A Journey in Love

This programme has been revised to take account of the latest DFE mandatory guidelines for September 2020. 

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:

  • 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.