JUNIOR CERTIFICATE students in Ireland are to learn about pornography, addiction, human sexuality, gender identity and consent in a curriculum reform for Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE).
The National Council for Curriculum Assessment (NCCA) today opened a consultation phased on the subject's curriculum in post-primary schools, having previously conducted a major review of Relationships Sexuality Education (RSE), which is incorporated into SPHE.
The review process for RSE was conducted to "ensure that it is fit for purpose and meets the needs of young people in modern Ireland," and heard from school communities and a wide range of stakeholders.
The new draft SPHE curriculum will also cover topics ranging from bias, inequality or exclusion to development of emotional resilience and addiction.
In relation to relationships and sexuality in particular, it includes topics like healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships, human sexuality and gender identity, consent, the importance of safer sexual activity including contraception, and the influence of digital media including pornography and the sharing of digital images online.
The consultation period for the curriculum opens today, 18 July, for a three-month period and is open to anyone to make a submission.
Minister for Education Norma Foley TD welcomed the opening of the consultation phase on the draft curriculum, and said it was "the result of extensive work by the NCCA."
"The publication of this document and opening of the consultation phase is an important step, to ensure that a wide range of view are heard on this topic," she said.
"The NCCA has engaged with the student voice and listened carefully to what they have said. The aim is to ensure that we have a modern and appropriate curriculum that reflects modern, Dady to day challenges and equips our students with the knowledge and sills that they need to make informed, healthy life choices."
When schools return in September, there will be a particular focus by the NCCA on engagement with school communities to ensure they all have the opportunity to have their voices heard, with the consultation continuing until the middle of October.
