Sexuality Education

Moe's Sexuality Education in Schools

1 Sexuality education is an important programme in our schools. It aims to help our young understand the physiological, social and emotional changes they experience as they mature, develop healthy relationships with the opposite sex and to teach them how to make responsible choices. It is premised on the importance of the heterosexual married family as the basic unit of society, and respect for the values and beliefs of the different ethnic and religious communities on sexuality issues.

2 The goals of SEd are to:

(i) provide accurate and adequate knowledge on human sexuality and the consequences of sexual activity so that pupils are able to make informed decisions;

(ii) impart intra- and inter-personal skills of problem-solving, decision-making and effective communication so that pupils are able to build responsible and rewarding relationships; and

(iii) inculcate positive values and attitudes of sexuality so that pupils develop a respect for themselves and others as sexual beings, in line with the national value of the family as the basic unit of society.

3 The key messages of SEd are:

(i) Build healthy futures for yourself, family and society.

(ii) Healthy relationships based on love and respect are the foundation for strong families.

(iii) Casual sex can lead to unwanted pregnancies, STIs/HIV and AIDS which can harm and hurt your loved ones.

You may click here www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/social-emotional-learning/sexuality-education/ for more information on MOE’s Sexuality Education.

Overview of Kranji primary School’s SEd Programme for 2010

4. Sexuality education in schools is implemented using a cross-curricular and co-curricular approach. It is covered in both the curricular subjects and co-curricular programmes. These are covered under four main themes: Human Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Sexual Health and Behaviour, and, Societal Influences.

Curricular Subjects

The curricular subjects in which topics on sexuality are incorporated include

(Click on the subjects for more information from MOE)

a. Science

b. Health Education

c. Civics and Moral Education

Co-Curricular Programmes

Growing Years (GY) Programme: "Curious Minds" (Upper Primary) package

The upper primary years mark the onset of puberty. With better nutrition and improved health care, children are reaching puberty at a younger age and have to grapple with physical, emotional and psychological changes in themselves. The implication is that our children are becoming biologically ready for sexual activity sooner without necessarily having the corresponding cognitive or emotional maturity to modulate their behaviours. Easy access to information via the internet also means that unless properly guided, our young may find it a challenge to make appropriate choices on matters of sexuality.

"Curious Minds" is a response to these challenges. It is designed to underscore the importance of character development and health. It consists of a multi-media package with interactive games, role-plays to engage pupils in learning facts about sexuality.

At Kranji Primary School, the following lessons from the GY series will be covered in 2010:

Target Levels	Topics/Lessons	What pupils will learn:	Time Period
Pri 4	Who Touched Me?	Important to recognise acceptable & unacceptable ways of touching others Say "No' if they feel funny about the touch Importance of knowing what to do	Term 2 Week 4
Pri 4	Why Are You Showing Me That?	There are different types of exhibitionism and they usually occur at certain places It can happen to anyone and not the fault of victim Important to come with strategies to minimise incidents from happening	Term 2 Week 4
Pri 5	What Is Happening To Me?	Girls & boys go through physical changes. Type, degree and timing of change may vary between individuals	Term 2 Week 3
	Why Am I Stressed?	How to handle changes as they grow up Importance of talking to parents about stresses Provide support to friends Respect differences in individuals	Term 2 Week 3
	Who Can Help Me?	Turn to parents for information & support on sensitive issues Various sources of help Ensure help is from reliable sources	Term 2 Week 3

Pri 6

What Is Love?

Attraction to someone may be intense but temporary

Infatuation is normal as young people explore expectations & values in relationships

Importance of recognising when feelings are unhealthy

Term 4

Where Do I Go From Here?

Different types of sexual abuses

Importance of getting help

Term 4

Why Have Things Changed?

Importance of friendship and relationships with people outside the family

Differences between good and bad strangers or familiar adults

Term 4

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

a. Parents can opt their children out of the entire sexuality education programme or for individual topics, talks or workshops.

b. Parents who wish to opt their children out of the Growing Years Series need to complete an opt-out form. This form will be distributed to parents at the start of the year and is also downloadable from the school's website. A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the school office by 30/09/2009.

Forms may be downloaded here. (Please click on your preferred language.)

c. Parents can attend the sexuality education programmes by external providers with their children if they wish to. Parents should contact the school to make the necessary arrangements. In 2009, the school will not be engaging any external providers.

d. Parents can contact the school for discussion or seek clarifications about the school's sexuality education programme.