28 Oct 05

Title: Sexuality education - a joint effort between schools and parents

1. Mr Khoo Li-Han (“That taboo subject of sex”, Today Voices, 24/10) expressed concern that students received insufficient sexuality education in school.
2. The sexuality education programme developed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) provides a platform for students to think about their values and attitudes towards sexuality issues, and raises awareness of the consequences of their actions.
3. We agree with Mr Khoo that sexuality education needs to be taught gradually, throughout a student’s school life. Sexuality topics are covered both in the formal curriculum and co-curricular programme, with different themes at each stage of education. The formal curriculum subjects in which topics on sexuality are incorporated include Health Education, Science and Civics and Moral Education. In the Lower Secondary Science syllabus, every student learns about topics such as reproduction and methods of contraception.
4. In 2002, MOE introduced the co-curricular component, called the Growing Years series in schools. The series is developmental in nature, spanning the upper primary to post-secondary levels. Further details of the Growing Years series can be found http://www.moe.gov.sg/pgsb/pgsb_4_sexualityeducation.htm.
5. MOE regularly gathers feedback to refine our approach and develop new materials for sexuality education. The stakeholders consulted represent the different religious and racial groups, and include parents, community representatives, medical practitioners, social workers, students and teachers.
6. Sexuality education in school however, is meant to support, not replace, the role of parents in teaching children the moral aspects of sexuality. This joint effort is essential for our children to develop appropriate attitudes and values on sexuality.

Sum Chee Wah (Ms)
Director, Education Programmes
Ministry Of Education