How We Teach PSHCE & RSE

Safe, respectful and age-appropriate teaching

RSE lessons provide opportunities for discussion, questioning, reflection and the exploration of real-life situations within a safe and respectful classroom environment. 

Teachers:

• establish clear expectations for respectful discussion

• use age-appropriate and carefully selected resources

• do not require students to disclose personal experiences

• distinguish clearly between established facts, the law, Catholic teaching and areas of differing or contested viewpoints

• adapt teaching appropriately so that all students, including those with SEND, can access important learning

• signpost students to appropriate sources of help and support.

Checking understanding

Learning is assessed through appropriate formative approaches, including questioning, retrieval activities, written and reflective tasks, Google Forms and quizzes.

We assess students’ knowledge and understanding — not their personal beliefs, experiences or choices.

Assessment helps teachers identify misconceptions, check understanding and adapt subsequent teaching.

Sensitive topics

Some aspects of RSE require particular care. Sensitive and specialist content is taught by appropriately prepared staff, with additional professional guidance or training provided where necessary.

If a student raises a safeguarding concern during an RSE lesson, staff follow the College’s safeguarding procedures.