The DfES, in RSE Guidance 2000, defines RSHE as:
“Lifelong learning about physical, moral and emotional development. It is about the understanding of the importance of marriage for family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, love and care. It is also about the teaching of sex, sexuality, and sexual health. It is not about the promotion of sexual orientation or sexual activity.”
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) contributes to promoting pupil self-esteem, emotional Wellbeing and helps them to form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships based on respect for others. Research shows that good, comprehensive sex and relationship education encourages young people to delay early sexual activity. At Felixstowe School it is delivered as part of a planned programme of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). Effective RSHE is essential if young people are to make responsible and well-informed decisions about their lives.
RSHE is separated into three categories: Health and Wellbeing, Living in the Wider World, and Sex and Relationships.
At Felixstowe School there are Enrichment days throughout the year where each student will have a lesson on each of the above categories. This is further enhanced by the theme of fortnight tutor time activities. Key Stage 3 students also have timetabled lessons of RSHE to ensure that they have a solid grounding in this important subject.