forthcoming KS2 PHSCE Lessons
Please note that KS2 will be learning about the changing adolescent body during PHSCE during the next four weeks: Friday, May 21st; Friday, May 28th; Friday 11th June and Friday, June 18th.
Forthcoming KS3 PHSCE Lessons
Please note that KS3 will be having Sex Education Lessons in PHSCE next term during the weeks beginning 21st June; 28th June; 5th July and 12th July
Thank you very much to all those who took part in our consultation.
Take care,
Liam Murtagh – Headteacher, Dr Thomlinson CofE Middle School
