PSHE & RSE at Unsworth Academy
PSHE (Personal Social Health Education) is a school subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe and prepare for life and work in modern Britain. Evidence shows that well-delivered PSHE programs have an impact on both academic and non-academic outcomes for pupils, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. A growing body of research shows that pupils who are emotionally healthy do better at school. PSHE education helps children and young people to achieve their potential by supporting their wellbeing and tackling issues that can affect their ability to learn, such as anxiety and unhealthy relationships.
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education
Schools are required to teach RSE if they are to meet the statutory requirements.
The aim of RSE is to give young people the information they need to help them develop healthy, nurturing relationships of all kinds, not just intimate relationships. It should enable them to know what a healthy relationship looks like and what makes a good friend, a good colleague and a successful marriage or other type of committed relationship. It should also cover contraception, intimate relationships and acceptable / unacceptable behaviours in relations.
At Unsworth Academy RSE is taught by a team of specialist teachers. Knowledge about safer sex and sexual health remains important to ensure that young people are equipped to make safe, informed and healthy choices as they progress through adult life. This should be delivered in a non-judgemental, factual way and allow scope for young people to ask questions in a safe environment. Our expert teachers create this environment by setting ground rules with the class to manage sensitive discussions and allowing young people to express themselves freely whilst respecting the views and needs of others.
Pupils should understand the benefits of healthy relationships to their mental wellbeing and self-respect. Through gaining the knowledge of what a healthy relationship is like, they can be empowered to identify when relationships are unhealthy. They should be taught that unhealthy relationships can have a lasting, negative impact on mental wellbeing.
For more information on government guidelines from the department for education go to:-
Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) (Secondary) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
