Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:170. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39627/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 8 October 2024
Ceisteanna (170)
Freagraí scríofa
The new Junior Cycle SPHE specification was introduced in schools for those entering first year in September 2023.
I can assure the Deputy that the curriculum categorically does not expose children to graphic or explicit content.
The aim of the course is to build students’ self-awareness and positive self-worth; to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, dispositions and values that will support them to lead fulfilling and healthy lives; empower them to create, nurture and maintain respectful and loving relationships with self and others; and enhance their capacity to contribute positively to society.
The specification consists of four strands: Understanding Myself and Others; Making Healthy Choices; Relationship and Sexuality; and Emotional Wellbeing. Teaching and learning is age and stage appropriate, based on research and informed by the extensive consultation.
Learning outcomes over the three years of Junior Cycle range from communicating in a respectful and effective manner, to appreciating the importance of setting healthy boundaries, considering the impact of stress and techniques to manage day to day stresses, and learning outcomes dealing with alcohol, smoking and other addictive substances. Sensitive topics such as the influence of pornography are also addressed. It is important to be clear that in this regard, key messages would be that pornography is not a good place to go to learn about sex, that it can be disturbing and even damaging for young people, and that it is incompatible with values of human dignity, respect and gender equality.
The NCCA has also published a toolkit of resources which includes guidance for the teaching of SPHE. One of the resources deals with ground rules for how the SPHE class will work together, taking into account respect people’s privacy, establishing appropriate boundaries and child protection and safeguarding. There is no suggestion that students should be asked not to discuss SPHE teaching and learning with their parents, who are the primary educators of their children. Indeed, the NCCA’s Presentation for Parents on Junior Cycle SPHE, which is published on www.ncca.ie, notes that conversations between parents and students are really important and that topics covered in the SPHE class can often provide an opportunity for parents to open up conversations on SPHE-related matters.
The curriculum specification is published on curriculumonline.ie and I would urge all interested parties to view the full specification, including aim, rationale and learning outcomes, for themselves.
It should also be noted that, in accordance with Section 30 of the Education Act, 1998, parents have a right to have their children opt out of classes which are contrary to the conscience of the parent if they so wish.