At St. Bernadette’s, as a Catholic school, we are guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Catholic Education Service, ensuring that our approach to Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) aligns with Church teachings. We also follow the guidance provided by the Department for Education (DfE).
‘I have come that you might have life and have it to the full.’ (John 10:10)
Relationships and Sex Education is a vital part of our curriculum, rooted in our Christian understanding of God and the dignity of the human person. We believe that every individual is made in the image and likeness of God, and this belief shapes our approach to all aspects of education. Our approach to RSE reflects the Church’s teaching on the human person, presenting it within a positive Christian framework that emphasizes the beauty and sanctity of life.
Central to our Christian belief is the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—united in love and communion. As human beings made in God’s image, we believe that gender and sexuality are gifts from God, reflecting His beauty and sharing in His divine creativity. Therefore, our RSE programme is grounded in the context of relationships, where sexuality grows and develops. All teaching in RSE will adhere to the Church’s moral teachings, highlighting the importance of marriage and family life, while respecting the diverse family backgrounds of all our pupils. It will also prepare children for life in modern Britain.
Our RSE curriculum upholds Catholic values, emphasizing the importance of stable relationships, marriage, and family life, while promoting virtues such as love, respect, and dignity. We are committed to helping pupils develop self-esteem, empathy, and an understanding of the value of every person. In partnership with parents and carers, we aim to provide a positive and prudent sexual education that respects each child’s physical, cognitive, psychological, and spiritual maturity, all while being rooted in the Catholic vision of education and the human person.
