1.         Sexuality Education 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 couple forming a nuclear 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 Sexuality Education 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)        imparinter-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 Sexuality Education 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.

You may click here for more information on MOE Sexuality Education.

Overview of Ngee Ann Primary School’s SEd Programme for 2012

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 that incorporate topics on sexuality include:

a.     Science

b.     Health Education

c.     Civics and Moral Education

 

Co-Curricular Programme

Growing Years (GY) Programme : “Curious Minds” (Primary 5 & 6) package

6.        The upper primary years mark the onset of puberty.  With better nutrition and improved health care, children are reaching puberty at a younger age and have to grapple with physical, emotional and psychological changes in themselves. The implication is that our children are becoming biologically ready for sexual activity sooner without necessarily having the corresponding cognitive or emotional maturity to modulate their behaviours.  Easy access to information via the internet also means that unless properly guided, our young may find it a challenge to make appropriate choices on matters of sexuality.

7.         “Curious Minds” is a response to these challenges. It is designed to underscore the importance of character development and health. It consists of a multi-media package  with  interactive  games,  role-plays  to  engage  pupils  in  learning  facts about sexuality.

 

At Ngee Ann Primary School, the following lessons from the Growing Years Programme will be taught in 2012:

Target Levels	Topics/Lessons	GY Learning Outcomes	Time Period
Pri 5	What Is Happening To Me?	Girls & boys go through physical changes. Type, degree and timing of change may vary between individuals	Term 4
	Why Am I Stressed?	How to handle changes as they grow up Importance of talking to parents about stresses Provide support to friends Respect differences in individuals	Term 4
	Why Don’t I Like Myself?	Important to develop self-confidence & a good self esteem to cope with emotional stresses. No right or wrong emotion but must know how to deal with feelings	Term 4
	Who Should I Be?	Important not to stereotype roles according to gender To be  comfortable with our sexuality & learn how to enhance our strengths	Term 4
	What Is My Role?	Each member of family has certain authority & role Some members perform certain duties more  than others Gender roles evolve with changes in society, thus we should avoid stereotyping	Term 4
	Who Can Help Me?	Turn to parents for information & support on sensitive issues Various sources of help Ensure help is from reliable sources	Term 4
	Who Touched Me?	Important to recognise acceptable & unacceptable ways of touching others Say “No’ if they feel funny about the touch Importance of knowing what to do	Term 4
	Why Are You Showing Me That?	There are different types of exhibitionism and they usually occur at certain places It can happen to anyone and not the fault of victim Important to come with strategies to minimise incidents from happening	Term 4
	Where Do I Go From Here?	Being aware of the different types of sexual abuse Importance of getting help	Term 4
Pri 6	What Is Love?	Attraction to someone may be intense but temporary Infatuation is normal as young people explore expectations & values in relationships Importance of recognising when feelings are unhealthy	Term 4
	Where Do I Begin?	Strong friendship promotes personal growth & well-being Boy-girl relationship does not connote sexual obligations Healthy relationship requires emotional maturity, effective communication skills, self- control, self awareness & sense of responsibility	Term 4
	Why Do I Like You?	Strong friendship with the same or opposite sex promotes personal growth & sense of well being Idolising is normal and will pass as pupils grow	Term 4

 

Information for Parents

8.        Parents may opt their children out of the Growing Years programme, and/or Sexuality Education programmes by external providers.

9.        Parents who wish to opt their children out of the whole or part of the Growing Years programme need to complete an opt-out form. This form will be distributed to parents at the start of the year and is also downloadable here . A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the school office by 24/10/2012.

10.       Parents may wish to attend the school sexuality education programmes with their children. Parents should contact the school to make the necessary arrangements. 

11.        Parents can contact the school at 64418677 for discussion or to seek clarification about the school’s sexuality education programme.