Hartismere School

Hartismere School aims to provide the learning experiences appropriate to ensuring that students are healthy, safe and enjoy a sense of wellbeing. It acknowledges that education on matters affecting sexual and relationship issues is part of achieving this aim. Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education (HE) are taught as part of the School’s RSHE programme.

The full programme of study is available to view on the school website. We will provide a broad and balanced programme of RSHE which: 

• offers full entitlement and access for all including pupils with Special Needs; 
• operates in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect so as to encourage pupils to put forward and explore their ideas;
• explores moral and sexual issues and values to endow the pupils with positive proactive attitudes, patterns of behaviour, lifestyles, values, communication and decision making skills with respect to sexuality and personal relationships. For example:
  • those appropriate to informed decision-making and evaluation of the socio-economic/cultural influences on sexual behaviour;
  • non-exploitation, commitment and trust in sexual relationships;
  • an understanding that both sexes have responsibilities in sexual matters;
  • the skills to identify, avoid, resist and report unwanted sexual experience.
• fosters self-esteem, self-awareness and a sense of moral responsibility;
• gives pupils knowledge and understanding of the following in order for them to make informed choices about:
  • the physical, emotional and social aspects of an individual's development as a male or female, personal relationships; responsible attitudes and appropriate behaviour;
  • family life - the value and importance of the family as a social institution; its contribution to the development of attachment, love and concern in caring for others.
• shows that World Health has a global dimension and helps pupils to understand the responsibility of groups, organisations and society for the health of the individual and the community; 
• approaches RSE/HE using an active and creative process of enquiry and investigation through projects, discussions, role-play, case studies. Observation and analysis are central to this process; 
• clarifies the link between sexual practices and the transmission of STIs and STDs.