Sexuality and relationships education and the curriculum

In Queensland , each of the eight Key Learning Areas (KLAs) has an Essential Learnings document.

Teachers use the Essential Learnings, in conjunction with relevant supporting documents, to inform their planning. Sexuality and relationships education topics and themes are embedded across numerous KLAs. In Queensland , the three KLAs, which have the strongest links to sexuality and relationships education, are Health and Physical Education, Science, and Studies of Society and Environment.

Within the Health and Physical Education KLA:

• understanding the multidimensional nature of health
• the development of personal identity, relationships and self-management
• the influences of beliefs, behaviours and social factors, and how they shape personal development

Within the Science KLA, in the Life and Living strand:

• reproductive processes, life cycles, and body systems

Within the Studies of Society and Environment KLA:

• understanding rights, responsibilities, rules and codes of behaviour are part of belonging to groups and communities
• awareness that groups and communities have practices, symbols, and celebrations that reflect their values, beliefs and sense of belonging
• acknowledging and valuing different contributions and behaviours such as caring for other members

For more information regarding Essential Learnings refer to:

• Queensland Studies Authority
• Sexuality education and Queensland Curriculum

For more information regarding Scope and sequence documents for KLAs refer to:

• Department of Education and Training

The National Safe Schools Framework (Australian Government, 2003), developed by the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs, supports the provision of sexuality and relationships education in schools. The framework reflects the importance of developing interpersonal skills and their relationship to the abilities of students to develop healthy and safe relationships. It recognises that physical and emotional safety and well being should be experienced by all students in the school environment.

Useful sites:

• National Safe Schools Framework
• National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools

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References