SEX EDUCATION

The aim of Sex Education in the School is to inform boys of what they need to know and help them develop maturity of judgement in the difficult process of growing up, so that they can come to terms with their needs and the needs of others.

Science, Religious Education, Moral and Social Studies, Personal, Social and Health Education are the subjects in the core curriculum of the School that contribute to Sex Education. Pupils are taught the facts in a context of moral values, stable relationships and the responsibilities of parenthood. Emphasis is given to the value of love and caring relationships within the framework of family life.

Teaching about the biological aspects starts in the Year 7 with understanding the elements of human reproduction. Other relevant and appropriate issues are covered in the different syllabuses for each year. GCSE Science covers areas such as puberty, sexual reproduction and the menstrual cycle.

In the Religious and Moral Studies course a wide range of sex related issues are discussed including sexual restraint and promiscuity; the emotional aspects of sexual relationships; the moral basis for restriction of sexual activity; the value of fidelity; stable relationships and marriage, especially relative to the well-being of children; the nature of and attitudes to homosexuality.

Lessons normally take the form of discussions, in groups and with the whole class, stimulated by an introductory talk or paper or a video-recording.

While there is no attempt to indoctrinate, and open-minded approaches are encouraged, there is some inevitable bias in favour of humanitarian or Christian values.

The Personal and Social Education programme complements the consideration of biological functions and of moral decisions with a consideration of emotional and practical matters. The law relating to sexual behaviour is dealt with here. Talks, which are given to students in the Middle School by the School Nursing Service on contraception and on HIV / Aids / Sexually Transmitted Infections, concentrate on presenting balanced factual information. Prominence is given as to how advice and help can be sought. Parents are informed in advance of when these talks are due to take place to give them an opportunity to seek more information from us about the content or to exercise their right to withdraw their son.