JOURNEY IN LOVE

‘Love is an art to be learned. 

It is a giving experience, a selfless act.

Every experience of love gives us yet another glimpse of the meaning of love in God himself. 

Human love is the instrument we can use to explore the mystery of love which God is’ 

Cardinal Basil Hume

A Journey in Love is a resource created by Sister Jude Groden. It is the recommended programme for Catholic schools for Sex and Relationship Education, and has been written as a progressive scheme of work that supports the Religious Education, PSHE and Science curricular taught within the school.

As children progress through school, they discover more and more and more about themselves and the wider world. This thirst for learning new things in all aspects of life is fostered by the school so as to create a safe, stimulating environment for learning, supporting all children in their development.

 Central to our work within the school is learning about our faith, understanding ourselves, our position in the community and how we develop as human beings – our spiritual, social, emotional and physical development. This is how A Journey in Love fits into the school’s curriculum. The scheme permeates through all levels of learning throughout the school. It focuses on friendship, family, community, relationships and spirituality.

As you might expect, not all issues related to personal development are covered by the end of Year 6. The content is age appropriate and is taught with sensitivity, taking into account the children’s level of maturity in regard to the delivery of the lessons.

The context of Sex and Relationships Education in Catholic Schools

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, Chair of the Catholic Education Service(CES), has said, “Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) forms part of the mission of Catholic schools to educate the whole person. Our schools have a long track record of educating young people who are prepared for adult life as informed and engaged members of society, and high quality RSE plays an important part in this. The CES welcome the Government’s commitment to protect parental right of withdrawal and involve parents in all stages of the delivery and development of RSE in all schools. It is essential that parents fully support the school’s approach to these sensitive matters.”

A Journey in Love programme content

An aspect of the mystery of love is taught in each year group; children are encouraged to marvel at the wonder and beauty of God’s creative love. This is reflected through a series of progressive and developmental tasks, activities and reflections which focus on physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development.

The following themes are studied in each year group:

As with all aspects of learning, children are naturally curious and many will have questions related to their lessons. Opportunities to discuss questions form part of the lessons and again these are treated with care and understanding.

A Journey In Love, highlights the importance of parental input, you may withdraw your children from RSE at anytime if you wish to do so. after a discussion with the Executive Headdteacher or Head of School.

Click here for our RSE policy.

DFE guidance on RSE for primary schools.