Statement of Curriculum Intent

Here at Tomlinscote, we promote personal wellbeing and development through a comprehensive Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education programme. PSHE education is the curriculum subject that gives young people the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live safe, healthy, productive lives and meet their full potential.

This incorporates our RSE curriculum which covers a range of topics that support individuals in safe and healthy relationships including sexual health and other form of relationships.

This means:

• Students develop knowledge of families, including what are stable and healthy relationships and different types of long-term relationships and family structure.
• Students develop an understanding of respectful treatment of all, including the harm stereotyping does and how to resolve conflict.
• They are made aware of protected characteristics and the law.
• Students are made aware of how to deal with cohesive, controlling or harassing behaviours.
• They cover a range of topics based on online safety including how to behave online and protect personal information.
• Students cover topics in personal safety, including unwanted attention and abuse.
• Students develop an understanding of how to support good sexual health, including safe sex, STIs and consent.
• They also cover pregnancy, breastfeeding and unwanted pregnancy.
• Students develop an understanding of the law, community and identity.

Minutes from Parental Forum 9^th June 2025

The government draft guideline changes to the RSE policy have not been approved yet and confirmation is not likely in the next few months.  With this in mind, the current RSE policy will stay in place for the next school year.  Parents will be updated and consulted in the summer term of 25/26 to decide on any changes to the RSE policy 26/27.

Parents consulted on the FGM resources for Year 7.  A basic lesson outline is acceptable, but parents want more detail explained to students about what FGM actually is, with examples so that children understand clearly and know what to look out for.

Netflix Adolescence drama discussed with regard to the media and government perception that schools should use the programme within the PSHE curriculum.  It was reiterated that Tomlinscote will continue to follow the balanced and fact-based PSHE association curriculum and will not be showing the programme to students, due to inaccuracies and age appropriateness.

Other points:

1. Clarification on county lines
2. Parent suggestion that students have payslips explained, i.e. tax codes, National Insurance number etc.
3. Parents feel fully informed on PSHE curriculum content