CTC Kingshurst Academy: Sex and Relationships Education

Sex and Relationships Education

The College acknowledges the importance of Sex and Relationships Education in the curriculum. Appropriate and responsible Sex and Relationships Education is an important element in preparing our students for adult life and as potential parents. It is generally accepted that children become educated about sexual matters from a very early age. Much of this education is ad hoc and often leads to many misconceptions.

The advantages of a College based Sex and Relationships Education are that as follows:

it can provide a structured programme matched to the age and stage of development of students;
by providing accurate information it can combat ignorance and fear and clarify existing knowledge;
it can provide opportunities to explore feelings, emotions and attitudes in a safe, non-threatening environment;
it can facilitate open discussion about sexual matters and foster mutual understanding;
by providing opportunities to exchange ideas it can promote tolerance and understanding of others;
it can tackle sensitive issues in a sensitive manner and help to create a natural attitude towards sexuality;
it can develop skills needed to manage relationships.

What is Sex and Relationships Education?

Within the College it includes the following:

To provide accurate information and challenge misconceptions.
To clarify values and attitudes and recognise external pressures.
To promote informed decision making and responsible behaviour.
To foster understanding and positive acceptance of their own developing sexuality.
To develop an awareness of responsibility in respect of self and others.
To encourage sensitivity towards the feelings of others.
To explore the spectrum of relationships.
To develop the skills required to manage good relationships.
To combat abuse and exploitation

Who Will Teach Sex and Relationships Education?

Sex and Relationships Education will be taught primarily by Form Tutors, but they will not be coerced into delivering this subject. Those involved should feel willing to contribute to this sensitive subject, be confident about their own abilities and comfortable with the content. Visiting speakers and team teaching will be adopted where and when appropriate. Science teachers will also be expected to deliver elements of Sex Education in line with the requirements laid down in the National Curriculum programmes of study for Science at Key Stage 3 & 4.

What Will Be Taught and How?

Staff will be able to access a variety of materials, videos and contact details that will support their Sex and Relationships Education teaching. The following areas will be addressed during Years 9-11.

The meaning of relationships and their reality.
When sex starts to play a part in relationships.
Trust
Respect
Contraception
Abortion
The real cost of having a baby
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's)
Society and parenthood
Personal and informed decision-making.

The Loud Mouth Theatre Company has previously visited college to address issues relating to sexuality, inter-racial relationships and bullying.

In addition to this, a local organization called The Base, which is located at Kingshurst Community Centre, are involved with the delivery of Sex and Relationships Education, and will happily operate free workshops with students on this area in addition to other PSHE topics.

The college advocates the involvement of specialist external organizations as this provides students with a different perspective on Sex and Relationships Education and supports any informed decision they make regarding personal based issues they will experience.

Communication with Parents

Parents are key figures in helping their children to cope with the physical and emotional aspects of growing up and in preparing them for the challenges and responsibilities which sexual maturity brings.

The College undertakes to keep parents closely informed about the Sex Education their children will receive and actively seeks the views of parents on this sensitive subject. In general it is expected that all parents will accept the need for Sex and Relationship Education and will allow children to take part in these valuable lessons. Indeed, under the requirements of the National Curriculum the College has a statutory duty to deliver Sex and Relationship Education. Prior to a tutor commencing sex and relationships education lessons, parents receive a letter informing them of the forthcoming lessons. Consent forms are returned to tutors and all students must have returned a consent form beforethese lessons start.

Monitoring and Evaluating Sex Education

If Sex Education is to be effective and of value, then close monitoring of the programme is necessary. It will be the responsibility of the college�s PSHE Co-ordinator to carefully monitor and review the programme on a termly basis. A new system has been implemented whereby tutors are asked to provide the PSHE Co-ordinator with a list of topics taught, resources used and feedback on teaching, learning and support available in this area.

After data and feedback has been collated and analysed the findings are discussed with the Senior Leadership team to ensure the broad aims of the College�s policy are being met and staff feel supported when teaching this topic area.