Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)

Our Commitment to High-Quality, Values-Based RSE

At Maricourt Catholic High School we believe that Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) is a vital part of preparing students to lead safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Our RSE programme is thoughtfully designed to reflect the values of the Catholic Church while meeting the statutory requirements set out by the Department for Education.

We are committed to providing age-appropriate, inclusive, and respectful education that helps students navigate relationships, health, emotional wellbeing, and personal responsibility in a complex world.

What Students Learn in RSE (Years 7–13)

We deliver RSE across Years 7 to 13 as part of our wider Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education programme. This provision includes:

 

  • Statutory Relationships and Health Education, as required by the Department for Education
  • Content that is age-appropriate and grounded in Catholic teaching
  • Opportunities to explore current and relevant issues that may impact students within school or society

Topics covered include:

 

  • Building respectful, healthy relationships (including friendships and family relationships)
  • Physical and emotional wellbeing
  • Online safety and digital responsibility
  • Consent, boundaries, and personal safety
  • Fertility, puberty, and the physical and emotional aspects of growing up
  • The dignity of the human person and the importance of self-worth
  • Marriage and family life, in line with Catholic values
  • Challenging discrimination, stereotypes, and peer pressure
A Catholic Approach to RSE

Our RSE curriculum is rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church and guided by resources recommended by the Archdiocese. We promote the sanctity of human life, the dignity of the person, and the importance of forming loving, faithful, and respectful relationships.

We aim to create a safe and respectful environment where students can ask questions, gain understanding, and develop a strong moral framework to support them throughout life.

We use Ten Ten Resources visit their website for more information

https://www.tentenresources.co.uk/

Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers

We recognise that parents are the primary educators of their children in matters of relationships and values. Our RSE programme is designed to support and complement the teaching that takes place at home.

To support transparency and build trust, we share our RSE curriculum overview with families. This helps parents understand the topics their children will explore, and how we approach sensitive subjects in an age-appropriate and values-driven way.

If you would like to discuss the content of the RSE curriculum, or have specific questions about how it is delivered, we warmly invite you to contact the school.

Right to Withdraw

The majority of the content in our RSE programme is statutory and must be taught in all schools. However, parents and carers do have the right to request withdrawal from specific elements of sex education that fall outside of the statutory requirements.

If you wish to make such a request, we kindly ask that you do so in writing, outlining the reasons for your decision. A member of the senior leadership team will then contact you to discuss the request and ensure your views are heard and respected.

Further Information

 

 

Download our RSE Map (student journey) for a visual overview.

Wellbeing