Guildford County School

Sex & Relationships Policy

Policy Review This policy was adopted July 2019 It will be reviewed in July 2022 by the Learning & Achievement Committee - Guildford County School Governing Body

Guildford County School Sex & Relationships Policy Page 1 of 7

Guildford County School: a company limited by guarantee │ Registered in England: Company Number: 08303773 │ Registered Office: Guildford County School, Farnham Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4LU

Member of staff with responsibility for SRE: Pip Simmonds (Oli Smith during maternity cover)

Guildford County School is an 11-18 co-educational comprehensive Academy comprising 1000+ pupils.

One of the central aims of Guildford County School is to work together with parents in the upbringing of their children. We aim to do so in ways that will affect pupils, in a positive way, for the rest of their lives, and that prepare them for successful independence when they have left school.

We intend the programme to complement parental responsibilities and we see it as an integral part of each pupil’s emergence into adulthood.

Sex Education is the part of the school’s provision that is concerned with personal relationships and sexual health.

This policy has been developed in consultation with subject advisors and Heads of Key stages 3, 4 & 5.

Aims and Objectives

This policy is a working document which provides guidance and information on all aspects of Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) in the school for staff, parents/carers and governors.

‘SRE is lifelong learning process of acquiring information, developing skills and forming positive beliefs and attitudes about sex, sexuality, relationships and feelings’. (Sex Education Forum 1999).

Effective SRE can make a significant contribution to the development of the personal skills needed by pupils if they are to establish and maintain relationships. It also enables young people to make responsible and informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Other related policies and documents include: The PSHE & Citizenship policy, Anti-Bullying Policy, Drugs Education Policy, Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy and the Single Equality document.

Moral and Values Framework

The SRE programme at reflects the school ethos and demonstrates and encourages the following values ➢ Respect for self as pupils develop a sense of personal responsibility ➢ Respect for others, their views, abilities and difficulties ➢ Responsibility for their own actions ➢ Responsibility to their family, friends, schools and wider community.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The school is committed to the provision of SRE to all of its pupils. Our programme aims to respond to the diversity of children’s cultures, faiths and family backgrounds. Equal time and provision will be allocated for all groups but there may be occasions where children with Special Educational Needs are given extra support.

The Aims of Sex and Relationships Education

Based on the above definition the aims of SRE in this school are:

• To enable our pupils to better understand the nature of human relationships

Guildford County School Sex & Relationships Policy Page 2 of 7

Guildford County School: a company limited by guarantee │ Registered in England: Company Number: 08303773 │ Registered Office: Guildford County School, Farnham Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4LU • To enable pupils to see the importance of stable loving relationships for the bringing up of children • To prepare pupils for the changes that occur to their bodies, minds and emotions as a consequence of growth from childhood to adulthood • To enable pupils to make good, informed choices concerning relationships and healthy lifestyles • To enhance young people’s decision – making skills so they may grow into independence of choice and judgement • To provide factual and accurate information delivered in a clear and honest manner • To encourage active pupil participation • To help pupils to respect themselves and others • To value diversity in sexual preference and gender choice and to teach our pupils tolerance and acceptance

In Guildford County School SRE has three main elements, all of which are important for a balanced SRE programme:

Attitudes and values

• learning the importance of values and individual conscience and moral considerations; • learning the value of family life, and stable and loving relationships for the nurture of children; • learning the value of respect, love and care; • exploring, considering and understanding moral dilemmas; • developing critical thinking as part of decision-making; and • Challenging myths, misconceptions and false assumptions about normal behaviour.

Personal and social skills

• learning to manage emotions and relationships confidently and sensitively; • developing self-respect and empathy for others; • learning to make choices based on an understanding of difference and with an absence of prejudice; • developing an appreciation of the consequences of choices made; • managing conflict; and • empower students with the skills to be able to withstand inappropriate pressures or advances (both as exploited or exploiter).

