SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SINGAPORE
Moe Sexuality Education in Schools
1. Sexuality Education (SEd) in schools is about enabling students to understand the physiological, social and emotional changes they experience as they mature, develop healthy and rewarding relationships including those with members of the opposite sex, and make wise, informed and responsible decisions on sexuality matters. 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:
3. The key messages of Sexuality Education are:
You may click HERE for more information on MOE Sexuality Education.
Overview of School of Science and Technology, Singapore’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:
Co-Curricular Programmes
6. The values and attitudes of our youth towards sexuality are increasingly 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 conviction and an understanding of the possible consequences of sexual behaviour.
7. Through “The Teenage Years” and “Sense & Sexuality” packages, secondary students will have the opportunity to develop a positive self-esteem, develop 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 School of Science and Technology, Singapore, the following lessons from the Growing Years Programme will be taught in 2012:
|
Target Levels |
Topics/Lessons |
GY Learning Outcomes |
Time Period |
|
Sec 1 |
Healthy Relationships (within family, between friends and persons of opposite sex) |
|
Term 3 |
|
Sec 1 |
Love – Crushes and love |
|
Term 3 |
|
Sec 1 |
Going Steady – Correct Age |
|
Term 3 |
|
Sec 1 |
Effects of Pornography |
|
Term 3 |
|
Sec 2 |
Going Steady – Peer Pressure |
|
Term 3 |
|
Sec 2 |
Public Display of Affection |
|
Term 3 |
|
Sec 2 |
Teenage Pregnancy – Choices |
|
Term 3 |
|
Sec 2 |
Teenage Pregnancy –Consequences |
|
Term 3 |
|
Sec 3 |
Do I really know my friend? |
|
Term 3 |
|
Sec 3 |
REACH for a rewarding relationship |
|
Term 3 |
|
Sec 3 |
Is sex really touch and go?Physical Intimacy Petting |
|
Term 3 |
|
Sec 3 |
Must break up lead to break down? |
|
Term 3 |
8. eTeens is a programme developed by Health Promotion Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, for Secondary 3 students. The programme was introduced to secondary schools in 2007 as the Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) programme, to provide students with accurate information on STIs, HIV and protection from a health perspective. eTeens is conducted in two segments – a mass talk segment and a class-based programme.
9. Students are taught skills such as decision-making, assertiveness and negotiation to say no to sex and negative peer pressure. They also learn that the impact of STIs/HIV extends beyond themselves and involves their family. Abstinence and upholding family values are the key messages.
Information for Parents
10. Parents may opt their children out of Growing Years, Breaking Down Barriers and/or Sexuality Education programmes by external providers.
11. Parents who wish to opt their children out of the whole or part of the Growing Years (GY) 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 21/05/2012.
12. Parents who wish to opt their children out of the entire eTeens 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 21/05/2012.
13. Parents may wish to attend the school sexuality education programmes with their children. Parents should contact the school to make the necessary arrangements.
14. Parents can contact the school at 6571 7200 for discussion or to seek clarification about the school’s sexuality education programme.