Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is taught predominantly as part of the PSHE curriculum at Snowfields Academy.
The statutory RSE topics taught meet Government Guidance, as set out in this document, which was published in 2019: Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education
An element of this curriculum involves Intimate and Sexual Relationships (ISR). Students learn about these areas to develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed, responsible decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and relationships. Understanding topics like consent, healthy relationships, contraception, STIs, and the impact of lifestyle choices helps them navigate complex social situations, protect their wellbeing, and respect the rights and boundaries of others.
RSE curriculum at Snowfields Academy
Relationships and Sex Education (including ISR) is taught predominantly as part of the PSHE curriculum at Snowfields Academy. Students have 1 hour of PSHE lessons each week in Years 7-11 and cover PSHE topics within Weekly Focus lessons in Pathfinder (Years 12 and 13).
As with all lessons at Snowfields Academy, teachers adapt the curriculum and teaching resources to meet the needs of students taking the lessons. However, a sample of lesson slides and topic overviews have been placed below for families reference.
Module 1: Being me in my work
- Introduction to peer pressure
Module 5: Relationships
- Characteristics of a healthy relationship – consent, respect, loyalty and trust
- Strategies to manage peer pressure – resisting pressure and not pressuring others
Example lesson slide – Healthy relationships
Example knowledge organiser – Relationships
Module 6: Changing me
- Healthy relationships are based on kindness, respect, trust, and friendship
- Choices about friendships and relationships can affect your feelings and well-being
- Everyone has the right to say no, and it’s important to respect others’ boundaries
- You can choose to wait before having a boyfriend or girlfriend
- Close friendships can be special without romance
- Trusted adults and services can offer advice and support
Module 5: Relationships
- Characteristics of a healthy relationship – consent, respect, loyalty and trust
- Strategies to manage peer pressure – resisting pressure and not pressuring others
Module 6: Changing me
- Characteristics and positive aspects of healthy intimate relationships – mutual respect, consent, loyalty, trust and friendship
- All aspects of health are affected by choices in relationships
- Choice to delay intimacy or to enjoy intimacy without pressure
- How use of alcohol and drugs can lead to risky behaviour choices
Module 1: Being me in my work
- Characteristics of a healthy relationship – consent, respect, loyalty and trust
Module 3: Dreams and goals
- Strategies to manage peer pressure – resisting pressure and not pressuring others
Module 4: Healthy me
- How alcohol and drugs can lead to risky behaviours (including sex)
Module 5: Relationships
- Healthy relationships rely on respect, trust, consent, and loyalty. Choices about sex and relationships affect overall well-being, making knowledge of reproductive health, contraception, and pregnancy options important
- Managing sexual pressure involves resisting peer pressure and respecting others’ boundaries. Understanding STI risks, prevention, and accessing confidential advice ensures informed and responsible decisions
Example lesson slide – Effect of pornography on young people
Example knowledge organiser – Relationships
Module 1: Being me in my work
- Characteristics of a healthy relationship – consent, respect, loyalty and trust
Module 3: Dreams and goals
- Characteristics of a healthy relationship- consent, respect, loyalty and trust
- Aspects of health affected by choices in relationships- sex and relationships
Module 4: Healthy me
- How STIs are transmitted and how to limit risk
- The prevalence of STIs and the impact they have
- How alcohol and drugs can lead to risky behaviours (including sex)
Module 5: Relationships
- Characteristics of healthy intimate relationships include mutual respect, trust, consent, loyalty, sex, and friendship
- Sexual and relationship choices impact overall well-being
- Strategies to manage sexual pressure include resisting peer pressure, respecting boundaries, and avoiding pressuring others
- Intimacy can be enjoyed without sex, and delaying sex is a valid choice
Module 6: Changing me
- Characteristics of a healthy relationship- consent, respect, loyalty, trust and sex
Module 1: Being me in my work
- Choice to delay intimacy or sex, or to enjoy intimacy without sex
Module 3: Dreams and goals
- Facts about reproductive health including contraception choices, efficacy and options available
- Choices in relation to pregnancy (with medically and legally accurate, impartial information)
- How different STIs are transmitted, how to reduce risk, and prevalence of STIs and impact they have
- How to get further advice and confidential sexual and reproductive health advice and treatment
Module 4: Healthy me
- Characteristics of a healthy relationship- consent, respect, loyalty, trust and sex
- Strategies to manage sexual pressure (peer pressure, resisting pressure and not pressuring others)
- Choice to delay intimacy or sex, or to enjoy intimacy without sex
- How to get further advice and confidential sexual and reproductive health advice and treatment
Staff Training
In order to support staff to raise their confidence and knowledge of how to manage difficult conversations with children relating to relationships and sex education, all staff have had training delivered by RAISE (Raising Awareness in Sex Education) as part of the Snowfields Academy CPD offer for staff.
Parental Right to Withdraw from ISR lessons
In line with government guidance linked about, and the Snowfields Academy RSE policy, parents may choose to withdraw their children from ISR lessons. As outlined in the policy, parents/carers may request to withdraw their child, up to and until three terms before the child turns 16.
Requests for withdrawal should be put in writing and addressed to the Principal. A copy of withdrawal requests will be placed in the pupil’s educational record. The Principal, or a member of SLT, may discuss the request with parents.
Snowfields Academy are welcome to discussing any parental concerns regarding this area of the curriculum, if you would like to explore this option, please contact the Academy reception or use the info@snowfieldsacademy.org.uk email address.
Where students have been withdrawn from ISR lessons, Snowfields Academy will provide alternative appropriate work.
Government Guidance for Parents / Carers
To support parents and carers to understand the government guidance regarding the RSE curriculum, the government has released this guidance: