The Education Secretary, Justine Greening, has launched an eight week 'call for evidence' inviting the views of teachers, parents and young people to help shape the first updating of relationships and sex education guidance since 2000.
To take part in the 'call for evidence' there is a survey to complete, with a version specifically for young people. The survey asks which subjects should be prioritised in relationships education in primary schools and in RSE for secondary schools. It also asks how schools should consult parents about RSE and what level of flexibility schools should have about meeting the needs of individuals pupils and the local community.
The announcement prompted coverage in national media, and was the focus of the You and Yours programme on BBC Radio 4 on 19 December 2017, with our Director, Lucy Emmerson, providing expert input.
The 'call for evidence' closed on 12th February 2018. The questions for parents and professionals, and for young people can be pre-viewed in PDF format and responses are then invited through an online survey.
The Sex Education Forum provided ideas and tips on responding to the 'call for evidence' to all of our members. Our 'statement of commitment' sets out evidence-based priniciples which can be used to inform your response. Questions 1 and 2 from the consultation are reproduced below, together with our thoughts on how to respond.
'Call for evidence' Question 1: Thinking about relationships education in primary schools, what do you believe are the three most important subject areas that should be taught for different age groups/key stages and why. Please include any considerations or evidence which informed your choices.
Thoughts from the Sex Education Forum
By the end of primary school what outcomes do you want for pupils?
- To be prepared for the physical and emotional changes of puberty?
- To recognise gender stereotypes and that everyone is unique and equal?
- To know that bodies vary and some parts are private?
- To know the difference between safe and unsafe touching?
- To have the confidence and vocabulary to report abuse including correct terms for genitalia?
- To recognise types of bullying and how to challenge it?
- To appreciate that families vary but care-giving is central?
'Call for evidence' Question 2: Thinking about relationships and sex education in secondary schools, what do you believe are the three most important subject areas that should be taught for different age groups/key stages and why. Please include any considerations or evidence which informed your choices.
Thoughts from the Sex Education Forum
By the end of the secondary school what outcomes do you want for pupils?
- Be confident in their ability to make and maintain positive relationships?
- Able to identify and articulate emotions?
- Feel in control of their sexual behaviour and decisions?
- Able to actively communicate and recognise consent from others, including sexual consent?
- Be critically aware of how sexually explicit media present an unreal picture of sexual behaviour?
- Recognise how gender stereotypes can normalise violent or non-consensual behaviour?
- Be able to take responsibility for their own physical, and emotional sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing?
- Know how and where to access confidential sexual and reproductive health advice and treatment
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