1. Sexuality education is an important programme in our schools. It 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.
2. The goals of SEd 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) 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.
3. The key messages of SEd 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’s Sexuality Education.
Overview of SINGAPORE CHINESE GIRLS’ SCHOOL’SSexuality Education Programme for 2009
Sexuality education in schools is implemented using a cross-curricular and co-curricular approach. It is covered in both the curricular subjects and co-curricular programmes. These are covered under four main themes: Human Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Sexual Health and Behaviour, and Society and Culture.
Curricular Subjects
The curricular subjects in which topics on sexuality are incorporated include
Science click here (hyperlink to MOE’s internet website)
Health Education click here (hyperlink to MOE’s internet website)
Civics and Moral Education click here (hyperlink to MOE’s internet website)
Co-Curricular Programmes
Growing Years (GY) Programme:
Singapore is open to social and cultural influences from abroad through different forms of “foreign media” which expose our young to different value systems. In addition, our young have to cope with the emotional difficulties brought about by the growing gap between reality and fantasy as promoted by the media. Aside from this, better nutrition and improved healthcare have resulted in a significantly earlier onset of puberty than in the past, with pupils needing guidance in sexuality matters at an increasingly younger age.
The “Growing Years” Series is a response to these challenges. The series consists of “The Teenage Years” (Lower Secondary) package and the “Sense and Sexuality” (Upper Secondary) package. It examines in a structured manner the facts, attitudes and values relevant to sexuality. Each package consists of a VCD, CD-ROM and a Teacher’s Resource. The Series has been produced for the different levels according to the pupils’ developmental needs. Training is provided for teachers who are specially selected by their schools, to equip them with the skills to facilitate pupils’ learning. Schools are given the flexibility to implement this programme according to the needs of their pupils. Schools may also engage external organisations to provide a variety of other programmes and activities on sexuality education.
Parents may opt their children out of this programme.
At Singapore Chinese Girls’ School (Secondary), the following lessons from the Growing Years series will be covered in 2009:
Target Levels
Topics/Lessons
What pupils will learn:
Time Period
Sec 1
Building Healthy Relationships:
Teenage Pregnancy-Choices & Consequences
Watch VCD: “Wait & See”
How to examine options in the decision-making process involving a teenage pregnancy.
Understand that every option has consequences for not just the self but for all concerned parties and their families.
Understand that premarital sex has harmful consequences including unwanted pregnancy.
Examine the physiological, psychological and social impact of adolescent pregnancy.
Understand that premarital sex has consequences for not just the self but for all concerned parties and their families.
Term 2, Cycle 8
Building Healthy Relationships:
Talk by Singapore Planned Parenthood Association on “Building Healthy Relationships in BGR”
Difference between Love and Infatuation.
Differences in emotional perspectives in Boys and Girls.
While developing feelings for
the opposite sex is natural, it needs to be managed.
Term 2, Cycle 7
Target Levels
Topics/Lessons
What pupils will learn:
Time Period
Sec 2
Growing Years: Teen Talk [VCD]
Understand that the underlying value for healthy relationships is respect.
Explore the importance of choosing the right peers as friends.
Understand why one should avoid going steady at a young age.
Term 3, Cycle 15
Growing Years:
Class discussion on Teen Talk & Students to do reflections on “Dating & Pre-Marital Sex”
What is dating?
Why would you want to start dating?
Should you even consider going steady?
Can dating become unsafe?
What could you do to ensure your safety during a date?
How to handle peer pressure on a date?
Term 3, Cycle 15
Target Levels
Topics/Lessons
What pupils will learn:
Time Period
Sec 3
Building Healthy Relationships:
What’s in a Gender?
Of Popstars & Beauty Ads
Distinguish between biologically-based and socially-conditioned gender characteristics.
Evaluate their views towards self and others, with regards to gender differences and stereotypes.
Recognise that the messages in the media often have sexual connotations.
Recognise that they are subject to influence from the media in very subtle ways, working through their subconscious.
Reject the messages that promote adolescent and casual sexual activity.
Term 3,
Cycle 14
Building Healthy Relationships: Reach for a Rewarding Relationship
Identify the essential elements for building healthy relationship: Respect, Empathy, Acceptance, Care and Honesty (REACH).
Strategies for building healthy relationships from the elements summarised in the acronym REACH.
Assess if the relationships they are involved in are healthy or unhealthy.
Recognise the harmful effects of continuing in unhealthy relationships and the need to end unhealthy relationships.
Term 3,
Cycle 14
Building Healthy Relationships:
Talk by Health Promotion Board on “Breaking Down Barriers Programme”
3 aspects of consequences on Pre-Marital Sex: Emotional / Social / Physical
The importance of knowing your options : Safe Sex, Contraceptive Methods, Risks of Unplanned Pregnancy & Abstinence
Term 3, Cycle 15
Building Healthy Relationships:
Student Forum on “Dating & Going Steady”
The difference between dating and going steady
Why and when to start dating
Safe dating (single vs group dating)
Boundary setting on a date
When does dating become unsafe?
Strategies to say "NO" gently to physical contacts.
Common Sexual Offences - The Law
Term 3,
Cycle 15
Target Levels
Topics/Lessons
What pupils will learn:
Time Period
Sec 4
Building Healthy Relationships:
Talk by Singapore Planned Parenthood Association on “Consequences of Pre-Marital Sex & HIV/AIDS”
Difference between HIV and AIDS
How HIV is contracted.
How promiscuity can lead to the spread of HIV.
The harmful consequences of contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD).
Unwanted pregnancies and risks of abortions.
The importance of abstinence and developing healthy relationships with the opposite gender.
Term 2,
Cycle 6
Building Healthy Relationships:
Saying No/Yes to Sex & Is Sex touch & go?
