Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) at Uxbridge High School
Uxbridge High School recognises the crucial role that Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) plays in fostering the development of healthy young people. Our RSE provision is meticulously designed to ensure that our pupils receive the necessary teaching and resources to make informed and prudent decisions about relationships and sex. RSE is an integral part of our Personal Development (PD) curriculum.
The Definition of RSE - RSE is defined as “lifelong learning about physical, moral, and emotional development. It encompasses understanding the importance of marriage and family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, love, and care. It includes education about sex, sexuality, and sexual health” (RSE Guidance, DfE 0116/2000, para. 9 page 5). Additionally, it involves developing a pupil's knowledge and understanding of themselves as sexual beings, understanding what it means to be fully human, living in right relationships with oneself and others, and making moral decisions based on an informed conscience.
Objectives
Uxbridge High School is committed to delivering relationship and sex education within a moral and values-based framework. This is achieved through:
- Promoting committed relationships and the value of family life
- Teaching self-respect, dignity, self-restraint, and respect for others
- Encouraging tolerance of all types of relationships, religions, and personal views
- Encouraging students to reflect on their own relationships to develop self-understanding
- Ensuring students appreciate the benefits of stable married life and the responsibilities of parenthood
- Helping students recognise the physical, emotional, and moral risks of casual and promiscuous sexual behaviour
- Presenting biological facts in an objective and balanced manner, using appropriate terminology to enable open discussions without embarrassment or fear of ridicule.
- Developing awareness of legal responsibilities in relation to sexual behaviour
- Recognising and understanding various models of family and relationships
- Regularly reviewing the RSE programme to ensure it meets the needs of students.
At Uxbridge High School, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive and thoughtful RSE programme that supports the holistic development of our students, preparing them for healthy, respectful, and informed relationships throughout their lives.
Information for Families
Our full policy on RSE is available here.
Right to Withdraw
As outlined in our School’s RSE policy, families have the right to request the withdrawal of their child from some or all of the sex education components of statutory RSE. Currently, sex education is delivered during the Spring 1 and Summer 1 terms.
If you wish to withdraw your child from any or all sex education lessons, we strongly encourage you to first discuss this with the school. You are welcome to review the resources, ask questions about the topics covered, and address any concerns you may have. We understand that this can be a sensitive issue, but often, discussing concerns can help alleviate any worries. Our lessons are conducted in a professional, inclusive, objective, and sensitive manner, aimed at educating students so they can make informed decisions and remain safe. If you decide to proceed with the withdrawal, please contact the academy directly.
Please note that parents do not have the right to withdraw their child from statutory lessons on relationships or health education.
Parents retain the right to request withdrawal from sex education until three terms before their child turns 16. After this point, if the child wishes to receive sex education rather than be withdrawn, the school will arrange for the child to receive sex education during one of these terms.