What an RE/RSE Curriculum May Look Like …
The main sex education organisations in the UK provide consultation to the government on all matters regarding sexual health and sex education. They are influential and are heavily funded by government and other institutions such as the banks and universities.
When the government publish their finalised guidelines for RE/RSE, it will only refer to the legal minimum that schools are required to teach. Schools are strongly encouraged to exceed the guidelines and offer a more comprehensive relationship & sex education for children. This view is supported by the various sex education organisations who also offer support, guidance and resources to schools and are directly influenced by international documents such as the International Technical Guidance on comprehensive sexuality education.
The table below is an example of a curriculum some of the UK sex education organisations would like to see in schools.
| Theme | Topics for Ages 3-6 | Topics for Ages 7-8 | Topics for Ages 9-10 | Topics for Ages 11-13 | Topics for Ages 14-16 | Topics for Ages 16+ |
| Relationships | My Family Diverse families Friendships | Having friends which are similar/different Bullying Married and non-married parents | What is love and how do people show it. Can people of the same sex love each other Different families and diverse relationships & couples What does gay & lesbian mean Bullying Challenging gender roles in relationships Showing respect for different gender identities | Healthy & Unhealthy relationships Changing relationships with family & friends Marriage & civil partnerships Legal age for sex & for marriage Choosing a partner – boyfriends & girlfriends Knowing when you are ready for sex & intimacy with boyfriend/girlfriend Gender stereotypes in relationships Understanding being LGBT and LGBT relationships Understanding transvestitism and trans-sexualism Appropriate touch between peers | What to expect in a sexual relationship and how to make it more enjoyable Coping with peer pressure Understanding and preventing homophobia Important relationships and what to want from friends, family and sexual partner Communication and managing conflict in relationships When to become a parent and understanding responsibilities Coping with break up, divorce Being a single parent Challenging bullying & prejudice | Communication in relationships – listening; expressing sexual desires; contraception Psychological impact of breaking up & support available Coming out as LGBT to family & friends Talking to sexual partners, family & friends about having HIV or STDs What should children be taught in RSE Challenges of parenting Gender, power & relationships |
| Theme | Topics for Ages 3-6 | Topics for Ages 7-8 | Topics for Ages 9-10 | Topics for Ages 11-13 | Topics for Ages 14-16 | Topics for Ages 16+ |
| Body | How girls & boys bodies differ Different body part names | My changing body Differences between boys/girls bodies Understand the difference between gender & biological sex | Understanding puberty Gender stereotypes Changing bodies Wet dreams Masturbation Explain how gender identity can differ from biological sex | What is a normal body Understanding hormones Understanding sexual excitement Erections, orgasms and how to have one Penile & vaginal secretions Menstruation & menopause | ||
| Theme | Topics for Ages 3-6 | Topics for Ages 7-8 | Topics for Ages 9-10 | Topics for Ages 11-13 | Topics for Ages 14-16 | Topics for Ages 16+ |
| Reproduction | Where do babies come from How are other children similar or different to me | Having a baby needs a male & female x Eggs & sperm How animals have babies and look after them | Understanding sex & sexual intercourse Sperm & Eggs Pregnancy & contraception How do same-sex families have children How does the baby grow & how is it born Looking after a baby | Understanding safer sex and carrying/using condoms STDs & HIV Pregnancy and prevention Forms of sex that don’t risk pregnancy or infection Contraception – different types, who’s responsibility Impact of drugs & alcohol | ||
| Theme | Topics for Ages 3-6 | Topics for Ages 7-8 | Topics for Ages 9-10 | Topics for Ages 11-13 | Topics for Ages 14-16 | Topics for Ages 16+ |
| Feelings & Attitudes | What makes me feel good/bad Feelings about growing up How feelings about gender can differ from biological sex – how do you feel about your biological sex & gender? | Understanding feelings & mood swings x Sexual feelings Is masturbation normal? Coping with family & friends who have different attitudes to me Cultural & Religious attitudes towards growing up Different bodies & body image | Understanding sexual attraction and when you are in love Being attracted to or being in love with someone of the same gender Am I gay or lesbian? When to have sex and when to say no Is everyone having sex? Religious views on sex and marriage – what should I think? | Coping with strong feelings including desire & love Influences on sexual behaviour Religious & cultural beliefs about sexual relationships Body image and self esteem Pornography and real sexual relationships Challenging LGBT stereotyping & discrimination | Body image & self esteem Mental health & recognising the signs Cultural views on gender norms & gender equality Personal views on gender roles and gender equality Understanding transgender & challenging transphobia How culture & law determine what is acceptable or not regarding sexual behaviour over time Challenging impact of media, peers & society | |
| Theme | Topics for Ages 3-6 | Topics for Ages 7-8 | Topics for Ages 9-10 | Topics for Ages 11-13 | Topics for Ages 14-16 | Topics for Ages 16+ |
| Safety | Private parts – who can/cannot touch; what to do if someone touches | Good and bad secrets Looking after my body Who to talk to about growing up | Sexual diseases & HIV Looking after my body Getting advice Where to get information on puberty & sex | What to do if you have an STD What are my options if I get pregnant Best websites on sex & relationships for young people Contraception & sexual health organisations I can use Confidentiality & my sexual rights | Choosing contraception – advantages, disadvantages, sexual performance & responsibility High risk and low risk sexual behaviours My sexual rights & confidentially What sexual health services can I use and where do I find them | Pornography – what is legal and what is illegal Discrimination & legal protection on grounds of gender and sexual orientation |