Must break ups lead to break downs?
Reflect on the short- and long-term effects of sexual intimacy on each of the 5 dimensions of a person – intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically and morally.
Recognise that certain actions/behaviours may lead to physical intimacy.
Recognise that involvement in teenage sexual activity can prevent them from reaching their future goals.
Set personal boundaries for the management of relationships.
Explain the process of grief and loss that people experience when a relationship breaks down.
Recognise that they can actually emerge a stronger person after a break up.
Identify healthy ways of dealing with break ups.
Term 2,
Cycle 7
Building Healthy Relationships:
Student Forum on “Perspectives on Parent-Child Communication”
Parenting is a life-long commitment and is a serious responsibility.
There is a necessity to make time for your child so as to develop better communications leading to a healthy relationship.
Parenting involves nurturing children to their fullest potential, and enabling them to work towards their dreams.
Term 2,
Cycle 7
Building Healthy Relationships:
Student Forum on “BGR & Marriage”
Identify the values and characteristics they would like in their marriage partner.
Recognise the dangers and pitfalls in a marital relationship.
Recognise that commitment is a necessary ingredient for success in marriage.
Term 2,
Cycle 8
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Parents can opt their children out of the entire sexuality education programme or for individual topics, talks or workshops.
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 of Secondary 1 pupils at the start of the year and is also downloadable from the school’s website (hyperlink to form). A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the school office by 27/02/2009 (For Secondary 1 pupils) or at least two weeks before a selected lesson / talk.
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.
Parents can contact the school for discussion or seek clarifications about the school’s sexuality education programme.
Talks and Workshops Conducted by External Providers in 2009
Name of External Provider: Singapore Planned Parenthood Association
Programme Title: Building Healthy Relationships in “BGR” Synopsis
The talk deals with the differences in emotional perspectives in boys and girls. It delves into common perspectives on Love as portrayed in the media and the need to realise the difference between Love and Infatuation.
The talk prepares teens for the emotional and physical changes that they will undergo and creates awareness that while developing feelings for members of the opposite gender is natural, these feelings need to be managed.
Learning Objectives:
Pupils will be aware of the physical and emotional changes that boys and girls undergo through the Teenage Years.
Pupils will learn distinguish between Love and Infatuation and recognise that it is unwise to get involved in a serious relationship in their early teens.
Date of Programme: Completed on 17th April 2009 [Friday],
[Term 2, Cycle 7]
Target Level(s): All Sec 1 students
Format of Programme
This is a 40-minute level talk with a slide presentation and a question-and-answer session.
Resources for Parents (if applicable):
Nil
Opt-out Form for Parents: Parents of Sec 1 pupils who wish to opt-out from the “Growing Years” Programme need to complete opt-out form. This form is distributed to parents at the start of the year and is also downloadable from the school’s website (hyperlink to form). A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the Form Teachers by the end of February each year.
Co-Curricular Programmes Conducted in 2009
Name of External Provider: Health Promotion Board
Programme Title: “Breaking Down Barriers Programme” Synopsis
The talk deals with the three aspects of consequences of Pre-Marital Sex, namely the emotional, social and physical aspects. Through the session, awareness is created of the risks of engaging in pre-marital sex and the need for responsible decision making is made evident. Pupils are alerted of the risks of using contraceptives and of the unplanned pregnancies that may arise. It is made clear that abstinence is ultimately the most responsible choice to make.
Learning Objectives:
Pupils will be aware of the consequences of pre-marital sex and the need for responsible decision making.
Pupils will learn ways to ensure healthy relationships with members of the opposite gender.
Date of Programme: 4th Sept 2009 [Friday], [Term 3, Cycle 15]
Target Level(s): All Sec 3 students
Format of Programme
This is a 40-minute level talk with a slide presentation and a question-and-answer session.
Resources for Parents (if applicable):
Nil
Opt-out Form for Parents: Parents of Sec 3 pupils who wish to opt-out from the “STI / AIDS Education Programme” may complete an opt-out form. This form is downloadable from the school’s website (hyperlink to form). A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the Form Teachers at least two weeks prior to the lesson or talk.
Talks and Workshops Conducted by External Providers in 2009
Name of External Provider: Singapore Planned Parenthood Association
Programme Title: “Consequences of Pre-Marital Sex & HIV/AIDS” Synopsis
Through the talk, pupils will be made aware of the increasing trends in abortion rates and teenage pregnancies. The emotional, social, psychological and physical effects of engaging in Pre-Marital Sex are highlighted. In addition, pupils are alerted of the consequences of promiscuity and Pre-Marital Sex – namely the risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV / AIDS and the issue of unwanted pregnancies and the risks of abortions. The difference between HIV and AIDS is made clear and pupils will recognise that abstinence is the safest choice to make.
Learning Objectives:
Pupils will be aware of the increasing trends in teenage pregnancies and abortion rates.
Pupils will recognise the emotional, social, physical and psychological effects of Pre-Marital Sex on an individual and recognise the need to make responsible choices.
Pupils will be aware of the consequences of Pre-Marital Sex and that abstinence is the safest choice to make.
Date of Programme: Completed on 1st April 2009 [Wednesday],
[Term 2, Cycle 6]
Target Level(s): All Sec 4 students
Format of Programme
This is a 40-minute level talk with a slide presentation and a question-and-answer session.
Resources for Parents (if applicable):
Nil
Opt-out Form for Parents: Parents were given the option to opt out from the “Growing Years” programme when their daughters were in Sec 1. Parents of Sec 4 pupils who wish to opt-out from a specific lesson or talk may complete a new opt-out form. This form is downloadable from the school’s website (hyperlink to form). A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the Form Teachers at least two weeks prior to the lesson or talk.
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