A consultation on the revised ‘Relationships and Sexuality
Education (RSE) Guidance’ for schools in Wales has been launched
today by Education Minister .
Developed in line with the recommendations from the expert
panel
report published in December
last year, the new draft guidance will support schools in
implementing a ‘whole school approach’ to RSE; taking into
account curriculum, wider school policies, external sources of
support and case studies demonstrating best practice.
A name change from Sex and Relationship Education to Relationship
and Sexuality Education has also been actioned through the draft
guidance, in order to better support schools in engaging with a
range of important topics; such as healthy relationships,
domestic violence and LGBT issues.
The announcement was made during a visit to Glyncollen Primary
School in Swansea, a pioneer school on the group developing the
Health and Wellbeing Area of Learning and Experience of the new
curriculum.
During the visit, the Minister joined in with the
intergenerational group the school has adopted, called ‘Fun with
Friends’. This innovative group brings together the school’s
pupils and older people from the local community, where they are
given tasks to work on together, encouraging both parties to
interact and learn from each other.
Education Minister said:
“Last year, I announced that we would not wait until the new
curriculum to make changes to how RSE is taught in our schools,
which is why I’ve decided to revise the current guidance for
schools around RSE now.
“Our new guidance will help schools prepare for the changes to
how RSE will be taught in our new curriculum by providing them
with additional advice and support regarding implementing a whole
school approach to RSE.
“High quality Relationships and Sexuality Education is at the
heart of our Prosperity for All and
Education in Wales: Our National
Mission strategies.
“The skills learners develop through RSE gives them the tools
needed to navigate the wide ranging and fast changing influences
that can impact on their ability to form healthy relationships.
“It is the lifelong relationships we forge in our early years,
such as family and friends, which can provide the stability,
security and support needed to maintain well-being.
“I strongly encourage everyone to contribute to the consultation,
to make sure that we get RSE right for our pupils.”
Expert Panel chair and Professor of Childhood Studies at
Cardiff University, Emma Renold said:
“I am delighted to hear that the Welsh Government has launched
this consultation, and that the revised draft guidance for
schools has been informed by and is embracing the expert panel’s
evidenced-based vision to transform Relationships and Sexuality
Education in Wales.
“Embedded in a whole school approach and underpinned by the core
principles of rights, equity, inclusivity, protection and
empowerment, this guidance, if accompanied by effective
professional development, and the time to deliver, has the
potential ensure a relevant, engaging and high quality RSE that
meets the needs of all children and young people"
Glyncollen Head Teacher, Anna Bolt said:
“As a pioneer school within the Health and Wellbeing Area of
Learning and Experience developing group, we have been given a
unique opportunity to trial innovative methods to change how RSE
is taught in Welsh schools.
“Through our intergenerational group, ‘Fun with Friends’, we’ve
been able to draw on the local community in order to teach our
pupils how to form meaningful relationships, encouraging cohesion
and fighting against isolation within the community.”
Notes for Editor:
