A Journey in Love

This revised resource for primary schools on Relationship and Sex Education is intended to support teachers and parents in Catholic schools to enable the holistic growth in love of children.

At the heart of this revised teacher’s resource is our belief that we are made in the image and likeness of God and, consequently, gender and sexuality are God’s gift, reflecting his beauty and sharing in divine creativity. In order that children may grow and flourish healthily and holistically towards an understanding of their gender and its implications for successful relationships, they must be at ease with themselves and deepen their self-knowledge.

An aspect of the mystery of love is treated in each year group; children and young people are encouraged to marvel at the wonder and beauty of God’s creative love. This is reflected in each stage of a person’s growth in the primary years through a series of suggested, progressive and developmental tasks, activities and reflections that focus on social, emotional, physical and spiritual development.

Contents of A Journey In Love

  • Early Years – The wonder of being special and unique
  • Year One – We meet God’s love in our family
  • Year Two – We meet God’s love in the community
  • Year Three – How we live in hope
  • Year Four – God loves us in our differences
  • Year Five – God loves us in our changing and developing
  • Year Six – The wonder of God’s love in creating new life
  • Some perspectives on marriage
  • FAQs from Parents
  • FAQs from Children
  • Glossary
  • Appendix – Mapping of Statutory Statements

The team of compilers with interdisciplinary skills drew upon their diverse and rich experience in education, medicine and pastoral theology.

  • Dr Sathi Aiya, Emeritus Consultant Physician in the NHS;
  • Ilse Brockling, Founder, CEO and Director of Children’s Health Projects;
  • Fr David Clemens, Parish Priest, Analytical Psychologist and Film Script Writer;
  • Sarah Feist, Adviser for Religious Education and Catholic Ethos, in the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton;
  • Shaun Kelliher, Deputy Headteacher and former senior nurse in the NHS;
  • Patrick Harrison, Adviser for the Diocese of Southwark

Special features:

  • Foreword by Baroness Sheila Hollins.
  • An exploration of the mystery of love enriched by the interdisciplinary expertise and skills of its authors.
  • Three age-related units in each year group that give children an experience of connecting every aspect of growth: Social, emotional, physical and spiritual.
  • Introductory section with Church teaching for teachers.
  • Ready to use suggested questions, possible activities with concluding reflection.
  • Perspectives on marriage.
  • FAQs from parents.
  • FAQs from children.
  • Glossary.
  • Grid linking some DFE guidance.

Introduction: What We Believe

Sacred Heart’s curriculum is closely designed around our school’s mission and value statements and to support the development and needs of the pupils and families we serve. Our curriculum is designed to allow children to endeavour, enrich and enjoy their learning.       

 

At Sacred Heart, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship enables children to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy and independent lives and to become informed, active and responsible citizens in a rapidly changing world.  Children will be encouraged to develop a sense of worth by playing a positive role in contributing to school life, the parish and wider community.  They will learn how society is organised and governed and experience the process of democracy in school through the school council.  We provide opportunities for children to learn about rights and responsibilities and appreciate what it means to be a positive member of a diverse society, following the teachings of Jesus.

 

Our PSHE curriculum develops learning and results in the acquisition of knowledge and skills which will enable children to access the wider curriculum. It promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils, preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences for later life. Our Relationships and Sex Education enables our children to learn how to be safe, and to understand and develop healthy relationships, both now and in their future lives.

Subject Leadership

Our Subject Leader is Miss King.