Relationships, Sex and Health and Economic Education at West Coventry Academy

Helping students to achieve their potential, make informed choices and feel prepared for adult life is a fundamental part of education and school life. At West Coventry Academy we strive to ensure that across the whole school, all aspects of school life focus on enabling students to achieve their academic goals whilst developing positive skills to maintain physical health, emotional wellbeing , and resilience, encouraging high aspirations and expectations both academically and personally.

Our RSHE provision is carefully planned and reviewed to ensure it complies with the government guidance but also, very importantly, so that it reflects the wishes and needs of our students and the wider community. Our students are actively engaged in reviewing the content and topics selected and encouraged to share their views and concerns, we continually review our practice and strive to give them the help and support they need.  We welcome feedback and suggestions from all stakeholders to support our student’s progress and wellbeing.

All departments play a part in delivering and supporting RSHE and understand the shared responsibility we all have, working together to create a respectful, responsible, resilient student body that we all hope will go forward and make a positive contribution to our community.  

Our team of tutors deliver RSHE as part of tutor time, helping to build strong supportive relationships and creating a safe place to tackle issues that may concern us. To address some of the more sensitive, yet vital topics, that we know young people need to explore, we also deliver some RSHE/citizenship during RE and Wellbeing lessons. Teachers are able to go into more depth as students are afforded the time to explore complex matters in a safe, supported, responsible and informed manner, promoting the development of positive personal characteristics such as resilience and responsibility alongside common values.  

Our RSHE provision is enhanced by working in partnerships with external services and specialists who are happy to share their knowledge and experiences. Having external input helps our students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare them for their journey to adulthood considering matters in a wider context.  We hope that we are helping to raise aspirations for careers, increase global and economic awareness and promoting respect for the vibrant and diverse community we are proud to part of. 

Our whole school approach ensures we support the continued development and understanding of emotional and physical health, across all year groups. Alongside this we are helping them acquire knowledge and skills such as cultural awareness, problem solving skills, communication and interaction.  We aim to instil an understanding of health and wellbeing, economic and global issues, respect for democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and different faiths and beliefs through a blend of timetabled lessons, assemblies, registration activities and off-timetable days.

When Covid regulations permit we will continue with our termly off-timetable days (see images from previous years activities focusing on the law and mental health below).  Each year group is able to cover specific RSHE and citizenship elements in-depth, often working with outside specialists such as the NHS, Local banks, Mental Health services, Universities, the Air Force, Road Safety specialists, the Fire Brigade, representatives from different faiths groups and Charities. We aim to provide a wide range of hands on opportunities an access to broaden their experience, so that students can develop their social, moral, spiritual and cultural knowledge and understanding as they continue their journey.

Working closely with local services and agencies such as community policing and youth services helps to ensure we continue to be aware of community trends and global issues. We are able to respond to events or needs as they arise, ensuring our RSHE provision is relevant to the needs of the wider community, whilst remaining respectful and considerate of the individual values and views of our staff and students.  Working together ensures RSHE is a whole school approach, as we all want the same outcome, for young people to leave with the skills and knowledge to achieve their potential and lead healthy happy productive lives. 

For copies of the government guidance for RSHE (available in a range of languages please follow the link below).  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/relationships-sex-and-health-education-guides-for-schools

Click to View: RE & Wellbeing Lessons

2022 RHSE Consultation

Click to view: Religion and Wellbeing Curriculum Rationale 2021-2022

A short survey can be accessed via the following link https://forms.office.com/r/AF3dtc5a5N we would appreciate your feedback.

Dear Parents and Carers,

As a part of your child’s education at West Coventry Academy we promote personal wellbeing and development through a comprehensive RE and Wellbeing curriculum. This subject area gives young people the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live safe, healthy, productive lives and meet their full potential. The Department for Education has announced changes to relationships and sex education (RSE), which is part of our program of study. These changes will come into effect from September 2020 and all schools will be required to comply with the updated requirements. This means that we will be reviewing our RSE curriculum and policy so we can be sure our provision is appropriate for our pupils based on their:

• Age
• Physical and emotional maturity
• Religious and cultural backgrounds
• Special educational needs and disabilities

RE and Wellbeing is taught throughout the school in every year group and is monitored and reviewed regularly by the staff and governing body. All teaching takes place in a safe learning environment and is underpinned by our school ethos and values. As a school community, we are committed to working in partnership with parents and all stakeholders within it and as such we need your feedback to help us do this.

We would like to invite you:

• To take the opportunity to view our policy and curriculum intentions.
• To complete a questionnaire in order for your feedback to be captured.

Yours Sincerely,

Ms Neofitou

A short survey can be accessed via the following link https://forms.office.com/r/AF3dtc5a5N we would appreciate your feedback.