RSE

RSE: A Journey in Love

Introduction

At St. Aidan’s Catholic primary school, we follow A Journey in Love as our chosen programme for Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). This scheme supports children’s spiritual, moral, emotional and physical development within the context of our faith.

Rooted in the belief that each of us is made in the image and likeness of God, A Journey in Love helps pupils understand that life is a gift to be cherished and that love is at the heart of all meaningful relationships. The programme grows with the child, offering age-appropriate learning from Nursery to Year 6.

Intent

Our intent is to ensure that every child develops a secure understanding of themselves, others and the world as part of God’s creation. Through A Journey in Love, we aim to:

• Nurture each child’s spiritual, moral, emotional and physical growth.
• Help pupils recognise God’s presence in themselves and others.
• Teach the importance of love, friendship, family life and marriage.
• Provide age-appropriate, honest and sensitive information about human development and reproduction, in accordance with Catholic teaching.
• Prepare pupils for the changes of growing up, encouraging respect, dignity and responsibility.

We seek to support pupils in developing positive self-esteem and an understanding that true love is self-giving and rooted in God’s love.

Implementation

A Journey in Love is delivered progressively across the school. Each year group explores a theme reflecting physical, emotional and spiritual growth. Lessons are age-appropriate, sensitive and grounded in Gospel values.

Teaching is:

• Led by class teachers who know their pupils well and uphold the Catholic ethos of our school.
• Supported by the A Journey in Love resources, which include prayer, scripture, reflection and discussion.
• Adapted to meet the needs and maturity of all learners.
• Delivered in a safe, inclusive and respectful environment that encourages openness and trust.
• Reinforced through wider school life, including assemblies, collective worship and pastoral support.

Parents are valued partners in this process. They are informed about lesson content and invited to review materials, attend meetings and discuss how they can support learning at home.

Themes by Year Group

Impact

By the time pupils leave St. Aidan’s, they:

• Understand themselves as unique individuals, created and loved by God.
• Value healthy, respectful relationships built on love and care.
• Speak with confidence about emotions, change and personal growth.
• Show kindness, empathy and respect towards others in their daily lives.
• Are prepared for the next stage of learning with a strong moral and spiritual foundation.

The impact of RSE is evident in the way our pupils treat one another, the respect they show for God’s creation, and their understanding that love is central to who we are as people of faith.

Regular reflection, pupil voice and parental feedback help us ensure that A Journey in Love continues to meet the needs of our community and supports our shared mission to live out the Gospel message of love.

Parental Partnership and Right to Withdraw

We recognise that parents are the first educators of their children and play a vital role in supporting their child’s understanding of relationships, love and faith. We work in partnership with families to ensure that RSE is taught with sensitivity and care.

Parents are welcome to view the materials used in A Journey in Love and to discuss any questions or concerns with the class teacher or the RSE lead.

In line with statutory guidance, parents have the right to withdraw their child from the non-statutory elements of Sex Education that fall outside the Science curriculum. Any request to withdraw should be made in writing to the Headteacher. We will always seek to support families in making an informed decision, ensuring that children receive the information and guidance appropriate for their age and development.