Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

306. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will withdraw the new SPHE curriculum following revelations of the explicit nature outlined to SPHE teachers in a DCU course designed to prepare them teach Junior Cycle Certificate students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41347/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In April 2018, the then Minister for Education and Skills asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to undertake a major review of RSE in schools. The NCCA was asked to look at a number of specific issues in respect of RSE and the curriculum.

The findings of this Review have informed the updating of SPHE/RSE curriculum specifications for all stages.

The Junior Cycle specification was the first to be updated. The new Junior Cycle SPHE specification was introduced in schools for those entering first year in September 2023. 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.

The curriculum is designed to be appropriate to the age and stage of development of learners, whether first year, second year or third year. 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.

The strand of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is one aspect of this broader subject and includes learning outcomes relating to friendships, family relationships and romantic relationships, as well as addressing sensitive issues such as consent and the influence of pornography. It is important to be very clear that the curriculum categorically does not expose children to graphic or explicit content, or normalise the use of pornography. On the contrary, key messages would be that pornography is not a good place to go to learn about sex, and that it can be disturbing and even damaging for young people. No inappropriate graphic or explicit material should ever be used in a classroom setting.

The curriculum specification is published on curriculumonline.ie and interested parties can view the full specification including aim, rationale and learning outcomes for themselves.

I have recently approved an updated Senior Cycle SPHE specification, and schools have until 2027 to introduce this new specification in order to allow for necessary preparatory work. A draft Primary Wellbeing specification, which includes SPHE, is now being finalised following consultation.

Again, both the approved Senior Cycle specification and the draft Primary specification are published online and available to view.

The Deputy may wish to note that consultation is a core element in the development of curricula and extensive public consultation has taken place on all the SPHE curriculum specifications referenced above.

As for the DCU course which the Deputy references, this is a Graduate Diploma in SPHE/RSE for teachers. The DCU programme was developed following a tendering process, and is fully academically accredited through DCU’s quality assurance processes for any new programme. DCU has extensive experience and expertise in the field of teacher education, including, specifically, personnel with significant research experience in SPHE/RSE.

Teachers participating in the DCU programme will be involved in critical exploration of resources and content related to SPHE, including examples used internationally as well as material accessed by children and young adults directly. The materials studied and viewed by teachers on the course are provided to them as adults, to support teachers in discussing difficult and sensitive topics as they may arise, not intended for use in the classroom, and it is clearly understood that no inappropriate, graphic or explicit material should ever be used in a classroom setting.

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.