RELATIONSHIPS AND SEXUALITY

EDUCATION (RSE)

RSE Training Support Service for Schools

Drumcondra Education CentrePh: +535 1 8576431htttp://www.ecdrumcondra.ie

Policy Development

AIM To provide an opportunity for RSE

Policy committees to acquire information on the process of RSE policy formulation

To begin the process of policy formulation for their own school

OBJECTIVES

To … provide information on RSE emphasise the importance of partnership in

formulating school policy outline the steps in policy formulation, using

the folder materials facilitate discussion on handling sensitive

issues in RSE policy

HOW IT ALL BEGAN….

1995 The report of the Expert Advisory Group on RSE was published

A national RSE curriculum for primary and post primary schools was introduced

1996 onwards, RSE inservice for primary and post-primary teachers

2003 Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum implemented in primary schools

WHAT IS RSE?

A life long process Development of skills to sustain healthy

relationships An aspect of Social, Personal and Health

Education Framework of values, attitudes,

understanding and skills

THE PURPOSE OF A SCHOOL POLICY.

To … frame the RSE programme within the ethos

of a particular school clarify issues relating to the programme outline how a school will deliver the

programme clarify for all involved their roles, rights and

responsibilities

WHAT IS A POLICY?

A set of agreed guidelines that sets out a programme for action

WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE RSE POLICY COMMITTEE ?

Two parents representing the views of the general body of parents

Two teachers representing teachers’ views

Two representatives of the Board of Management representing the views of the management of the school

STEPS Study relevant documents Review current provisions Draft policy Amend and finalise draft policy Circulate policy Initiate your RSE programme

ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION Will the curriculum be followed as

laid down, or will we make changes eg age at which elements of the programme are taught

Opt out – teacher and/or pupil Use of outside speaker Multiclass situations Mixed or single sex classes

ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION CONTD.

How to keep parents informed/included eg use of the Home School links pages, Information Meetings etc.

How to deal with questions on sensitive issues.

When answering questions the teacher should be guided by: The school’s RSE policy

Ethos of the school

Age and readiness of the child/children

SPHE/RSE curriculum

RSE resource materials

Resources for RSEEvaluation of RSE policy

Resource materials used for RSE should be consistent with the ethos of the school.

All policies, including the RSE policy, should be regularly reviewed and updated

CONCLUSION

Any questions?

Any further help you might need?

For all RSE resource materials go to www.ecdrumcondra.ie