MOE’S SEXUALITY EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS
1. Sexuality education (SEd) 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.
For more information on MOE’s Sexuality Education, visit MOE’s internet website: http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/social-emotional-learning/sexuality-education/
OVERVIEW OF MILLENNIA INSTITUTE SED PROGRAMME FOR 2010
4. Sexuality education in schools is taught in both the formal curriculum and co-curricular programmes. These are covered under four main themes: Human Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Sexual Health and Behaviour, and, Societal Influences.
5. Formal Curriculum
Topics on sexuality is incorporated in Science. (MOE’s internet website: http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/social-emotional-learning/sexuality-education/scope/files/science-curriculum.pdf)
6. Co-Curricular Programmes
Growing Years (GY) Programme: Love Matters
The focus for “Love Matters” is on issues in relationships. Relating with peers is a major component in the lives of JC/CI students, who spend an average of half to two-thirds of their waking hours with their peers. The focus of the Post-Secondary package is on Interpersonal Relationships, with themes of Human Development, Sexual Health and Behaviour, and Societal Influences woven into the main focus on relationships.
At Millennia Institute, the following lessons from the GY series will be covered in 2010:
| Target Levels | Topics/Lessons | What Pupils will learn | Time Period |
| PU2 | Dating and going steady - expectations |
Recognise the demands of going steady Be aware of the responsibilities of being in a steady relationship |
Term 2 and 3 |
| PU1 | Consequences of sexual activity | Discuss and describe the harmful consequences of sexual relationships such as adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases | Term 3 |
Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) Programme
7. The Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) is a programme developed by Health Promotion Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education for all JC/CI1 students. The programme focusses on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)/HIV education and aims to refresh students’ awareness of the modes of transmission of the different STIs/HIV, as well as the modes of protection. At this level of maturity, students also explore the various impact of STIHIV on self and family such as financial, physical and psychological aspects. Abstinence as the best option for teens remains a key message.
At Millennia Institute, the BDB programme will be implemented as follows in 2010:
| Topics/Lessons | What Pupils will learn | Time Period |
| Mass Talk by HPB appointed vendor |
Awareness of the different STIs and HIV/AIDS
|
PU1 Term 2 |
| Class-based Lesson |
What are the various possible impacts of contracting STI/HIV
|
PU1 Term 2 |
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
i. Parents can opt their children out of the entire sexuality education programme or for individual topics, talks or workshops.
ii Parents who wish to opt their children out of the Growing Years (GY) Series need to complete an opt-out form. Annex A will be distributed to parents at the start of the year. A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the school office by 21/04/2010.
iii Parents who wish to opt their children out of the Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) Programme need to complete an opt-out form. Annex B will be distributed to parents prior to the start of the programme. A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the school office by 21/04/2010.
iv. 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.
v. For more information, please contact the school at
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if you would like to discuss or seek clarifications about our school’s sexuality education programme.