The teaching of sex education and other health related topics is a sensitive subject. In order that any misunderstandings may be avoided and reassurance given as to the quality and type of advice offered by qualified professionals I would like to expand upon the aims and values, content and organisation of the Sex and Relationship Education programme.
The school aims to provide knowledge about the processes of reproduction, the nature of sexuality and relationships and the importance of contraception in preventing STIs. We encourage the acquisition of skills and attitudes which allow pupils to manage their relationships in a responsible and healthy manner. As a school we believe that the provision of sex and relationship education in the first instance should come for parents/carers with the school providing a framework to further develop this.
Our Sex and Relationships Education programme has specified outcomes which ensure that students should be able to;
- Describe and explain relevant sexual matters at the various stages of their development.
- Describe/explain methods of contraception and the problems of sexually transmitted diseases and use their knowledge to help them to make informed choices.
- Consider values and attitudes surrounding personal relationships.
- Reflect on their relationships and to recognise the qualities which help these relationships to grow and develop constructively.
- Recognise the importance of their sexual choices and the responsibility which they bear for their decisions.
- Demonstrate a discerning attitude to peer, social and media pressure.
The help of outside agencies have been sought to support the programme and outside speakers will be invited to compliment the School’s teaching with their professional perspectives.
There are a variety of websites available when looking for further advice and guidance:-
www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk Mood juice is a site designed to offer information, advice to those
experiencing troublesome thoughts, feelings and actions.
ChildLine 0800 1111 Childline.org.uk help, support and advice on the phone or via the internet
Kooth.com Online counselling service. Any child can log on and speak to a trained
counsellor until 10pm at night.
www.stem4.org.uk/calmharm stem4 is a teenage mental health charity aimed at improving teenage mental health by stemming commonly occurring mental health issues at an early stage.