Intent

At St. Cuthbert Mayne Primary School, we are committed to delivering Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) that reflects the dignity of every person as created in the image and likeness of God. Our aim is to ensure that pupils receive a high-quality, age-appropriate education that meets the statutory requirements of the Department for Education (DfE) while remaining firmly rooted in Catholic teaching. Through the use of Life to the Full Plus, the programme recommended by the Catholic Education Service, we seek to support pupils' spiritual, emotional, social and physical development and help them understand relationships, personal wellbeing, family life and their unique identity as children of God.

The curriculum is organised into three core themes:

Module 1: Created and Loved by God
Developing self-worth, personal dignity and an understanding that each person is uniquely made and loved by God.

Module 2: Created to Love Others
Exploring family life, friendships and respectful relationships, including how to stay safe and healthy both online and offline.

Module 3: Created to Live in Community
Encouraging pupils to serve others, build positive communities and contribute to the Common Good.

Through prayer, reflection, music and storytelling, Life to the Full Plus supports pupils to grow spiritually, emotionally and socially, enabling them to flourish as children of God.

Implementation

Our RSHE curriculum is delivered through the Life to the Full Plus programme, which has been specifically designed to fulfil DfE statutory guidance for Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health Education within a Catholic context.

The programme is integrated across the curriculum, supporting learning in Religious Education, PSHE and Science. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build knowledge progressively as children move through the school and are delivered in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner. We work closely with parents through consultation and communication, recognising their role as the primary educators of their children. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussion in a safe, respectful environment, while opportunities for learning are reinforced through home-school dialogue.

The curriculum is delivered in accordance with statutory Department for Education guidance and is supported by the Life to the Full Plus programme, ensuring teaching is age-appropriate, inclusive and rooted in Catholic values. The programme promotes pupils' physical, emotional, social and spiritual development, helping them to flourish as unique individuals created and loved by God.

• RSHE and PSHE Lessons: 
  RSHE and PSHE are taught through a planned and progressive programme from EYFS to Year 6. In our EYFS setting, children begin to explore relationships, emotions, wellbeing and personal development through carefully structured, age-appropriate learning experiences. Class

• Life to the Full Plus Curriculum: 
  The curriculum supports pupils in understanding their dignity, developing healthy relationships, making informed choices and growing in virtue, in line with Church teaching and statutory expectations.

• Responsive and Adaptable Provision: 
  While following a structured curriculum, lessons are adapted to meet the specific needs of individual classes and cohorts. This enables staff to respond sensitively to emerging issues and significant life events, such as bereavement, changes in family circumstances or wider community experiences.

• Cross-Curricular Learning: 
  RSHE themes are reinforced across the curriculum, particularly through Religious Education, Science, Computing and Personal Development. This integrated approach helps pupils make meaningful connections between their faith, learning and everyday lives.

• Themed Days, Weeks and Enrichment Opportunities: 
  Pupils participate in a range of focused activities throughout the year, including World Mental Health Day, Anti-Bullying Week, Safer Internet Day and celebrations of belonging, diversity and inclusion. These experiences deepen pupils' understanding of respect, wellbeing, safety and positive relationships.

Classroom Shorts

These resources provide for engaging discussion starters, promote reflection and understanding, and help pupils explore topics such as relationships, wellbeing, personal safety and respect in a way that is accessible and meaningful. This approach ensures that RSHE and PSHE are not taught in isolation but forms an integral part of our mission to nurture confident, compassionate and responsible young people who are equipped to contribute positively to society and live out the Gospel values in their daily lives.

Impact

At St Cuthbert Mayne Catholic Primary School, the impact of our RSHE curriculum is seen in pupils who are growing in confidence, character and faith. Through TenTen’s Life to the Full Plus programme, children develop a deep understanding of their own God-given dignity and worth, enabling them to make positive choices, build healthy relationships and recognise their responsibilities within their families, communities and the wider world.

Pupils demonstrate increasing emotional literacy, resilience and self-awareness. They are able to identify and manage their feelings, seek support when needed and apply strategies that promote positive mental health and wellbeing. Children understand how to keep themselves safe, both online and offline, and can confidently identify trusted adults and appropriate sources of help. 

As they progress through the school, pupils develop age-appropriate knowledge and understanding of relationships, personal safety, physical health and human development. They show respect for themselves and others, celebrate differences and understand the importance of compassion, empathy and kindness in their interactions. Rooted in Gospel Values and Catholic Social Teaching, pupils are able to articulate how their faith influences the way they live, learn and serve others. 

Through strong partnerships between school, home and parish, children are equipped with the knowledge, skills and virtues needed to flourish both now and in the future. They leave St Cuthbert Mayne as respectful, resilient and responsible young people who are well-prepared for the next stage of their education and for life in an ever-changing world.

British Values

The Life to the Full Plus curriculum actively promotes the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance. Pupils learn to express their views respectfully, listen to and value the opinions of others, understand their rights and responsibilities, and appreciate the importance of fairness, justice and community. Through learning about relationships, citizenship, safeguarding, diversity and social responsibility, children develop the knowledge and attitudes needed to become active, respectful and compassionate members of modern British society. This promotion of British Values is fully aligned with our Catholic mission, encouraging pupils to recognise the dignity of every person and their responsibility to contribute positively to the common good.

Relationships, Sex and Health Education School Policy