RSE

At Hammersmith Academy we believe that RSE is an essential part of every young person’s education. Our RSE policy sets out how we meet the National Guidelines in delivering RSE, as well as, how RSE fits the Hammersmith Academy vision and overall ethos. Our objective is always to help and support our young people through their physical, moral, social and emotional development.

“Effective RSE does not encourage early sexual experimentation. It should teach young people to understand human sexuality and to respect themselves and others. It enables young people to mature, build their confidence and self-esteem and understand reasons for delaying sexual activity. Effective RSE also supports people throughout life to develop safe, fulfilling and healthy sexual relationships at the appropriate time.” DfE Statutory Guidance for Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

The Department for Education has announced changes to relationships and sex education (RSE).

These changes come into effect from September 2020 and all schools will be required to comply with the updated requirements. Our RSE provision has been reviewed to meet these updated requirements and ensure that it is appropriate for our students based on their:

• Age
• Physical and emotional maturity
• Religious and cultural backgrounds
• Special educational needs and/or disabilities

You will be aware that, as a part of your child’s educational experience at Hammersmith Academy, we aim to promote personal wellbeing and development through a comprehensive taught programme of Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education delivered in by your child’s tutor once a week. The programme gives our students the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live healthy, safe, productive and fulfilled lives, both now and in the future.

What does the new guidance mean?

The new RSE guidance focuses on healthy relationships and keeping children safe in the modern world. It also covers a wide range of topics relating to physical and mental health, wellbeing, safeguarding and healthy relationships. Learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, will give young people the information, skills and positive values to have safe, fulfilling relationships and will help them take responsibility for their own well-being.

How will this be delivered?

RSE is delivered five times during the academic year, with one lesson each half term being replaced by an RSE lesson, for the most part delivered by your child’s tutor.
All teaching will take place in a safe learning environment and be underpinned by the academy ethos and values. A variety of opportunities will be provided for students to ask questions to further their understanding and to find out more about what affects them personally.

What if I have questions?

The RSE policy is linked below. It contains important information for parents who may wish to excuse their children from sex education classes. As an academy, we are always committed to working with parents.

RSE Policy

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If you have any questions regarding the policy please contact Ms Ifeolu Adeoye, Assistant Headteacher on iadeoye@hammersmithacademy.org.