RSE Rationale

At Highshore school our RSE curriculum reflects the needs of our young people with a range of learning difficulties. Our RSE framework provides content for our students to learning about emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health. It aims to equip students with the information, skills and positive values to have safe and fulfilling relationships to enjoy their sexuality and to take responsibility for their sexual health and wellbeing.

Our RSE curriculum insures that it supports our young people in being safe, healthy and happy as they grow up and in, their future, lives by covering broad themes of:

  • Have better understanding of sexual harassment, sexual violence, including    online/offline
  • Students will respond to and be able to identify what consent is
  •  Understanding the definitions of ‘body shaming’ and ‘slut shaming’
  • Explicit understanding of what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour
  • Understand the importance of respect in a healthy sexual relationship
  • Students will explore different sexualities

Some aspects of RS education is delivered through the National Curriculum area of science. This area is statutory and will be delivered through our subject specific learning.

We ensure that out RSE is always appropriate to pupils age and stages of development and is as essential part of safe guarding.  This approach is used in key Stage 4 onwards where students have access to discrete timetabled RSE lessons.

All our students participate in the programme of study up to three terms before students 16th birthday. Students are taught in same sex small groups based on their cognitive ability and learning style. These discrete groups are taught in addition to the PHSE relationship education programme of study.

Complex Rationale:

Outcomes are primarily based on the 4 area of needs and are focused on developing behaviours and routines for those students not yet accessing the National Curriculum. Through sensory experiences students are provided with opportunities to engage with their environment to the best of their ability. All activities aim to develop skills that will allow pupils to be as independent.

Less Complex Rationale:

Our less complex learners are those who possess the pre- learning skills to access National Curriculum outcomes. Through work experience students are challenged to reach their potential through more RSE subject specific targets. These students are continuously given the opportunity to develop a holistic understanding and make connections between education and life after school.

Most Able Rationale

Our most able students are those who can access an adapted National Curriculum with greater independence and more formal subject content.