The status of RE and RHSE in the National Curriculum are slightly different from the other compulsory subjects; although they are referred to, they do not have the same universal delivery in schools. RE follows a locally-agreed (the Norfolk Agreed Syllabus) syllabus and RSHE has been statutory since September 2021, but each school has its own version which has been consulted on with teachers, parents, carers and governors, based on nationally agreed guidelines. The new RHSE programme at Worstead began in September 2020 and takes in previous elements of PSHE, Sex Education and Relationships Education.

Worstead is a Church of England Voluntary Aided School. This means that the quality of children's learning in RE is scrutinised as a core subject in a SIAMS inspection.

Relationships, Health & Sex Education (RHSE)

RSHE is learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health in an age and stage appropriate manner. It will equip children and young people with accurate information, positive values and the skills to enjoy healthy, safe and positive relationships, within which they value their sexuality and take responsibility for their health and wellbeing both now and in the future. We recognise the importance of RSHE in preparing children and young people to live safe, fulfilled and healthy lives. 

The objective of RSHE is to support children and young people through a journey of physical, emotional and moral development, through the teaching of essential knowledge, skills and values within the framework of the law, relevant provisions of the Equality Act 2010 and through opportunities to learn about Christian perspectives on relationships and sex. 

Effective RSHE can make a significant contribution to the development of personal skills needed by pupils to establish and maintain relationships. RSHE will ensure children and young people are encouraged to understand the importance of stable, loving relationships, respect, love, and care in line with our Christian values. It also enables young people to make responsible and informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. RSHE will be approached through evidence-based, best practice principles to ensure the highest impact on improving pupil health, wellbeing, safeguarding and lifelong outcomes. 

 Religious Education and Collective Worship

Religious Education is taught in accordance with the latest Norfolk Agreed Syllabus, within which pupils will study a particular unit of work over a number of weeks. This syllabus is not different because we are a church school. The syllabus is broad in nature, with themes such as Beliefs and Questions, Symbols, Inspirational People, Religion, Family and Community, Sacred Places. These themes touch many cultures and religions and raise important issues of similarities and differences between a range of cultures and beliefs. The themes run through all year groups and are re-visited at different levels throughout a child’s time with us.

Parents wishing to withdraw their child from R.E. lessons are free to do so and alternative provision for their education will be made.

As a maintained school, our daily act of collective worship is Christian in nature and follows a set theme over each half term covering Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural aspects. We encourage participation, reflection and sometimes dramatic presentations.

Visiting Christian ministers are a weekly feature and add further interest and dimension. Some Acts of Worship are devoted to singing hymns, others take the form of worship and/or prayer within the classroom and will be pitched to the needs of younger or older pupils as required. At the end of each week, we include time to celebrate the pupils’ achievements in the form of ‘The Gold Book’. As with Religious Education, parents wishing to withdraw their child from the Daily Act of Worship, are free to do so.

From time to time the school will be called together for a general assembly and parents and other members of the community are often invited to share these occasions e.g. Harvest, Remembrance, Christingle, Easter, summer blessing, which will be held in the local Church.