RSHE
Visitors to Catholic Schools
The Gospel of Jesus Christ invites all those who follow him to discover the fullness of life. Catholic schools continue this mission of Christ that he has entrusted to his Church. The task of Catholic education is to educate children and young people in an environment of faith that will enable them to discover through their experience of learning the abundance of life that the Lord offers to them.
This vision of education strives to support the true flourishing of every human person who is part of a Catholic school community, acknowledging that they are made in the image and likeness of God and that the meaning and purpose of their existence is to be found in him. The consequences of such a vision of education commits every Catholic school to provide an education that supports an authentic intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and social development. As students engage in this process of education, fostering skills and attitudes that support their learning they are given the opportunity to discover their true identity, purpose and future destiny for their lives.
The strategic vision for Catholic education is entrusted to staff, parents, governors and shared with all other stakeholders who serve the school community. Amongst these stakeholders are representatives of a variety of external agencies that seek to support the school in its educational endeavours. Such collaboration and dialogue is essential in every school as it strives to provide an authentic Catholic education for its students.
Catholic schools do not exist apart from society and the Church is very aware of the invaluable contribution that external visitors have made and continue to make to our schools. Schools are encouraged to continue the excellent relationships they have developed with their guests for the continuing benefit of their students.
This guidance is offered to Catholic schools and external agencies who generously support their work. Its aim is to provide a framework within which expectations of visitors supporting Catholic schools can be clearly defined so that fruitful dialogue and mutual collaboration can be achieved.
What can external visitors expect from a Catholic school?
A welcome acknowledging their expertise and the enrichment it will provide for students; Informative, supportive and cooperative relationships through a working agreement.
What can the school expect from external visitors?
All programmes, teachings or activities within the school should be: Beneficial to pupils; Consistent with Gospel Values and the teaching of the Catholic Church; Consistent with the school’s Mission Statement, goals, aims and objectives; Built on mutual trust, respect and appreciation of each other.
Journey In Love
“Love is an art to be learned.
It is a giving experience, a selfless act.
Every experience of love gives us yet another glimpse of the meaning of love in God himself.
Human love is the instrument we can use to explore the mystery of love which God is”
Cardinal Basil Hume
A Journey in Love – Our programme used to deliver Relationship and Sex Education
A Journey In Love is a resource created by Sister Jude Groden of BRES. It is the recommended programme of study for Catholic schools for Sex and Relationship Education, and has been written as a progressive scheme of work that supports the Religious Education, PSHE and Science curricula taught within the school.
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.
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.
A Journey In Love, highlights the importance of parental input and details of the programme are detailed below. In Year 6 the content covers Sex Education as part of the relationship programme. Parents have the right to request that their child is withdrawn from this aspect of the programme.
