Reply to Media Queries on MOE’s Sexuality Education Programme

Reply to Media Queries on MOE’s Sexuality Education Programme

1The Ministry of Education (MOE) has received a number of queries and feedback. Parents were generally asking for clarification on what students are taught during sexuality education programmes in school.

2MOE’s sexuality education programme, conducted from upper primary to pre-university level, reflects the mainstream views and values of Singapore society, where the majority of Singaporeans hold conservative views on sexuality. Thus, MOE’s programme on sexuality education is situated within the context of Singapore society which upholds the family as a key social institution.

3In MOE’s sexuality education programme, homosexuality is covered in one lesson in the lower secondary package. The lesson seeks to inform students of the definition of “homosexual”, and that homosexual acts are illegal under Singapore law. It does not promote homosexuality, but follows social norms of mainstream society.

4In delivering the programme, teachers are guided by the principle that parents are ultimately responsible for the values education of their children and that issues of sexuality often involve a question of values. Thus, students are encouraged to seek guidance from their parents on contentious issues such as homosexuality, so that they clarify their personal values and beliefs and take informed, responsible and values-based decisions regarding sexuality, while being aware of different views and perspectives in society.

5Some parents who wrote in to the Ministry have also expressed concern over the content found in an “AWARE Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Basic Instructor Guide” that has been posted online. MOE is investigating this matter.

6Background information on sexuality education programmes in school (see FAQs) is available on the Ministry’s website for parents’ reference.
FAQs for Sexuality Education in Singapore Schools
A. MOE’s Sexuality Education Programme

1.

What is MOE’s Sexuality Education Programme?

MOE’s sexuality education programme is premised on the importance of the family and respect for the values and beliefs of the different ethnic and religious communities on sexuality issues. The aim is to help students make responsible values-based choices on matters involving sexuality.

Sexuality Education in schools is covered both in the formal curriculum and co-curricular programmes. The formal curriculum subjects in which topics on sexuality are incorporated include Science, Health Education and Civics and Moral Education.

MOE’s Growing Years (GY) is the main co-curricular package. It is developmental in nature, spanning the upper primary to post-secondary (JC/CI) levels. It addresses the subject of human sexuality from a holistic perspective, involving the intellectual, emotional, social, physical and ethical aspects of sexuality. It is covered under four main themes: Human Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Sexual Health and Behaviour, and Society and Culture.

The key guiding principles are:
* In accordance with our national values, sexuality education is premised on the importance of the family as the basic unit of society.
* Parents are responsible for sexuality education for their children.
* The teaching of facts is integrated with the teaching of values.
* In recognition of our plural society, pupils will be taught to understand and respect the attitudes, values and beliefs regarding sexuality by other communities.

MOE also collaborates with Health Promotion Board on another co-curricular package - the Breaking Down Barriers programme for Secondary 3 and JC/CI1 pupils, which focuses on STI/HIV education. Students are taught skills such as decision-making, assertiveness and negotiation to say no to pre-marital sex. Abstinence and preserving the basic family values are still the key messages even though there is a segment on protection.

In addition to MOE’s sexuality education programme, schools can also collaborate with other agencies. In doing so, schools must ensure that any programmes run by external agencies are guided by the same principles set out in MOE’s framework for sexuality education. All schools conduct sexuality education and all secondary schools have come on board for the BDB programme in 2008.
2.

What are the goals of MOE’s Sexuality Education Programme?

There are three specific goals to sexuality education, namely:
1. to provide accurate and adequate knowledge about human sexuality and the consequences of sexual activity so that students are able to make carefully considered, informed decisions;
2. to impart intra- and inter-personal skills of problem-solving, decision-making and effective communication so that students are able to build responsible and rewarding relationships; and
3. to inculcate positive values and attitudes of sexuality so that pupils develop a respect for themselves and others as sexual beings, in line with the national value of the family as the basic unit of society.
3.

Does MOE provide any guidelines as to how such topics should be taught?

Yes, teachers are provided with discussion topics and suggested pedagogical approaches on sexuality education. For example, teachers could discuss with their students if chastity is an outdated idea and aim to put across the learning point that students should consider losses not just in the physical dimensions, but also losses in the emotional, social, intellectual and moral dimensions that may result from their decision to engage in premarital sex.
4.

How are parents involved in Sexuality Education in schools?

One of the key principles in Sexuality Education is that parents bear the main responsibility in educating their children in sexuality issues. Students are encouraged to check with their parents on sexuality issues that bear on religious and cultural values, such as homosexuality and abortion. Parents may choose to opt their children out of the sexuality programmes.
5.

How does MOE monitor and review the Sexuality Education programme in schools?

Currently, MOE conducts an annual survey of how sexuality education has been planned, implemented and reviewed in schools. The survey also requests schools to share their good practices and suggestions for improvement so that MOE can provide further support to schools. MOE also reviews its core and co-curricular sexuality education programme periodically to meet the needs of the students.
B. Engaging External Agencies
6.

Why do schools engage external agencies?

As the needs of students vary across schools, schools are given the autonomy to decide on topics that would best meet their students’ needs to augment Sexuality Education in schools; and also on which external agency to engage. For this purpose, guidelines on the engagement of external organisations to conduct sexuality education have been given to schools.
7.

What are the guidelines for schools to engage external vendors?

Sexuality programmes conducted by external agencies should adhere to the guiding principles as set out in the Framework for Sexuality Education. They have to be premised on the importance of the family and respect for the values and beliefs of the different ethnic and religious communities on sexuality issues. Parents may also opt their children out of any sexuality education programme.
8.

What should schools look out for when engaging external vendors?

Specifically, in the selection of external vendors, schools are advised to screen external agencies to ensure that they are of good repute. In addition, the schools should consider a) background of the vendor, b) details of the programme, c) key messages conveyed, d) mode of delivery that would best engage students (e.g. drama, talk, skills practice), e) feedback and evaluation process for future improvements.
9.

What are the roles of teachers when engaging external agencies?

Teachers should be present during the workshops or talks carried out by external agencies to ensure that the key messages conveyed are consistent with those previously agreed by both parties. It is also recommended that teachers follow-up with students so that there could be a reinforcement of the learning points or further clarification of concerns raised.
10.

What are the common topics covered by the external agencies?

In secondary schools, the common topics include Boy-Girl Relationship, STI/HIV prevention, consequences of premarital sex, internet safety and pornography. Post-secondary schools cover topics on STI/HIV prevention, consequences of premarital sex, dating, love and relationships.
11.

Does MOE audit the programmes by external agencies?

Currently, schools audit the programmes and provide MOE with the feedback. As specified in the guidelines in engaging external agencies, teachers should be present with the students to ensure that the key messages conveyed are consistent with those agreed upon by the school and the external agency. It is good practice for teachers to follow-up with their students after the workshop to clarify any outstanding issues or concerns that were either not addressed during the workshop or were surfaced during the workshop itself. Schools are also advised that they can check with Guidance Branch if they need further information and advice on the programmes conducted by specific vendors.

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