RELATIONSHIPS AND SEX EDUCATION (RSE)

At Bishopswood School, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is an essential part of our Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum, ensuring that all pupils receive age-appropriate, personalised, and accessible education about relationships, safety, consent, and growing up. Our RSE curriculum is carefully structured across all pathways, recognising that pupils need a clear, sequential, and supportive approach to learning about relationships, body awareness, emotional regulation, and independence.

We understand that pupils with SEND may require additional time, repetition, and tailored approaches to fully understand RSE concepts, and our curriculum ensures that learning is delivered in a safe, respectful, and meaningful way that supports pupils in preparing for adulthood.

Intent

Our RSE curriculum aims to:
✔ Develop pupils’ understanding of relationships, including family, friendships, and appropriate social interactions.
✔ Promote personal safety and awareness, ensuring pupils can identify and respond to situations that may put them at risk.
✔ Teach body awareness and changes, supporting pupils in understanding their bodies, puberty, and personal hygiene.
✔ Develop communication skills, so pupils can express their feelings, set boundaries, and seek support when needed.
✔ Promote self-esteem, consent, and autonomy, ensuring that pupils feel confident in making safe, informed choices.
✔ Support preparation for adulthood, covering topics such as independent living, relationships, and personal responsibility.

Implementation across pathways

Our RSE curriculum is adapted to ensure that all pupils receive appropriate, meaningful education in a way that supports their individual needs and understanding.

Sensory Pathway – early awareness and self-identity

For pupils in the Sensory Pathway, RSE focuses on developing an awareness of self, others, and personal boundaries through sensory-based learning and structured experiences. The focus is on body awareness, safe interactions, and early self-regulation skills.

Examples of learning in the Sensory pathway:

Understanding personal space and boundaries, using sensory cues and visuals.
Recognising emotions (happy, sad, angry) and learning simple self-regulation strategies.
Exploring body parts through sensory play, using mirrors, tactile objects, and interactive books.
Teaching ‘safe’ and ‘unsafe’ touch, using social stories, role-play, and structured modelling.
Supporting personal care and hygiene with step-by-step routines and visual schedules.
Using music, movement, and repetitive language to reinforce relationship concepts.

Communication pathway – understanding relationships, consent, and body awareness

Pupils in the Communication Pathway engage in semi-formal learning experiences, focusing on friendships, emotional literacy, social interactions, and personal safety. The approach is structured to reinforce key concepts through visual supports, role-play, and real-life experiences.

Examples of learning in the Communication pathway:

Exploring different types of relationships (family, friends, teachers, trusted adults).
Using social stories and visual supports to teach appropriate vs. inappropriate behaviour.
Learning about changes in the body through puberty education, using adapted resources.
Teaching the concept of consent and personal space, reinforcing ‘yes’ and ‘no’ in different situations.
Developing personal hygiene routines, using symbol-based checklists and structured practice.
Recognising emotions and developing empathy, supporting social interactions.
Role-playing everyday situations, such as making friends, handling disagreements, and seeking help.

Core Pathway – Developing independence, healthy relationships, and preparation for adulthood

For pupils in the Core Pathway, RSE builds on earlier learning by deepening understanding of relationships, body autonomy, and adulthood preparation. The focus is on decision-making, emotional well-being, and understanding personal rights and responsibilities.

Examples of learning in the core pathway:

Understanding safe and unsafe relationships, recognising unhealthy behaviours, and learning how to seek help.
Discussing different types of relationships, including friendships, romantic relationships, and professional boundaries.
Teaching about consent, personal rights, and respecting others, including appropriate behaviour in public and private settings.
Learning about digital safety, including online relationships, privacy, and cyber awareness.
Puberty and body changes, ensuring pupils understand hormonal and emotional changes in a safe and supportive way.
Discussing LGBTQ+ awareness in an inclusive and respectful manner.
Work-related RSE, including workplace behaviour, professional relationships, and appropriate interactions.

Key teaching approaches

To ensure RSE is meaningful, accessible, and engaging, we use a variety of approaches, including:

✔ Visual Supports – Social stories, now-and-next boards, and communication books to reinforce learning.
✔ Role-Play and Scenario-based learning – Practising social interactions in a safe environment.
✔ Multi-Sensory approaches – Using real-life objects, sensory stories, and interactive activities to support understanding.
✔ Step-by-Step personal care routines – Teaching hygiene, dressing, and self-care with structured support.
✔ Explicit teaching of boundaries and safety – Reinforcing appropriate behaviours through structured repetition and modelling.
✔ Community-based learning – Supporting pupils in real-world social settings, such as shopping, public transport, and community spaces.

Trips, Community Access, and Real-World Learning

RSE is reinforced through real-world learning opportunities, ensuring pupils can practise relationship and independence skills in a safe and supported way.

✔ Visiting public spaces safely – Teaching pupils how to navigate social interactions in cafés, shops, and leisure facilities.
✔ Enterprise and workplace skills – Learning how to engage with employers, customers, and work colleagues appropriately.
✔ Healthy relationships workshops – Working with external professionals to reinforce key relationship and personal safety concepts.
✔ Internet and online safety sessions – Ensuring pupils understand the risks of online communication and social media.
✔ Life skills and household routines – Developing independent living skills, including self-care and relationship responsibilities.

Impact

Through our structured and pathway-specific RSE curriculum, pupils at Bishopswood School develop:
✔ Confidence in understanding their own emotions, boundaries, and personal rights.
✔ The ability to form positive, healthy relationships with peers, family, and the wider community.
✔ Practical life skills in personal care, hygiene, and self-advocacy.
✔ An understanding of consent, body awareness, and personal safety, ensuring they can navigate different social situations confidently.
✔ Resilience and self-esteem, empowering them to make informed choices as they transition into adulthood.
✔ Preparation for independent living, relationships, and future employment, ensuring they feel safe, respected, and capable in different environments.

At Bishopswood, RSE is more than just education, it’s about ensuring our pupils feel safe, valued, and prepared for life beyond school. By embedding self-awareness, safety, and independence into daily learning, we ensure that every pupil, regardless of their learning pathway, has the knowledge and skills to build healthy relationships, make informed choices, and live with confidence.