RELATIONSHIPS AND SEXUALITY

EDUCATION (RSE)

Parent/GuardianInformation Evening

RSE Training Support Service for SchoolsDrumcondra Education CentrePh: +535 1 8576431htttp://www.ecdrumcondra.ie

AIM FOR TONIGHT

To provide information on the Relationships and Sexuality Education programme in primary schools

HOW IT ALL BEGAN… 1995 - Report of the Expert Advisory Group

on RSE Department of Education and Science

developed a curriculum and teaching materials

1996 - In-service for primary and post-primary teachers

2003 - Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum implemented in schools

WHAT IS RELATIONSHIPS AND SEXUALITY EDUCATION? A life- long process Learning to sustain healthy personal

relationships Part of Social, Personal and Health

Education Development of values, attitudes,

understanding and skills

RSEPART OF SOCIAL, PERSONAL AND HEALTH

EDUCATIONMyself

Developing self-confidence

Knowing about my body

As I grow I change

New life

Feelings and emotions

Personal safety

Myself and Others

Myself and my family

My friends and other people

Relating to others

THE AIMS OF RSE ARE… To enhance the personal development, self-

esteem and well being of the child

To help the child to develop healthy friendships and relationships

To promote an understanding of and a healthy attitude towards human sexuality and relationships

To enable the child to understand and have respect for, human love, sexual intercourse and reproduction

THE AIMS OF RSE….

To develop and promote in the child a sense of wonder and awe at the process of birth and new life

To enable the child to be comfortable with the sexuality of him/herself and others while growing and developing

WHY TEACH RSE? Physical maturation of children

Media influences

Changing role of men and women in society

Pressures of family life

HOW IS RSE INCLUDED IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM? … caught

School/ classroom climate and atmosphere

…and taught During the half hour a week for SPHE integrated with other subjects such as religion,

language,

WHAT IS TAUGHT ... AND HOW?

Infants Develop an awareness of human birth

Naming parts of male/female body - using appropriate terms

Learning about the various things the body can do

WHAT IS TAUGHT …AND HOW?

1st - 2nd Spiral curriculum, building on foundation and

revisited as age and stage appropriate

Develop and practise basic hygiene skills

Appreciate what is necessary in order to provide and care for new-born babies in both the animal and human world

WHAT IS TAUGHT … AND HOW? 3rd- 4th Understand the changes taking place in both the

male and female body

Understand the relationship between health and hygiene

Recognise the negative effects of sexual stereotyping…

3RD – 4TH CONTD. Recognise and discuss how feelings and emotions

are affected by the physical changes taking place at puberty

Discuss the stages of development of the human baby, from conception to birth

Identify the care that needs to be taken while waiting for a baby to be born

WHAT IS TAUGHT …AND HOW?

5th – 6th

Identify and discuss the physical and other changes that occur in boys and girls with the onset of puberty and understand that these changes take place at different rates for everyone

Understand the reproductive system of both male and female adults

5th – 6th contd. Become aware of diseases and explore how

diseases and infections are spread

Understand sexual intercourse, conception and birth with the context of a committed loving relationship

Discuss the different types of love that exist and explore how love is portrayed and defined in music, films, magazines and other media

ISSUES TO CONSIDER Age-appropriate information

Multi-class situations

Should boys and girls be taught together

Parental right to opt their child out of the lessons on the sensitive issues

Setting limits when answering questions

POLICY - WHAT? Discussion between staff/parents and Board

of Management (BoM)

Drafting of a set of guidelines on practical and moral issues

Draft documents to be sent to all members of the school community for comment

Final document to be agreed and ratified by the BoM

POLICY- WHY?

All have been consulted /informed

Clear agreed guidelines exist

These provide a moral and values framework

Creates a safe environment for students and their parents

HOW CAN PARENTS SUPPORT THE SCHOOL?

Drawing up of school policy

Look out for resources on RSE

Classroom materials /Home Links Page

Home culture

Parents’ Association

RESOURCES FOR RSE

INFORMATION ON ALL ASPECTS OF RSE, INCLUDING RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, ARE AVAILABLE FROM:

WWW.ECDRUMCONDRA.IE PROGRAMMES RSE

FINALLY …

What have you found useful this evening?

Any questions?