Knowledge and understanding

• learning and understanding physical development at appropriate stages; • understanding human sexuality, reproduction, sexual health, emotions and relationships; • learning about contraception and the range of local and national sexual health advice, contraception and support services; • learning the reasons for delaying sexual activity, and the benefits to be gained from such delay; and • the avoidance of unplanned pregnancy. • to understand the importance of gaining consent in all sexual activity

Moral Dimension

The school recognises that it is a moral body in its own right. As part of the whole curriculum the school seeks to explore issues of right and wrong. The school recognises that SRE is fraught with

Guildford County School Sex & Relationships Policy Page 3 of 7

Guildford County School: a company limited by guarantee │ Registered in England: Company Number: 08303773 │ Registered Office: Guildford County School, Farnham Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4LU certain difficulties and whilst it acknowledges different life-style choices it promotes a view that stable loving relationships are the best context for sexual relationships and the bringing-up of children.

Content of the schools SRE programme

Key Stage 3 & 4 See appendix 1 (at the end of this document, page 7) for curriculum map and topics covered

➢ Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle

➢ Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people

Organisation

➢ SRE should not be delivered in isolation but firmly embedded in all curriculum areas, including Personal, Social Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship. At Guildford County School the main content is delivered through the tutorial programme at Key Stage 3 and 4. ➢ Biology teachers teach the Science National Curriculum requirements within Science lessons.

Organisation

➢ SRE is normally delivered by tutors in mixed gender groups other than when it is deemed more appropriate for topics to be covered in single sex groups. ➢ The programme for Key Stage 3 & 4 is devised by the Co-ordinator of PSHE in consultation with the Head and Assistant Heads of key stages. ➢ The Form tutors and Head and Assistant Heads of key stages teach the programme. ➢ The school deals with the teaching on sensitive issues raised in sex and relationship education by using highly qualified specialist staff in this area in education and the school Youth Worker. ➢ Many approaches are used to actively involve pupils. ➢ These include:- Brainstorming, card games, quizzes, video and discussion. A range of resources is available and these can be varied depending on the needs of the teacher and pupils. The emphasis for pupils is on being safe. Great care is taken in the selection of resources and only reputable sources such as the Family Planning Association and Teenage pregnancy Trust, The Brook, NHS. ➢ External agencies helping us to deliver SRE in our school include: The school health visitor, nurse and NHS agencies. ➢ Visitors are invited in to school because of the particular expertise or contribution they are able to make. ➢ All visitors are familiar with and understand the school’s SRE policy and work within it. ➢ All input to SRE lessons is part of a planned programme and negotiated and agreed with staff in advance. ➢ All visitors are supervised by a member of staff at all times.

Assessment and Evaluation

Elements of the sex education in the science curriculum are assessed formally. Assessment and evaluation of the SRE programme outside the science order is conducted using a variety of informal activities which have been built into the programme. This could include peer assessment and self- assessment. Teachers delivering SRE should constantly evaluate their lessons to inform future planning.

Specific Issues within SRE

Guildford County School Sex & Relationships Policy Page 4 of 7

Parents/Carers have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of the Sex and Relationships Education provided at school except for those parts included in statutory National Curriculum Science. Those parents/carers wishing to exercise this right are invited in to see the Headteacher and/or SRE Co-ordinator who will explore any concerns and discuss any impact that withdrawal may have on the child. Once a child has been withdrawn they cannot take part in the SRE programme until the request for withdrawal has been removed. Materials are available to parents/carers who wish to supplement the school SRE programme or who wish to deliver SRE to their children at home.

Confidentiality, Controversial and Sensitive Issues Teachers and other staff cannot offer unconditional confidentiality. Teachers and other staff are not legally bound to inform parents or the Headteacher of any disclosure unless the Headteacher has specifically requested them to do so. However, it is recognised that all staff work within the guidelines of the Safeguarding / Child Protection framework and, as such, will report to the CPLO issues that are of concern.

