All young people, whatever their ability, develop physically and emotionally, and need to be helped to understand their bodies and their feelings.  Sex education helps our students’ overall development, confidence and self-esteem.

We deliver a compulsory programme of Sex Education including teaching about HIV and AIDS and other STDs must be provided for all students of secondary age (11+), irrespective of the level of ability.  Parents have the right to withdraw their students from Sex Education at any age, except those parts that are in the National Curriculum Science syllabus.

The Sex Education programme we offer at Highfield School has been carefully planned to take account of students’ age, maturity and physical development.  It will develop slowly throughout the time young people are in school, using well-proven methods that allows time for repetition, practice of relevant skills, and reflection.  It will be fully and consistently evaluated.

The programme will be taught by class teachers, sometimes working together, and with support staff.  Students will sometimes be taught in separate gender groups, or in small groups according to their maturity and understanding. The Community School Nurse Service also provides very valuable input to this area of work in school.