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:

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

• Build healthy futures for yourself, family and society
• Healthy relationships based on love and respect are the foundation for strong families
• Casual sex can lead to unwanted pregnancies, STIs/HIV and AIDS which can harm and hurt your loved ones.

You may click on the link http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/social-emotional-learning/sexuality-education/ for more information on MOE's Sexuality Education.

OVERVIEW OF BENDEMEER SECONDARY SCHOOL'S SED PROGRAMME FOR 2009

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.

Formal Curriculum

5.        The curricular subjects in which topics on sexuality are incorporated include

• Science
• SEL (Socio Emotional Learning) lessons

For more information on the above subjects, you may wish to visit http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/social-emotional-learning/sexuality-education/. Co-Curricular ProgrammesGrowing Years (GY) Programme: i."The Teenage Years" (Lower Sec) packageii.        "Sense & Sexuality" (Upper Sec) package

6.       The values and attitudes of our youth towards sexuality are increasingly being shaped by their peers, exposure to the media, popular culture and the internet. Adolescence is a complex stage in life as the adolescent attempts to find his/her own identity and often struggles with new social relationships. The period of middle adolescence (generally from 15 - 17 years old) can be a turbulent period for adolescents. The gap between physical and emotional/cognitive maturity may result in a tendency to act on impulse, experiment with various activities (including sexual activities), sometimes without understanding the unpleasant consequences that may arise from such experimentation. The need for peer acceptance can be overwhelmingly strong, and hinder one's ability to act responsibly. Given the pressures faced by the middle adolescent from within themselves and from peers, it is important to build a strong sense of self-worth, personal convictions and an understanding of the possible consequences of sexual behaviour.

7.         Through "The Teenage Years" and "Sense & Sexuality", secondary students will have opportunity to develop a positive self esteem, build their character, expand their understanding and repertoire of skills to deal with various issues related to sexuality, which are of prime concern at this age.

At Bendemeer Secondary School, the following lessons from the GY series are covered in 2009: Lower Secondary

Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) Programme

8.        The Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) is a programme developed by Health Promotion Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education for all Sec 3 students. The programme focusses on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)/HIV education and aims to raise awareness of the modes of transmission of the different STIs/HIV, as well as the modes of protection. Students are taught skills such as decision-making, assertiveness and negotiation in order to say no to sex and negative peer pressure. Abstinence as the best option for teens remains a key message.

At Bendemeer Secondary School, the following lessons from the GY series are covered in 2009: Upper Secondary

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 Series need to complete an opt-out form:

            a.        Opt-out Form (English)

            b.        Opt-out Form (Chinese)

            c.        Opt-out Form (Malay)

            d.        Opt-out Form (Tamil)

iii.        Parents who wish to opt their children out of the Breaking Down Barries Programme need to complete an opt-out form.

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 62927616 or email to bendemeer_ss@moe.edu.sg if you would like to discuss or

            seek clarifications about our school's sexuality education programme.