Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) has been taught at Appleton Academy as part of the PSHE curriculum with a long term overview, schemes of learning and the mapping of PSHE across all curriculum.
From September 2020, this will be compulsory and we are consulting on a new policy. Due to the closure of schools as a result of the coronavirus, schools have been given additional time to complete the parent consultation.
The new RSE Policy has been written using the agreed policy for all Bradford schools, which has been part of a consultation with religious groups, schools, community leaders and health professionals.
In Primary, relationships education is compulsory from 2020, so all pupils must take part in these lessons. Sex education is not compulsory for Primary schools but pupils will learn about puberty from the school nurse as part of science and PSHE lessons in Year 6. Other aspects of sex education will not be covered in Primary unless safeguarding concerns determine otherwise. Parents will be informed in advance if that happens.
From September 2020, all Secondary pupils must be taught relationships and sex education. This applies to every school whether it is maintained, academy, free school or independent. The focus is on relationships, self-respect, confidence, empathy and keeping safe and doesn’t promote sexual activity. One key aspect of the new requirements relates to the Equalities Act and Relationships education and is therefore inclusive for all pupils, sensitive to all family and faith backgrounds and pupils’ own identities.
The Local Advisory Board have approved the draft of the policy and this is now the time to consult with parents and carers. The policy can be found in the ‘Policies’ section of our website: https://appletonacademy.co.uk/information/policies/
The consultation begins on Wednesday 23 September 2020 and ends on Wednesday 14 October 2020 at 3.00pm. Should you wish to respond or make comment, please do so by emailing consultation@appletonacademy.co.uk.
