Sexual harassment covered as part of PSHE programme for Year 9

One of the important topics covered by our extensive PSHE programme is ‘sexual harassment’ and we welcomed Catherine Kirk from The RSHE Service to present a one-hour assembly to the whole of Year 9 about this issue that faces young people.

The RSHE Service specialise in working with schools to cover Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) that is age appropriate and dealt with professionally and sensitively.

Nationally, the issue of sexual harassment is a growing problem with young people, especially due to social media. Recent surveys have identified that 92% of girls have experienced sexist name-calling to themselves or their friends. 32% of teachers in schools witness sexual harassment at least once a week and 14% of students who have experienced sexual harassment have reported it to a teacher.

By educating students to understand what makes others feel more uncomfortable and can escalate will hopefully ensure that our students are not exposed to any form of harassment. Sexual harassment takes on many forms from complimenting someone, liking their social media posts, rating someone out of 10 to watching their house, making inappropriate noises and sexting.

The presentation was not just about keeping yourself safe, but what do you do if you witness something, or a friend confides in you?

If any student has experienced or has information any form of sexual harassment they should speak to their Year Lead or a member of the Pastoral Team. Students can also visit www.bourneacademy.org/feeling-worried-or-anxious to report online as well as access support from external organisations such as Childline.

The PSHE programme at Bourne Academy was one of the strengths highlighted in the recent Ofsted report, where it stated “Leaders prioritise students personal development. They build students confidence and resilience. The PSHE education curriculum, which leaders have redeveloped, is highly ambitious. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.”