“We are God’s work of art.”

The governors at St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Primary School have adopted the 'Journey in Love' programme to support our RSHE across the school from Nursery to Year 6.  The programme of study is authentic to the teaching of the Catholic Church. Our school has also adopted 'All Are Welcome' which is based on No Outsiders to teach our children about equality and diversity. 

As children progress through the school, they discover more and more about themselves and the wider world. The thirst for learning new things is fostered by the school, who attempt to create a safe and stimulating environment for learning and supporting all children in their development. A Journey in Love supports children in growing and developing healthy and holistically towards an understanding of their gender and its implications for successful relationships, for this is happen children must be at ease with themselves and grow in self knowledge.

Throughout ‘A Journey In Love’ an aspect of the mystery of love is focussed upon in each group, children and young people are encouraged to marvel at the wonder and beauty of God’s creative love. This is reflected in each stage of a person’s growth in the Primary Years through a series of suggested, progressive and developmental tasks, activities and reflections which focus on physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development.

Through 'All Are Welcome'  our children study a range of carefully selected text, which enhance their understanding and knowledge of equality and the diversity around. Our children become empowered by their own sense of identity and individuality. They will be able to listen to and understand the views and beliefs of others, building positive relationships with all despite their differences. As an inclusive school, our teachers are confident to tackle and explore difficult situations, using positive language to create a sense of belonging for all.

As with all aspects of learning, children are naturally curious and many will have questions related to their lessons. Opportunities to discuss questions form part of the lessons and again these are treated with care and understanding.

We hope that all children will participate fully in our Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) programme.

Relationships Education and Health Education are statutory in primary schools, and parents do not have the right to withdraw their child from these aspects of the curriculum. Parents also cannot withdraw their child from any content taught as part of the statutory National Curriculum for Science.

Parents do, however, have the right to request that their child is withdrawn from some or all of the sex education provided at primary school that falls outside the statutory National Curriculum for Science.

If you are considering withdrawing your child from non-statutory sex education, we encourage you to contact the school so that we can discuss the content of the programme and answer any questions you may have. Following this discussion, if you still wish to withdraw your child from these lessons, please confirm your request in writing to the Headteacher.