How is RSE delivered?
- Taught regularly within PDMU and RE
- Some lessons delivered in mixed‑gender groups
- Some sensitive lessons (e.g., puberty) may be taught in single‑gender groups in P6 and P7
- Lessons are planned carefully to meet the needs of composite classes
Why RSE in a Catholic School?
Our approach follows guidance from the Catholic Church and centres on:
- respect for self and others
- understanding personal dignity
- developing healthy, caring relationships
- recognising individual worth and uniqueness
We use approved Catholic resources such as Flourish, Grow in Love, and Living.Learning.Together, ensuring teaching aligns with both our ethos and statutory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do parents have a right to withdraw their child from RSE?
No. In Northern Ireland, RSE is a statutory part of the curriculum and pupils must receive it.
However, we welcome discussion with parents about any concerns.
However, we welcome discussion with parents about any concerns.
How do you ensure teaching is age‑appropriate?
Teachers use approved, carefully selected resources and plan sensitively according to developmental stage and emotional maturity.
How do you protect children during sensitive discussions?
- No child is asked to share personal information
- Staff follow safeguarding procedures
- Lessons use correct terminology but remain sensitive and respectful
Partnership with Parents
Parents are central to their child’s development. We work in partnership by:
- sharing curriculum information
- providing opportunities to view teaching materials
- offering guidance on how to support learning at home
- inviting consultation and feedback
If you have any questions, please contact the school office or speak to Mrs McCaffrey.
Our Updated RSE Policy
Our RSE policy has been fully updated in line with current:
- Department of Education guidance
- CCEA requirements
- 2023 RSE legislation
- Best practice in safeguarding
- Catholic ethos principles
It is currently out for consultation with parents, staff, and governors.
What will my child learn?
Primary 1
Lesson 1: "I am me." Life is a gift from God. Our bodies are gifts from God. I must look after and care for my body.
Lesson 2: "My body." We were all babies. Babies grow in their mother’s tummy. Jesus was once a baby.
Lesson 3: "I have a family." We all live in families. God wants us to love and respect our families.
Jesus had a family.
Lesson 4: "I have friends." Jesus asked us to love one another. We have fun with our friends. When we are kind to our friends, we are doing what Jesus asked us to do.
Primary 2
Lesson 1: "Growing and changing." I am getting bigger and stronger. I can do things now that I couldn't do before. God wants us to look after ourselves.
Lesson 2: "Keeping safe." I must be careful near roads. God takes care of us. We must take care of each other.
Lesson 3: "My family." My family is a great gift. I love my family. Thank God for my family. I can help at home.
Lesson 4: "I can make choices." I make choices all the time. Choices can be hard/easy, good/bad. All choices have consequences. God wants me to make good choices - to look after myself and to be kind.
Primary 3
Lesson 1: "I am unique." We're all different. We thank God for making us special. We must respect the uniqueness of others.
Lesson 2: "My body." God made us exactly how we are and He loves us. Our body has many different parts and every part has a specific role - the five senses.
Lesson 3: "My family loves me." There are many different relationships in our families. Families can have good days and bad days, but we're all called to love and support each other.
Lesson 4: "My neighbourhood." There are many different people in our neighbourhood, some we know, others we don't. We are called to be good neighbours. God wants us to be kind to each other.
Primary 4
Lesson 1: "The wonder of new life." Life is a gift from God. We were all babies once. Babies need special care and love for them to thrive.
Lesson 2: "We have feelings." Everyone has feelings. Itis important to understand and talk about how we feel. We need to respect others and their personal space.
Lesson 3: "Friendship and fairness." Jesus calls us to be kind and friendly. We can learn to be better friends to each other.
Lesson 4: "Decisions." We make lots of decisions every day. Decisions have consequences. We can learn to make better choices. God helps us to do this.
Primary 5
Lesson 1: "Growing and changing." We all grow and change as we get older. We all grow at our own pace. Our bodies are precious gifts from God, so we need to look after them to keep them healthy.
Lesson 2: "Making the right choices." We need to make the right choices for our personal safety. As Christians, we're called to do the right thing even when no one is looking.
Lesson 3: "Role-models." Some people are to be admired and imitated. We can all be role-models.
Lesson 4: "Why have rules?" Rules are important for our safety and well-being. If we make bad decisions, we can seek forgiveness, learn from our mistakes, and try again.
Primary 6
Lesson 1: "Feelings." Different scenarios may cause us to feel different emotions. We can talk to trusted adults and friends about our emotions. God is always there to listen to us.
Lesson 2: "Bullying." What constitutes 'bullying'. How to handle bullying. Who to talk to. We're called to be kind to each other and to respect each other.
Lesson 3: "Environmental care." Creation is a wonderful gift from God. We all have a responsibility to care for the world around us.
Primary 7
Lesson 1: "Emotions and relationships." How to handle strong emotions. How to handle peer pressure. Having the courage to say 'no'.
Lesson 2: "Internet safety." Avoiding online harms. It's important to be kind in online communications and to tell a trusted adult if any difficulties or worries arise.
Lesson 3: "It's OK to say no!" How to respond to peer pressure. It's important to do what is right, and to
respect the decisions of others.
Lesson 4: "Puberty." As we grow older, our bodies change, this is all part of God's plan for us. These
changes are natural and are nothing to be embarrassed about.