Curriculum Relevance

Scotland

In curriculum design for the Secondary Stages (2000) the ability to do the following are identified as goals for pupils:

• take increasing responsibility for their own lives
• look after their own personal needs, health and safety
• be sensitive and responsive to the needs of others
• make decisions based on informed judgements
• deal responsibly with their emotions

Consult the guidelines on Sex Education in Scottish Schools produced by Learning and Teaching in Scotland and the Scottish Executive 2001.
Check school guidelines on Health Education, the Health Promoting School and Personal and Social Development.

England

The National Curriculum Secondary handbook (1999) emphasises common ground between personal, social and health education and citizenship. The statutory and non-statutory aspects are presented as a unified framework of four interconnected strands:

• developing confidence and responsibility and making the most of abilities
• developing a healthier, safer lifestyle
• eveloping good relationships and respecting the differences between people
• preparing to play an active role as a citizen

Strands which are particularly relevant are:

2 Developing a healthier, safer lifestyle

Pupils should be taught:

2e (within a context of the importance of relationships) about human reproduction, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, HIV and high-risk behaviours including early sexual activity

2h basic emergency aid procedures and where to get help and support

3 Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people

Pupils should be taught:

3d to recognise some of the cultural norms in society, including the range of lifestyles and relationships

3e the changing nature of, and pressure on, relationships with friends and family and when and how to seek help

3f about the role and importance of marriage in family relationships

3g about the role and feelings of parents and carers and the value of family life

3h to recognise good will is essential to positive and constructive relationships

3i to negotiate within relationships, recognising that actions have consequences, and when and how to make compromises

3h to recognise good will is essential to positive and constructive relationships

Wales

Within the PSE Framework for Wales the following are particularly relevant:

4.4 Physical Aspect: Pupils can be helped to maintain their physical health and well-being, sustain their growth and development and keep themselves safe.

4.5 Sexual Aspect: As children and young people develop sexually, they need to understand body changes, manage sexual feelings and enjoy safe, responsible and happy relationships.

4.6 Emotional Aspect: Pupils can be enabled to examine and explore their feelings, develop self-awareness and self respect and improve their self-esteem.

Also relevant:
Social aspects in relation to families and parenting.
Moral aspects in relation to issues, lifestyle and behaviour.

PSE Key Stage 3
Knowledge and Understanding - PSE should enable pupils to:

• know about the different methods of contraception and their effectiveness and know how to use safer sex procedures
• know the law relating to various aspects of sexual behaviour
• recognise moral issues and dilemmas in life situations

Attitudes and Values - PSE should enable pupils to:

• have respect for themselves and others
• have a responsible attitude towards keeping the body safe and healthy

Skills - PSE should enable pupils to:

• ask for help, support and advice
• empathise with others' experiences and feelings

Key Stage 4 PSE
Knowledge and Understanding - PSE should enable pupils to:

• know how to form supportive and responsible same-sex and opposite-sex relationships
• know the importance of the role of parents and the features of effective parenthood
• understand the risks involved in sexual behaviour which might allow the transmission of STIs and HIV
• understand the range of sexual attitudes and values in society
• identify a set of values and principles by which to live

Attitudes - PSE should enable pupils to:

• have respect for themselves and others
• take responsibility for keeping their body healthy
• have a responsible attitude towards sexual relationships

Skills - PSE should enable pupils to:

• communicate their feelings and views on a wide range of subjects
• effectively ask for help, support and advice

Northern Ireland

Check out current guidelines for Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE)

Family Life and Parenting
A contributory module to GCSE Social and Environmental Studies

Theme 1 - The Family
Focus:

• the different types of family structure
• how a family functions
• the different roles and relationships within family structures

Theme 2 - The Infant and the Family
Focus:

• the impact of baby before and after birth
  
• needs of pre schoolchildren
• influence of parents

Theme 3 - The Adolescent and the Family
Focus

• the impact of adolescent behaviour on the family