Sexual health education

The purpose of sex education is to provide knowledge and understanding of the nature of sexuality and the processes of human reproduction within the context of relationships based on love and respect. It should develop understanding and attitudes which will help pupils to form relationships in a responsible and healthy manner. It is important that sex education programmes should be well matched to pupils' needs and levels of maturity. Teaching materials should be selected with great care and sensitivity to the age and understanding of the pupils.

PDF file: Conduct of Sex Education in Scottish Schools

Scottish Executive Circular (2001)

Sex education programmes should: 

• be an integral part of the learning process
• be delivered by trained and confident teachers, supported by approved outside agencies
• take account of the pupils' previous knowledge and experiences
• respect and respond to diversity of all kinds - for example, moral values, cultural background and religious persuasion
• be delivered in a safe and supportive environment
• protect and promote the rights of young people
• be set in the context of caring, respectful and loving relationships.         

Schools should have clear policies on sex education that take account of national and local guidance. 

The cultural, ethnic and religious influences within the home, school and community should be respected, as should the different home circumstances and needs of all young people. 

Schools should inform and consult with parents and carers on sex education programmes and materials, making the latter available for inspection within school. Parents and carers need to know the importance of supporting and reinforcing the positive health messages their children learn through the school curriculum. 

As with any programme of study, there has to be a balance between: 

• knowledge and understanding
• feelings, attitudes and values
• skill development.         

Sex education should be part of a spiral curriculum, where there is annual progression appropriate to pupils' age and stage of development. 

Sex education programme

One example of a sex education programme, taken from the Scottish Executive and Learning and Teaching Scotland publication, Sex Education in Scottish Schools: A Guide for Parents and Carers (2001) is given below. 

Early years: 

• awareness of the way bodies grow and change
• uniqueness of their body
• where living things come from
• family and other special people who care for them.         

Middle stages of primary school: 

• exploring changes in the body
• how human life begins
• being part of a family
• dealing with bullying situations.         

Upper stages of primary school: 

• physical and emotional changes at puberty
• body image and self-worth
• understanding of own developing sexuality
• developing an awareness of gender identity
• changing nature of friendship
• dealing with sexual feelings
• menstruation, pregnancy and birth.         

Early secondary stages: 

• skills required to maintain friendships and relationships
• gender stereotypes, equal opportunities and discrimination
• peer and media influences
• permanent and responsible relationships
• parenting roles
• contraception and family planning issues
• awareness of STI and HIV and AIDS, and how to keep safe
• awareness of risks and responsible strategies for keeping safe and healthy
• information, advice and support services
• decision making skills.         

Middle to upper secondary stages: 

• responsibility and commitment within relationships
• awareness of sexual orientation
• parental responsibility
• responsible sexual behaviour
• responsibilities and strategies for avoiding STI, HIV and AIDS
• information, advice and support services
• decision-making skills.         

Denominational schools will follow guidelines set by the Catholic Education Commission.

As with personal and social education (PSE) and health education programmes for pupils with additional support needs, the EQUALS programme gives an outline of sex education lessons for varying ages and stages. 

Resources

Find practical resources on sexual health using our Resources search. It features details of a wide range of resources including the following:

• 'All About Us: Living and Growing' videos for 5-7-year-olds, 7-9-year-olds and 9-11-year-olds
• 'Talking Together ... about growing up' workbook for children with learning difficulties
• Healthy Respect website with information for young people and parents.
• Parental leaflets for talking to children and teenagers about relationsips and sexual health.