Sexuality Education

MOE’s Sexuality Education in Schools

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 family as the basic unit of society, and respect for the values and beliefs of the different ethnic and religious communities on sexuality issues.

Goals of Sexuality Education

(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.

Key messages of Sexuality Education

(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.

Click Here for more information on MOE’s Sexuality Education.

 

SEXUALITY EDUCATION @ SGS 2012

Sexuality education is taught in both the formal curriculum and co-curricular programmes. These are covered under four main themes: Interpersonal Relationships, Human Development, Sexual Health and Behaviour and Societal Influences.

Formal Curriculum

The curricular subjects in which topics on sexuality are incorporated include:

(i)   Lower Secondary Science and Biology

(ii) Civics and Moral Education

Co-Curricular Programmes

The Pastoral Care and Career Guidance (PCCG) department organises yearly Sexuality workshops and seminars for Secondary 1 to 5 pupils to deliver MOE’s Growing Years (GY) Series Programme:

(i)   “The Teenage Years” (Lower Secondary) package

(ii) “Sense and Sensuality” (Upper Secondary) package

Statistics on teenage pregnancies and surveys on teen attitudes relating to sexual issues indicate an increase in sexual activity and the desire to experiment. At the same time, a significant number of teenagers are ignorant or misinformed about sexual matters, and are therefore susceptible to being led astray.

Through the “The Teenage Years” and “Sense and Sensuality” packages, secondary students will have the opportunity to develop a positive self-esteem, build their character, and increase their understanding and repertoire of skills to deal with various issues related to sexuality that are of prime concern at this young age.

Co-Curricular Programmes

At Serangoon Garden Secondary School, the following lessons from the GY series will be covered in 2012:

Target Levels	Topics/Lessons	What pupils will learn:	Time Period
Sec 1	Healthy relationships	Respect is the underlying value for a healthy relationship Maintain healthy relationship with the opposite sex	Term 1/2
	Love and infatuation	Distinguish different types of love Differentiate between love and crushes Understand constructive ways of expressing love	Term 1/2
	MSN, Facebook, Twitter	Potential dangers of making friends through the Internet Recognise that one does not need Internet to make friends	Term 3/4
	Effects of pornography	Identify pornography and their negative effects Understand that possession and distribution of pornography is illegal	Term 3/4

 

Target Levels	Topics/Lessons	What pupils will learn:	Time Period
Sec 2	Growing up	Understand the changes in themselves while growing up: physical, emotional, psychological, social	Term 1/2
	Consequences of sexual activity	Learn consequences and issues related to sexual activity: pregnancy, abortion, sexually-transmitted infections (STI), protection against STIs Understand the value of sexual abstinence and how to refrain	Term 1/2
	Homosexuality	Understand that homosexual acts are against the law in Singapore	Term 3/4

 

Target Levels	Topics/Lessons	What pupils will learn:	Time Period
Sec 3	Dating and going steady	Recognise and demonstrate importance of cultivating healthy relationships Understand reasons why they should not go steady at a young age	Term 1/2
	“Breaking Down Barriers” Programme	See programme details below	Term 1/2

 

Target Levels	Topics/Lessons	What pupils will learn:	Time Period
Sec 4	Influence of the media	Recognise that messages in the media often have sexual connotations Recognise that they are subject to influence from the media	Term 1/2
	Breaking-up	Explain the process of grief and loss that people experience when a relationship breaks down Recognise that they emerge as a stronger person after a break-up Identify healthy ways of dealing with break-ups.	Term 1/2
	Marriage and Parenthood	Identify values and characteristics they would like in their marriage partner Recognise the dangers and pitfalls in a marital relationship Understand that commitment is a necessary ingredient for success in a marriage	Term 3

 

Target Levels	Topics/Lessons	What pupils will learn:	Time Period
Sec 5	REACH principle	Recognise the principles of maintaining healthy relationships: Respect, Empathy, Accepting, Caring, Honest	Term 1/2

“Breaking Down Barriers” Programme

The “Breaking Down Barriers” (BDB) programme, developed by the Health

Promotion Board (HPB) in collaboration with MOE, focuses on STI/HIV education for Secondary 3 pupils. The programme was developed in 2006 to address the rising trend of STIs/HIV among adolescents. Students are given accurate information on STIs and HIV and contraception from a health perspective. At the secondary level, students are also taught the necessary skills to say no to sex. Abstinence as the best option for teens remains a key message.

The BDB programme aims to provide students with accurate information to help them make good decisions in their life choices. It raises awareness and knowledge about the following:

(i)     awareness of the different STIs and HIV/AIDS

(ii)   modes of transmission

(iii)  modes of protection, specifically the use of condom

(iv)  skills for decision-making, assertiveness, negotiation to say ‘no’ to peers

(v)   pressure and unwanted sexual advances

(vi)  consequences and impact of STIs/HIV

Format of the programme

Topics/Lessons	What pupils will learn:	Time Period
Mass Talk by HPB	Learn about STIs/ HIV and modes of transmission Protection against STIs/HIV	25 Jan 2012
Class-based lesson 1:Decision-making	Understand that there are consequences in any decision they make regarding sexual intercourse Learn the process of decision-making. Understand the correct and accurate information to make the right decisions regarding their sexual health.	Term 1/ 2
Class-based lesson 2:Assertiveness	Learn what assertive behaviour is. Respond to persuasion assertively.	Term 1/ 2
Class-based lesson 3:Negotiation	Practice negotiating their way out of a negative situation using skills learnt from lesson 2	Term 1/ 2

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

a.                  Parents can opt their children out of the entire sexuality education programme or for individual topics, talks or workshops.

b.                  Parents who wish to opt their children out of the Growing Years Series need to complete an opt-out form. This form will be distributed to parents at the start of the year and is also downloadable from the links below. A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the school office.

c.                  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.

d.                  Parents can contact the school at 6288 9227 for discussion or seek clarifications about the school’s sexuality education programme.

Opt-Out Forms

Revised GY Series Parents Opt-out form (ENGLISH)
Revised GY Series Parents Opt-out form (MALAY)
Revised GY Series Parents Opt-out form (CHINESE)
Revised GY Series Parents Opt-out form (TAMIL)