1. Policy Statement
The British Council School believes that relationship and sex education is an educational entitlement of all pupils and an integral part of each pupil’s emergence into adulthood. The underlying philosophy of this policy is to develop self-respect in young people enabling them to develop loving, caring relationships and appreciate the moral considerations and personal responsibilities within relationships and towards others.
- Anti-Bullying Policy
- SMSC Policy
- Child Protection Policy
- Behaviour Policy & Code of Conduct
2. Statutory requirements
The British Council School follows the English National Curriculum and the Spanish National Curriulum. As such, this policy has been developed taking into account requirements from both the English and Spanish authorities.
3. Programme content
Relationship and Sex Education includes learning about physical, moral and emotional development. It is about understanding the importance of family life, stable and loving relationships, including marriage, respect, love and care. It is also about the teaching of sex, sexuality and sexual health.
It has three main elements:
- Attitudes and values
- Personal and social skills
- Knowledge and understanding
The programme is constructed in each section by the Head of Section, Section Leadership Team, Section Nurse, Family Leaders and the school counsellors.
4. Approach and methodology of delivery
The British Council School’s aim is to deal with relationship and education sensibly and sensitively at each key stage, within a supportive framework which will allow pupils to feel comfortable with the subject matter and allow them to have the confidence to seek clarification, if necessary. All questions will be answered honestly and openly.
A variety of teaching and learning styles is used to give pupils relevant information; to enable moral issues to be explored through discussion; and to acquire appropriate skills. Pupils are usually taught in mixed ability and mixed gender groups unless any subject is deemed better dealt with in a single-sex group or further differentiated group.
5.
Monitoring and evaluation
The school evaluates this policy through its self-evaluation processes.
6. Parental communication and choice
In the UK, under the Education Act of 1993, parents have the right to withdraw their children from the Sex Education part of the RSE programme. The British Council School adheres to this and informs parents well in advance that their children will be receiving Sex Education education. Parents can request to see materials or videos associated with the programme or to discuss areas of concern with the Head or Section Leadership of the appropriate Key Stage.
Delivery of RSE is not the sole responsibility of the school and as such, the school will work effectively in partnership with parents, health professionals and others in the wider community to enhance the provision.
7. Equal Opportunities Statement
The school is committed to the provision of RSE to all of its pupils. Our programme aims to respond to the diversity of children’s cultures, faiths and family backgrounds.
8. Confidentiality and Child Protection
As a general rule a student’s confidentiality is maintained by the teacher or by the member of staff concerned. If this person believes that the child is at risk or in danger, that staff member will talk to the named child protection co-ordinator who may confer with the Head Teacher before any decision is made.
The child will be informed that, because their teacher is concerned for their safety, confidentiality would have to be breached and reasons why. The child will be supported by the teacher throughout the process.
The school follows the British Council Safeguarding Policy and Procedures. Effective RSE may bring about disclosures of safeguarding issues and staff will be made aware of the procedures for reporting their concerns to the safeguarding focal point or Head of Section/School.
Adopted: October 2018 Review: June 2021