School Policy on Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) 

What the schools currently provide.

The schools provide education in sexuality and relationships through a number of subjects: Science; Life Skills; Religious Education; Home Economics; Career Guidance; CSPE.  At Junior Certificate the Biology section of Science provides education in the facts of life.  Home Economics covers a child-care programme covering the period from conception to two and a half years.  At senior level the Home Economics course examines social and family relationships.  Religious Education presents education in values and in the moral dimension to life.  From time to time speakers will be invited to talk to the students about RSE. 

The Aims of the RSE Programme

The objective of RSE is to build on the Primary School programme and to provide opportunities for students to learn about relationships and sexuality in ways that help them think and act in a moral, caring and responsible way.  The Life Skills (SPHE) programme has specific responsibility for presenting RSE. 

(a)                To help students understand friendships and relationships

(b)               To promote an understanding of sexuality

(c)                To promote a positive attitude to one’s own sexuality and in one’s relationships with others

(d)               To promote knowledge of and respect for reproduction

(e)                To enable young people to develop attitudes and values towards their sexuality in a moral, spiritual and social framework 

The management and organisation of RSE

The teachers will present the RSE material in a sensitive manner.  The course content will follow the Department of Education’s curriculum, as outlined in the booklet, Going Forward Together. The classroom atmosphere should encourage full participation and learning.  Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the RSE programme following consultation with the principals. 

Provision for ongoing support, development and review.

The schools will endeavour to accommodate in-career development opportunities for teachers where necessary.  Resources will be provided depending on availability.  The RSE Policy will be reviewed annually.