RHE
Relationships and Health Education (RHE)
At St. Gerard’s Catholic Primary School, Relationships and Health Education (RHE) is delivered as part of our wider Religious Education curriculum and reflects the teachings and values of the Catholic Church. Rooted in our Catholic ethos, RHE supports children in developing physically, emotionally, socially, morally and spiritually, while recognising the dignity and uniqueness of every individual as a child of God.
We use the Ten Ten Resources Life to the Full programme, recommended by our Diocese and the Catholic Education Service, to support the delivery of our RHE curriculum. This programme is fully aligned with Catholic teaching and the statutory guidance for Relationships and Health Education.
Life to the Full
At St. Gerard’s, we believe that RHE is lifelong learning about relationships, emotional wellbeing, physical health and human development. It enables children to understand the importance of family life, stable and loving relationships, respect, dignity and responsibility.
We recognise that parents and carers are the first educators of their children and that RHE is a partnership between home and school. In line with guidance from the Bishops’ Conference, we work closely with families to ensure that children receive consistent messages rooted in Gospel values and Catholic teaching.
Our curriculum is taught with Christ at the centre and is underpinned by the belief that every person is created in the image and likeness of God. Through RHE, pupils are encouraged to develop:
- self-respect and respect for others;
- confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing;
- positive and healthy relationships;
- an understanding of personal safety and boundaries;
- knowledge and skills to make informed and responsible choices;
- awareness of their role within the wider community and the importance of the Common Good.
The curriculum is delivered through a spiral approach to learning, enabling children to revisit and build upon key themes in an age-appropriate way throughout their primary education. Topics include:
- personal and emotional wellbeing;
- friendships and healthy relationships;
- family life and caring relationships;
- physical health and healthy lifestyles;
- growing and changing bodies;
- puberty and human development;
- personal safety and trusted adults;
- online safety and the responsible use of social media;
- life cycles and God’s plan for creation.
Teaching and learning are approached with sensitivity and care, taking account of pupils’ age, maturity and individual backgrounds, while remaining faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Lessons provide a safe and respectful environment where children are encouraged to ask questions, reflect thoughtfully and develop understanding with confidence.
Our RHE curriculum is fully inclusive and supports all pupils in developing the knowledge, skills and values needed to flourish as individuals, members of society and children of God.
