Physical, Social & Health Education (P.S.H.E.)
"The first man was not only created good, but was also established in friendship with his Creator and in harmony with himself and with the creation around him, in a state that would be surpassed only by the glory of the new creation in Christ."
The nature of education in sexuality recognises that human sexuality is a gift from God. It is about learning to accept one's sexuality and recognise its expression as part of one's personality and relationship with others. It is concerned with the spiritual and moral, physical and social development of each unique individual, permeating through all the curriculum as it is part of daily Christian life.
We begin with the person of the child, his/her nearest interest and experience. We will help him/her develop and grow in him/herself, and in his/her relationships and with the wider community.
The topics in "Here I Am" give us a good focus in their Termly themes: Family, Belonging, Loving; Giving, Relating, Community; and Serving and Inter-relating.
Health for Life also gives us a scheme to follow with: Me and Looking After Myself; Me and My Relationships; and Me and My Community and Environment.
"Because of day to day contact with children, schools are particularly well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour, or failure to develop. Parents should be aware, therefore, that where it appears to a member of staff that a child may have been abused, the school is required, as part of the Cheshire Child Protection procedures, to report their concerns to the Social Services Department."
[Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 374]