In a case where a teacher learns from an under 16 year old that they are having or contemplating sexual intercourse: • The young person will be encouraged, wherever possible, to talk to parent/carer and if necessary to seek medical advice.

• Child protection issues will be considered, and referred if necessary to the teacher responsible for Child Protection under the school's procedures.

• The young person will be directed towards a Health Professional, Pastoral Manager (Year Head, Assistant Headteacher), or the Home School Link Worker (HSLW), who may offer information about where young people can access contraception and advice services.

In any case where child protection procedures are followed, the teacher will ensure that the young person understands that if confidentiality has to be broken, they will be informed first. The child will be supported by the teacher throughout the process.

Health professionals in school are bound by their codes of conduct in a one-to-one situation with an individual student, but in a classroom situation they must follow the school's confidentiality policy.

Answering Difficult Questions

Staff are aware that views around SRE related issues are varied. However, while personal views are respected, all SRE issues are taught without bias. Topics are presented using a variety of views and beliefs so that pupils are able to form their own, informed opinions but also respect others that may have a different opinion.

Both formal and informal SRE arising from pupils’ questions are answered according to the age and maturity of the pupil(s) concerned. Questions do not have to be answered directly, and can be addressed individually later. The school believes that individual teachers must use their skill and discretion in this area and refer to the Child Protection Coordinator if they are concerned.

Guildford County School believes that SRE should meet the needs of all pupils regardless of their developing sexuality and be able to deal honestly and sensitively with sexual orientation, answer appropriate questions and offer support.

Homophobic bullying is dealt with strongly yet sensitively. The school liaises with parents on this issue to reassure them of the content and context.

Guildford County School Sex & Relationships Policy Page 5 of 7

Guildford County School: a company limited by guarantee │ Registered in England: Company Number: 08303773 │ Registered Office: Guildford County School, Farnham Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4LU

Dissemination

All staff members receive a copy of the SRE policy. Training is regularly delivered to staff on the policy content. Copies of the SRE policy are available from the school office on request from parents.

A short summary of the policy is included in the school prospectus.

The PSHE Co-ordinator facilitates the gathering of policy feedback from parents, staff and pupils on a yearly basis.

Guildford County School Sex & Relationships Policy Page 6 of 7

KS3 SRE within PSHE Key Concepts Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 KS3 Personal Wellbeing Healthy Lifestyles Dealing with growth and change as normal Puberty Growing up parts of growing up. Relationships Understanding that relationships affect SRE SRE everything we do in our lives and that relationship skills have to be learnt and practised. Relationships Understanding that relationships can cause Relationships strong feelings and emotions.

KS4 SRE within Key Concepts Year 10 Year 11

PSHE KS4 Personal Wellbeing Healthy Lifestyles Understanding that physical, mental, sexual and emotional Testicular cancer, feminine health affect our ability to lead fulfilling lives, and that there is hygiene, relaxation techniques help and support available when they are threatened. Healthy Lifestyles Dealing with growth and change as normal parts of growing up. STIs, contraception Risk Understanding risk in both positive and negative terms and Abortion, Teenage pregnancy understanding that individuals need to manage risk to themselves and others in a range of personal and social situations. Relationships Understanding that relationships affect everything we do in our Relationships lives and that relationship skills have to be learnt and practised. Relationships Understanding that people have multiple roles and Marriage, Divorce, Separation responsibilities in society and that making positive relationships and contributing to groups, teams and communities is important. Relationships Understanding that relationships can cause strong feelings and Marriage, Divorce, Separation emotions. Relationships To understand the concept of ensuring there is consent given in Sexual Consent all sexual relationships

Guildford County School Sex & Relationships Policy Page 7 of 7

Guildford County School: a company limited by guarantee │ Registered in England: Company Number: 08303773 │ Registered Office: Guildford County School, Farnham Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4LU